Stitching Euphoria

A Few Updates

2010-02-13T08:23:00.006-06:00

I finally finished and framed Nona Leigh's Birth Announcement. I was so happy at how it turned out. I didn't want to put a pink mat around it, so I chose purple. And I think it turned out fantastic!

Nona Leigh was 9 weeks yesterday. She is such a happy little girl. Sometimes it is still really strange to think that she is mine, and that I am her mother. I still don't feel old enough to be someones mother, even though I'm 31. If you have some time go and check out Nona Leigh's little corner of the web. She has her own little blog... What about Nona?

I still haven't been stitching much, but I guess that is to be expected with working and having a little one. I hope everyone is having a wonderful year so far.

Happy Stitching

First Finish of 2010

2010-01-11T11:57:00.002-06:00

I finally finished Nona Leigh's Birth Announcement. Sorry it is a little wrinkled, I haven't ironed it yet. I was just so excited that it was finished that I just couldn't help but take a picture. The frame is already done and just waiting for my DH to take the finished product to work with him.

Well I guess I fibbed a little bit, it is not quite done yet, I still need to get little baby footprints on it. So that will be done tonight, and then it will be done. Now it is on to finish up the dragonfly for her room. I am really wanting to get some other things done for Nona Leigh's room, mainly because her walls are so bare right now. Thanks for looking!

Happy Stitching!

New Year....

2010-01-01T14:32:00.003-06:00

and no new starts.... hopefully. Normally I make resolutions in the new year to lose weight, make it to the gym more often, eat healthier, etc. This year I am going to try something new. I have several cross stitch projects sitting unfinished. So this year I am going to try and finish at least three of them. And considering that most of them are over half way finished I think I can manage that. But with a new baby we shall see (that is why I say only three).

Pieces to finish in 2010:

Nona's Birth Record
Nora Corbett's Silver Dragonfly
Happy Home Sampler

Over-achiever Goals for 2010:

Birth Sampler for Co-worker
Victorian Christmas Eve
Stargazer

I have also decided that I am going to try and stitch an ornament every year for Nona. My mother did that for me and I used to love decorating the tree with all those ornaments. And then when she has her own tree she will already have ornaments to decorate her tree with.

So we shall see how things go. Maybe if I could just stitch an few hours a day, I will accomplish my goals. But we all know that the best laid plans often go astray!

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Years Eve, and the new year is all you hope it will be. And thank you to everyone who commented on my last post! I am so grateful to be a part of such a wonderful community!!

Happy Stitching,

Our Home Has Grown...

2009-12-29T20:57:00.004-06:00

By Two Feet....

Miss Nona Leigh Griffith was born on December 11th, at 12:24 pm. She has been a true blessing for my Husband and I. She is a very sweet and laid back little girl. Of course I really hope that doesn't change too soon, even though I know it might. We are actually getting a decent amount of sleep at night, at the moment. "Knock on wood".

We spent our first Christmas together as a family, and it was absolutely wonderful! I can't wait to see what the new year has in store for us. Hopefully I will be able to get back on track with my stitching, which I really miss!

I hope that everyone has had a wonderful Christmas and a wonderful year! I am looking forward to seeing what everyone else is working on in the new year! May God bless each and everyone of you and your families in 2010!

Happy Stitching!!

2009-10-17T20:12:00.002-05:00

Well here she is in all her glory, well almost half of her glory. I realized that I hadn't taken any pictures of this lovely yet. The wings took me a while, but the body went really quickly today. And of course I just couldn't help but add a few beads.

I am so excited how she is turning out! I think she is so sparkly IRL, I don't know if that really comes through in the picture. I really can't wait to get her finished up so I can hang her up in the babies room. The walls are so bare in there right now.

I haven't decided if I am going to use the Whisper thread to do the antennae and legs, or if I will just use dark brown thread. Well I think I have rambled on enough at this point. Thanks for stopping by and looking everyone! I really appreciate all the comments that you have left on past posts!

Now it is off to have some hot cocoa, and watch a little bit of hockey. I think I have stitched enough today. I am hoping to get some more in tomorrow, but we shall see. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Saturday!

Happy Stitching,

I'm Still Here!!

2009-10-03T08:57:00.003-05:00

Guess what everyone, I am still here and kicking! Just been a little bit pre-occupied. I have been doing some stitching, I am getting really close to being done with the Welcome Baby Sampler. I will have to post pictures later. Only becuase I haven't taken any lately. Yes I know I'm terrible!

And in other stitching related news, I have started stitching Nora Corbett's Silver Dragonfly. I haven't gotten much done, just most of one wing. I'll post a picture of that progress in a later post, when I have a bit more done. And I actually take a picture. Here is what she will look like when completed.

She is going to hang in the babies bedroom along with her mate, The Emerald Dragonfly, also by Nora Corbett. We shall see if I can actually get them both done and framed before the baby arrives.

I guess that is all for now, I have got to get cleaning on the apartment. My birthday was this last Tuesday, and my parents are coming down to take DH and I to dinner. Also my mother really wants to see the babies room with all the furniture. Thank goodness I don't have that much to clean up or I would be in real trouble. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, full of stitching!

Happy Stitching,

No Stitching Tonight

2009-08-10T19:05:00.004-05:00

Well we had our big ultrasound today. A picture of our little one can be seen to the right. We were supposed to find out the sex today, and our little one proved to be just as stubborn as her Daddy. She moved around the entire time, making it hard for the u/s tech to even get good shots.

Then she said oh look it's a girl, lets get a better shot. Well she said I hate to tell you this but it looks like the cord is right in between the legs. So she goes in at different angles and no such luck, on angle she decided to close her legs up tight. The tech kept saying in almost all the angles she looked at she saw the "three little girl lines." But she wouldn't go out and paint the bedroom pink if it was her. She said because she could see if there were or weren't little boy parts that she didn't want to say for sure she thought it was a girl. Although she said she was almost sure she saw the signs of a girl.

So for now we are planning on yellows and greens, which is what we were going to use in the first place. I really don't like pink. But we are going to start calling the little one a she, and start using her name: Nona Leigh.

I'm Back

2009-07-11T14:25:00.004-05:00

Stitching Update:
Hello everyone, sorry it's been so long since my last update. I have been busy with work, and everything else! And not to mention the fact that I have not stitched since my last update. Sad to say but I just didn't feel like picking up a needle. Well I wanted to but I was just too tired!

So today I finally found a bit of motivation. Plus the fact that I am afraid that if I don't get to work on the Birth Announcement now then my belly might be to big to use my lap stand. Plus the fact that I probably won't feel like stitching too much later on in my pregnancy.... but who knows.

Pregnancy Update:
I am now 16 weeks and 4 days, but who's counting, right? DH and I get to find out if we are having a girl or boy on August 10th. We are so excited and I am so ready to know!!! But we shall have to wait just a bit longer. But until then we are going on vacation for a week, to visit DH's family in New York.... they live on Long Island, so we are going to be at the beach just about every day! I am so ready for a vacation!

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th, and I hope that everyone has gotten lots of great stitching in!

Happy Stitching,

Not a Stitchy Post

2009-05-12T19:01:00.006-05:00

There will not be any stitching in this post today. I really haven't done that much stitching lately. I have just been so darned tired.

Well today I had my first ultrasound. I was so excited! I just had to post a picture!

So this is my little one at 8 weeks. DH and I think it looks like a little bunny rabbit.

Hope everyone is having a great week, I know I am!

Happy Stitching,

Stitching right along

2009-05-02T20:27:00.002-05:00

Well I have more progress on my Baby Announcement. It is really coming along. Of course this is the only project I am working on right now. Most of my stitching is done on Saturdays, mainly because DH is at work and I don't have anything else to do. I love it!! So without further ado, here is my updated picture.

I am really glad that I decided to do the backstitching as I am going along. All I keep thinking is when I get done with the stitching I won't have to go back and backstitch everything. For some reason that makes me very happy!

I also took some pictures of my new lap stand that I am really loving! I don't know if I am stitching any faster, but it sure is easier to stitch two handed now.

I really wasn't that sure about this stand when I first ordered it. But now that I have it I am so glad that I got it! I have one that you can put Velcro on your fabric, but if you take the piece off more than twice the Velcro looses some of it's stickiness. And since I love my q-snaps so much this one is perfect!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend, and you get lots of stitching done!!

Happy Stitching,

Totally Useless SAL and Some Progress

2009-04-25T16:35:00.005-05:00

Last month, right after the new moon I joined the Totally Useless SAL. Finally a SAL that I can really get into. Click on the link above, or click the TUSAL button to the right, and it will take you to Yoyo's blog where you can see all of the members, also there is a link there if you would like to join!

Well after about a month I really don't have all that much to show for it. I am stingy with my thread, and usually don't end up with that many orts. So here it is.

And a little bit of a close-up:

Most of it is from two projects, Welcome Baby which I just started last Saturday, and Happy Home Sampler. Happy Home has been placed on the back burner for a little bit since I found out I was expecting.

But I am really excited at how my little birth announcement is coming along.

And a close-up of the cute little teddy bear:

I decided that since I despise back-stitching, and doing it all at the end, that I am going to do it as I go along. I think this piece will be easy enough to do that for. I am so pleased how this is turning out. I am really glad that I saw this and picked it up! I think I am on to the little white bunny above the little bear. We shall see.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Happy Stitching,

Exciting News

2009-04-23T18:43:00.005-05:00

My husband and I found out that we are expecting a little bundle of joy. I am not very far along, but I am so excited that I just can't keep it contained. My due date is December 24th, so we may have a Christmas baby.

So I just had to start a birth announcement. I have had this one picked out since I found out my best friend was expecting. I found it at that time and bought it because I just new it was what I wanted for my baby. Of course at that time, over a year and a half ago, I didn't know that I would be working on it so soon. I don't have too much done yet. Work has still been busy and I am extremely tired. And not to mention my allergies are terrible. So it has become a bit difficult to stitch and blow my nose every 5 seconds. Plus I don't want to keep stitching without washing my hands every time after I blow my nose. So it has been a bit difficult.

Here is what I have so far:

I hope everyone is having a great week, and has a wonderful weekend, full so stitching!

Happy Stitching,

New Nora Design

2009-04-14T19:31:00.003-05:00

Wow two posts in one day it's a world record. I am not sure if I like it or not. So far some of the other remarks on the design have been about the foot of one of the "friends". It does look a bit awkward, but I can place my feet in an even more awkward position. I don't think I feel the need to rush out and get this design, but after I see a WIP it may have to go on my wish list. We shall see.

Happy Stitching,

2009-04-14T17:12:00.003-05:00

So I have finally picked Stargazer up and worked on her a little bit. I went to my parent's house over Easter, and took her along for the trip.

Check out my previous post for a before picture. I really enjoy working on her. And now more than ever. I got a new lap stand with a clamp to hold my q-snap. I got it on Friday just before I left for Nashville. So I had to try it out.

Year before last I learned to stitch two handed, which was frustrating at first, but after I got the hang of it, I love it! I have a lap stand with a scroll rod that used Velcro to hold the fabric on. It is nice but I love my q-snaps and I don't have to put Velcro on the fabric!!

Well I finally decided to break down and just invest in another stand that could hold my q-snaps. Needless to say I am ecstatic about my newest purchase. I will take a picture and post it later. It is a K's Creation lap stand and it is wonderful. It sits so nicely on my lap and I can adjust it to whatever is best for me.

So I am hoping that I will get some more work done on her and my other WIP this weekend. I really need to get some work done on my Happy Home Sampler. I would really like to get it done and framed by the end of the month and get it off to it's new home.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Happy Stitching,

And Another...

2009-03-18T20:57:00.003-05:00

New start. Yes I just couldn't help myself. Although this one is not for me. It is for a co-worker. I have been dying to stitch this piece. I just think it is too cute. Anyways, the co-worker was married in February, and I just wanted to do something nice for her.

I am not using the charted colors. I am using DMC variations. I got them on sale at Michael's about a year ago, and thought they would look great. Also I don't have to keep switching colors all the time, so it is going much faster. I have about four hours of work in so far.

Happy Home Sampler
Linda Bird
Cross Stitch and Needlework July 2008
32 ct Evenweave

Hopefully I will get some more done this weekend. Didn't get to work on it tonight, just too tired from work. And I am on call tomorrow night, so I usually don't stitch on those nights.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Stitching,

Stitchy Progress

2009-03-10T17:07:00.002-05:00

Yeah!!! I actually have some progress to show. It feels like forever since I have done any stitching! And thanks to everyone who commented on my last post! It really means a lot, and helps with the motivation factor! Oh and by the way the muffins I made were excellent (they were strawberry, my personal fav).

Okay here are the pics first just so you and mainly I can see how far I have come.

This is from 1/31/09

And this is what I have done since then. And a little bit of this was done today. More about that later.

Sorry the pics are a little blurry, my camera batteries are dead and I haven't replaced them yet. So I am taking pics with my iPhone, but hey at least I can take pictures!!

I actually had some good time to stitch today. I got off of work at about 9 this morning. I was so excited! I came home took a nap and stitched. Now I am sitting out on my little balcony hoping I don't get attacked by bumblebees. Wish me luck! I think I am going to have to go in though. My computer is battery needs a boost!

Well I hope everyone is having a good week so far!

Happy Stitching,

Stitching MoJo...

2009-03-07T10:37:00.007-06:00

where have you gone? I haven't worked on anything in about two weeks. My in-laws were in town last weekend so I didn't get much done, and work has been terrible. In at 6am, and leaving by 6 or 7pm. Not much time left for stitching. And the times I did get out of work at 1 or 2 in the afternoon, I just came home and took a nap. I didn't want to stitch, well I did, I just figured I was so tired that if I did stitch, I would end up frogging it all anyways.

Well today is the day I am going to stitch. I really want to finish Stargazer an enter her into the Silkweaver Showcase! I have already entered my Poppy and Tigerlily. So then as soon as I finish her I can finish Victorian Christmas Eve, and then I can start Seaside Kingdom.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! I am off to eat my freshly made strawberry muffins and drink the rest of my coffee and start the stitching frenzy!

Happy Stitching,

For anyone who might be interested

2009-01-27T16:08:00.002-06:00

If anyone wants to keep up to date with my blog on my website, you can still do that through blogger. If you do it on your dashboard, just add my blog as a url. Just copy and paste the following web address.

http://web.me.com/ashleygriffith07/Stitching_Euphoria/In_Stitches/In_Stitches.html

It should give you updates when I post. Or if you go through google reader, you can still add me to your subscriptions. Just add the above url.

So if you would care to add me please do! I love reading everyone's blogs, and I hope you all enjoy reading mine!!

Let Me Know What you think

2008-12-12T17:07:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone, I have tried this once before, but I am going at it again. I am starting my own little website. The reason I didn't go with it last time was that my internet was a bit funny and unreliable. Now I am on a good network, so it is easier to publish stuff. Anyways if you don't mind go and check it out and let me know what you think. I may just end up posting there instead of here, but I would love to hear your reactions! Thanks to everyone in advance!

Oh by the way here is the link: Stitching Euphoria

I'll post a blog where you can leave me comments on what you think.

Exciting Update

2008-12-10T21:20:00.004-06:00

I have some great news. My camera is now working so I can take updated pictures. YEAH!!!!! I was so excited. So on to the stitching news....

I found some nice kits on sale at Micheal's today. I was looking for a Christmas present for a good friend of mine, and I found a really pretty butterfly chart. I have the stitching on one of the butterflies finished. I am hoping that if I work on it most nights, and over the weekend, I'll finish in time to get it out for Christmas.

Here is what I have so far.

My other Christmas stitching is almost done, except for putting everything together.

I did get a better picture of VCE and my q-snap cover

I think she looks much better when she's not so fuzzy!

I hope everyone is having a great week!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

Q-Snap Cover

2008-11-30T14:16:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Christine and her wonderful Tutorial (which can be found here Q-snap cover tutorial), I have made my own cover. I ended up using Christmas fabric. I didn't have enough scraps around the apartment, and the Christmas fabbie was 50% off at Hancock. It was so easy to make! And if I can make them, anyone can!!! I will post a picture but it probably won't look all that great. I had to take it with my phone, since my camera was stolen. So until the other camera is fixed, pictures may be a bit fuzzy. But at least you'll get the idea.

If you get a chance and are use q-snaps I would definitely go and check out Christine's tutorial! Thanks again Chris for taking the time to post this!!!

Drum Roll Please.....

2008-11-29T18:21:00.003-06:00

The time has finally arrived for a name to be drawn. Unfortunately I can not post pictures of my lovely assistant drawing a name. But I did place all the names of those who left comments on my Give-away blog into a hat. My DH then drew a slip of paper...... And the winner is......

SADIE

Congrats Sadie!!! If you will email me your address I will get the chart sent out to you this week. If you look in my profile here on blogger my email address is listed there. Also go check out Sadie's blog... Stitching up a Storm, if you don't read it already.

Thank you to everyone who entered! I will have more give aways in the future so check back often. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

My First Give-Away

2008-11-29T17:00:00.001-06:00

Okay everyone, I am going to have my very first give away. In my previous blog you may have seen where I finished Home of a Needleworker (too!). Well I would love for this chart to go to another great home. So if you are interested in being entered into the drawing for this chart, please just leave a comment on this post. The chart in in excellent condition, I think the only time I really used it was when I made my working copy.

On Saturday, November 29th, I will have my lovely assistant (otherwise known as my husband) draw a name from the magical hat of destiny (my Red Sox baseball hat). Good luck to all who enter.

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

Thank you to everyone who entered the drawing! I have now closed the comment section. If you didn't get a chance to sign up, check back soon because I will be having more give-aways!! Thank you to everyone who entered, check back later tonight to see who won!!! Good Luck!

Ashley G.

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T11:34:00.004-06:00

Today is the day we should all be thankful. And I today, I am. When I returned home from work last night at 6pm, I found that our apartment had been broken into. My husband rushed home, and the police were called. Nothing but a pot was destroyed, a few electronics taken. Naturally I was upset. But as I look at the things I am still left with, I am very thankful. Whomever decided that my home was "worthy" of breaking and entering, shut the door and left my beautiful little beagle in the house. She was not harmed and was sitting at the door waiting for me to come home last night.

On a bit of a sad note, I will not be adding pictures for a while seeing as how they stole my digital camera. I have another nice on that they didn't take because there were no batteries in it. But it needs to be fixed before it works again, even with batteries. My laptop was taken, which had all of my pictures on it. Thank goodness some are on my husband's computer and the internet.

But I do now have a pumpkin pie in the oven. And I should be doing some stitching.... and I of course I am watching the Macy's parade. So I hope everyone has something to be thankful for, I know I do!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

Happy Dancing!!!

2008-11-23T15:03:00.001-06:00

I just finished Home of a Needleworker (too!) by Little House Needleworks. I am so exctied to finally have it done. It really didn't take that long either. It should have been done a couple of weeks ago, but that's okay, I had other things to work on. So now it is off to find a frame and get it hanging on my walls. Hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!!

Happy Stitching,
Ashely G.

VCE Update

2008-11-23T10:35:00.003-06:00

I stitched a bit during the week, and a little bit on Friday night. Things have been so busy around here. Work has been unbelievable, I haven't been home before 6 on most nights (and my work day starts at 6am). So when I get home I just don't feel like stitching, especially after making dinner.

But I did manage a bit of stitching. I just wish I had gotten more done. I did manage to finish the 814 in her coat. I am ready to get to the hem of her skirt though and stitch on something other than red and green.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend!!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

SAT Update

2008-11-15T12:14:00.002-06:00

Last week I was fortunate to be invited to the Let's Stitch blog. If you haven't seen it yet, you should go check it out. Anyways, every Friday night there is a Stitch-a-thon. This week I worked on Home of a Needleworker (too!). I didn't get to stitch the entire 6pm-12am. My wrist starting hurting on Thursday night. It hurt to the point where I could barely hold a pen to write at work. Well I ended up getting a wrist brace, since all my other ones are in TN. But my wrist feels much better with the brace on. The only problem is, it is a little odd to stitch with. But I did manage to get some stitching done.

I am still working on this one today, and I am hoping to get some more stitching done this afternoon. I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

I've Been Tagged

2008-11-11T16:35:00.003-06:00

I have been tagged by the Sue to share six random things about myself, according to the rules.

The rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

So, here are six random things about myself:
1. I can turn my feet around backwards, and walk like that as well. (See picture below)

2. I can't sleep without my sound machine on.
3. I love to watch Spongebob Squarepants.
4. I met my husband on a blind date.
5. I like the old McDonald's chicken mcnuggets.... before the all white meat.
6. I love my job as a perfusionist.....

I have tagged:
Margie
Michele
BW
Maxine
Sharon
Christine

What a Great Weekend

2008-11-09T20:52:00.002-06:00

I sat on the couch just about all weekend and stitched to my hearts content. It was so much fun!! I got a lot of work done on VCE. She is my piece for the Enchanted Fabrics BB Contest. I love how she is looking and the more I stitch, the more I love the fabbie!! So here she is after my stitchapalooza weekend.

I didn't work on anything else this weekend, and I really didn't do much of anything else. I was on call anyways so I was too afraid to do much. I hate being uout and in the middle of something and get called into work. I would rather just be at home and have to go in. So far my pager has been silent (knock on wood).

I am done stitching for the night, I think if I stitched anymore I might go cross-eyed. I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend and got some stitching in!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

Go Check this out!

2008-11-02T15:48:00.003-06:00

I just found this today, Cross Stitch Galleries from All Over the World. I haven't had a chance to look at all of the galleries, but it is a really neat idea. What a fantastic way for Stitchers all over the world to come together and share their love for this wonderful hobby!

So please take a moment and go check out this blog. Add it to your list of blogs, or just next time your writing, add a little something about it in your own blog. Thank you Chiloe for starting this wonderful list! Also go check out Chiloe's blog, Chiloe's Corner, definitely a good read!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

New Letters

2008-11-01T12:07:00.007-05:00

from Nora are out. I haven't been really interested in the other letters, but I think I may have to have the "G". I know the "H" is a must have, and when the "K" comes out I will have to have that one as well. I think I may have to stitch them for my little Peanut, Kieran. I had thought about giving the "H" to my best friend, but I think I will stitch Kieran's initials. I think that is something that she will be able to have in her room for a long time..... seeing as how they are not "childish". Well I think I know what her Christmas present next year is going to be.

Anyways here are the pictures of the new letters. Well two of them anyways.

And here is the "A" that I will now have to have for Kieran....

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!! Now I am off to get a bite to eat and do some stitching!!

Happy Stitching!
Ashley G.

Only a Week late...

2008-10-26T12:13:00.002-05:00

I did promise pictures, but I am a bit late in getting them up. I just haven't had time to do much during the week. Pretty much the only time I stitch is on Saturdays now. I just don't feel like it when I get home from work. Sad but true.

Anyways, enough of that and on to the reason of this post.

VCE Update:

I haven't worked on her in about two weeks, but the progress I have made so far is enough for me. I will start working on her next weekend though since she is on a deadline. She is really easy to stitch it is just all of that greenery is tiring sometimes.

HoaNt Update:

I am loving this design. It is a joy to work on. It really goes quickly though. This is after about 9 hours of stitching. Most of the stitching was done last Saturday. I only put in about three hours this weekend so far. I can already see this hanging on my wall. I am hoping to get some more stitches in tonite while watching some football.

I did do some work on it yesterday during the Alabama vs. Tennessee game. This was a tough game to watch. After moving to AL I decieded that I just couldn't be an Auburn fan and so I chose to be an AL fan. This was not a light hearted decision. Football is never taken lightly down here. I weighed my options carefully before coming to this final decision. Back to the AL-TN game. I have been a VOLs fan since birth. I even went to a UT school.... not Knoxville, but an affiliate in Martin, TN. So I was so excited for this game. But I knew from the start that it would not go well. TN is just not as good as they have been in past years and AL is kicking butt this year. Well we held our own in the first half, but second half we had our "you know whats" handed to us on a silver platter. So now I have to go back to work on Monday and listen to everyone talking about how AL beat TN, and get it rubbed in my face. Sometimes I don't like living in Alabama. I miss TN.

Oh well atleast I still have the Titans, who are undefeated so far this season. But we are playing the Colts on Monday night football. I really hope we beat Payton Manning, whom I can't stand.... and yes I know he played for UT

Happy Stitching
Ashley G.

Just Started...

2008-10-18T09:58:00.004-05:00

Thursday night, LNH's Home of a Needleworker (too!) was started. So far it is a pretty quick little stitch. I worked on it for about 45 min to an hour, and I got a bit of the green done. Of course right before putting it down I just had to ask myself, why I pick designs that have so much green in them. I am really starting to not like greenery.

I have all the threads for HoaNt, except for Cocoa Bean, which should be here any day now. I was trying to decide if I wanted to stitch it on a dyed piece of fabric, or go with something more traditional. Well I decided in the end just to go with an ivory, off whiteish piece of evenweave. I had started another project in one corner, but I haven't worked on it in a while and don't even know if I want to continue stitching it or not. So I just cut what I needed and went to town. I am going to work on it some more this afternoon, so I'll try and post some pics later tonight or tomorrow.

I also got a good bit done on VCE after my post last Saturday. I'll have to post some pics of her as well. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and gets lots of stitching done!!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

Needing Some Motivation

2008-10-11T10:50:00.004-05:00

I am really lacking in the motivation department this weekend. Usually I am a stitching fiend on Saturdays. Mainly because I am at home, alone... except for the dog. Ever since I finished Tigerlily last weekend, I haven't stitched a thing.

I keep looking at Victorian Christmas Eve lying folded on the coffee table. And I keep thinking that I should start working on it, but I have been so tired this week after work. But I am going to try and make myself work on it for at least an hour this afternoon. I am so close to finishing my goal of having half of the stitching done for the the contest. It is just that I am working on the green foliage part and it is getting boring... kind-of. It is hard when I first start on the green, but filling in is not really that bad. I guess because I know that part is almost done. Anyways, enough rambling.

My birthday present from my DH arrived last week. Of course I knew what I was getting, he got all of it off of my Wish List. He got me two Little House Needleworks charts (Home of a Needleworker(too), and Gourmet Garden), I also got Eat, Drink, and Be Scary from Waxing Moon Designs, and Savannah's Curtsy from Mirabilia.

I was so excited to receive all of these. DH picked out the one Mirabilia because it is his fav. So hopefully one day I'll be able to get to her! Hopefully after Villa is finished. That reminds me I should work on her as well.

I was a bit bad this morning though. I went and ordered the Cresent Threads that I needed for Home of a Needleworker. I am really excited about those and will probably have to start this chart as soon as the threads get here. Don't know about fabric though. I thought about using the suggested Ivory linen, but I think I may want to use something hand dyed. I guess I need to deciede what kind of look I really want to go for.

So that is all for now I guess. I am going to go and eat some lunch and try to sit down and stitch. Wish me luck.

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

Tigerlily is done

2008-10-05T13:09:00.003-05:00

Here she is finally finished. I didnt' think I would ever get her done. But I decided yesterday that I was going to finish her this weekend... no matter what. It actually didn't take me but 4-5 hours to finish up the metallic thread portion and the beads. I love beading!!

I can't figure out why I love the beading part, I guess it is just the way it makes the finished piece look. Who knows, I think I am crazy. Usually I hate dealing with things that small.

Now all I have to do is get her framed up and sent out to my BF! She loves faires and this one reminded me of her. Well the colors anyways. She has always said these are the colors that she would want for a wedding; The burnt orange, dark browns, etc, etc.

I do think she turned out really nice. I did the skin over one, which was a pain, but was worth it in the end. I really love all the beads coming from her "headpiece".

Now that she is done I can concentrate on my Over One SAL, and my contest piece (VCE). I'll have to post some updated pictures of those later. The internet on my computer is not cooperating right now and I don't have pics loaded on DH's computer. So this will have to do for now. Thanks for looking, and I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!!

Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

From My Parent's

2008-09-27T10:31:00.004-05:00

For my Birthday, my parent's had the wedding record I stitched framed for me. So my DH framed it and I finally got it hung up on the wall today.
I love it! It has a suede mat, and I think the frame is perfect for it. I just had to share. Well I am off to do some stitching on VCE now. Hopefully I'll have some updated pictures later this evening.

Tomorrow night DH has made reservations at The Melting Pot. I love going to eat there, it is so much fun. I have actually thought about getting a little fondue pot to do cheese fondues at home. I think that would be so much fun. I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Happy Stitching
Ashley G.

Pictures As Promised

2008-09-19T19:43:00.003-05:00

So here are my pictures, I am actually getting them up tonite. YAY!!!
Here is my Dolly Moma, all finished

And here is the progress on my VCE. I did work on her a little bit today. I love her face, my DH was commenting earlier tonight that she almost looks lifelike. It kind of funny. I think the picture is a little fuzzy, there is something about it that is just not clear to me.... anyways, here she is.

And I had a wonderful surprise when I got home this afternoon. I had a package in the mail from 123stitch. I stared at it for a moment because I couldn't figure out what I had ordered. I thought I was going crazy. The I realized that it was probably my B-day present from my MIL.

I was so excited to see these this afternoon. I am really excited about Stargazer. She was the one I wanted the most! And I can't wait to get started on the Dolly Mama's. My birthday isn't for 10 more days, but what a way to end my week!! And I still have my birthday to look forward to! My mother is getting my wedding record framed for us. Everything is in for it and all I have to do is get DH to put it all together.

Have a great weekend everyone, and Happy Stitching,
Ashley G.

Pictureless Post

2008-09-19T13:09:00.003-05:00

Only because I am at work and don't have acces to the pics on my computer. And not to mention the fact that I haven't taken any updated pictures lately. I did manage to finish something though. I stitched up a Dolly Momma, "It's Official". It was a really quick stitch, I didn't stitch the border though. I think I am going to make it into a pillow. I went looking for fabrics the other day and didn't see what I wanted. So I guess the pillow will just have to wait for the perfect fabric.

On the Victorian Christams Eve front, I have done some work on it. Just not that much. Work has been terrible this week, and I haven't wanted to stitch. I am getting a bit done today at work, but it is so hard because I forgot my glasses. Oh well, they say you have to suffer for your art right???

As for everything else there is no progress, I haven't worked on anything else. Work has been terribly busy the past two weeks. I am hoping that tomorrow I will be able to work on Tigerlily and get her finished up. I don't know if that is going to work or not, seeing that I am on call. After this weekend I have three weekends in a row that I am not on call. I am really excited about that.

Well I think I may go back to my stitching. I will try and post some updated pictures later tonight.... Actually it will probably be tomorrow before that happens. LOL

Happy Stitching!!

Just Finished

2008-08-31T22:03:00.004-05:00

I am so excited, I finally finished my wedding record. I worked on it all day today. I am sure that DH is glad it's over. I've been sitting on the couch doing nothing but stitching. Now I can start Victorian Christmas Eve and not feel guilty. Yeah!!!

I will post a picture as soon as DH frames it. Oh, and as soon as I pick out a frame. And decide on if I want a mat or not.

Have a Happy Labor Day tomorrow!!

Ashley G.

After four more hours...

2008-08-30T19:18:00.004-05:00

Here she is. Well here is my shrubbery anyways, that will soon be Villa Mirabilia. I worked on it for about four hours off and on. Taking breaks for laundry, YUCK!!!

I am stitching it over one, and I am enjoying it. Although sometimes I do feel as if I am going cross eyed. LOL I will say that I am getting a bit tired of green though. But I am trying to get this part finished before I go on to stitching her. I am hoping that I will like her better, even though her dress is a lot of yellow, there are other vibrant colors as well.

I am still trying to decide if I want to use petite seed beads, or metallic thread. I just don't know if the beads will lay right or not if I try and use them. I am also wondering if even the petite beads will be too large.

I am going to try and stitch on this one again tomorrow, because. Monday I can start Victorian Christmas Eve. It's a part of the contest on the Enchanted Fabrics BB. Hopefully I'll get some good stitching time in on Monday and I'll have something to show. Here is a picture of my floss toss. I decided to go with abyss. The colors really did pop on that fabric!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day!!

Happy Stitching
Ashley G.

Just My Luck

2008-08-27T12:28:00.004-05:00

I brought Villa Mirabilia to work with me today. I thought that since nothing was going on in our OR's today, I could get a lot of work done on her. Well of course I was wrong. I get to work and find out that a case has been added on, but not until noon. I tell myself.... "Self, it is still okay. You can still work on Villa before the case gets rolling." Sure I thought, the case won't start till noon or so, and it is only 8:30 am. So I pull out my stithing and start working. I am doing great, that is until my needle breaks about 20 minutes after I start stitching. I think that's okay, I'll just pull out my needle nest.... then I realize my needle nest is empty and I am needleless. So that was the end of my stitching.

Monday :(

2008-08-25T20:45:00.004-05:00

Well I guess today was a typical Monday. Work was okay, but I got out later than I expected. Of course in my line of work, there is no set schedule. But then I got my call schedule tonight. I am on call 14 out of 30 days in September. That wouldn't be so bad if the other two people I work with weren't on call 8 days a piece. Of course I guess I am low man on the totem pole. Just kind of depressing.

On the stitching front, I did get some stitching done this weekend. I got a lot of green stitching done on the Villa Mirabilia "plant". I'll post some pics later in the week. I am hoping to get some more done on it tomorrow evening. I didn't stitch at all tonight, just too upset. LOL Actually just too tired and I didn't want any frogs visiting.

One more week and the contest on the Enchanted Fabrics message board is going to start. I am so excited. I have my fabric, all my DMC ready to go. Just have to wait for September 1st to start stitching.

I hope everyone else had a good Monday!

Happy Stitching!

Ashley G.

I Got One.....

2008-08-23T08:45:00.006-05:00

I awoke this morning to discover a wonderful surprise. I received my first blog award from Andie.

It is called "Arte y pico". In Spanish it literally means ART and TIP but according to Andie's blog, by way of Noreen's blog, by way of Nina... it translates as "The Best Art."

And the rules say:

1) Choose 5 blogs deserving to receive the award (conception, creativity, interesting equipment and contributing to the community of bloggers whatever the language)

2) Every award must contain the link towards the blog of his author so that it can be visited.

3) Every winner must show the award-logo and put back the name and the link towards the
blog that attributed it for her.

4) The winner must show the blog link the Arte y Pico.

5) To Post the rules.

And the Winners are:

Who are you People?

2008-08-18T09:21:00.003-05:00

I've seen this several times on other stitchers blogs now and I think it is a fantasticly wonderful idea..... so this "stolen" post, has been nabbed again...

So who reads my blog?

1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember! And if we've never met in real life, leave me a comment of your favorite post I wrote and why it was your favorite.

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually really funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Happy Stitching

Ashley G.

I need help...

2008-08-16T19:25:00.004-05:00

Picking a fabric that is..... not what you thought huh? Well I received two fabrics, one of them I am going to use for Victorian Christmas Eve for the contest on the Enchanted Fabrics BB. I think I am leaning towards Abyss but I would enjoy hearing what others have to say.... I am trying for a "night time/eve" look.

Dragon's Mist

Abyss

If you click on the pictures you can get a better view!!

Guess I should have added this yesterday.... A picture of Victorian Christmas Eve.

What a Day!!

2008-08-16T17:08:00.004-05:00

I had a fantastic day today!!! I got laundry done... well it's almost done. One more load to dry and fold. But the best part of my day is how much stitching I got done.

I ended up getting a lot done on The Sims Wedding Announcement. It is really coming together now. I wasn't enjoying stitching it all that much. But now that the majority of the border is done, and the words are done, I am having an easier time working on it.

I wish I had gotten it done before now. Seeing as how I could give it to the recipient on Monday or Tuesday if it was finished. Oh well, at least it will be done soon!

I also finished the skin on Tigerlily, as I said in my previous post. But I didn't post any pictures.... Well here she is in all her almost done glory.

And a close up of her skin.... which I am most proud of!!

Hopefully I'll have her finished really soon as well. Also here is the picture of my over one Villa Mirabilia. I am stitching her for a SAL with the Mirabilia Stitchers BB. I think she is coming along really well.

I am hoping tomorrow will be a good stitching day as well. I am planning to get some more done on The Sims, but I may switch to The Wedding Gift. I don't know what I'll do yet. I am sure that DH wants me to finish The Sims, because that means I'll start his.

Happy Stitching

Ashley G.

2008-08-15T12:25:00.006-05:00

Here is the newest Mirabilia: Athena (Goddess of Wisdom). I had no choice but to get her. After all she does stand in my hometown. She does look a bit different. I know it may sound strange but I was almost hoping she would be more warrior like.

The Athena that I have grown up seeing has always been a warrior. I still like her though. The colors are so vibrant and beautiful! Some people have had comments about the columns. I like them, I just wish they were taller.

Here is the description from the Mirabilia website: "The owl is honored by its mistress, Athena, for its keen sight in darkness. An air of opulence abounds as wistful sweeping swags of tapestries gracefully intertwine. It is a picturesque retreat infused with exotic beads and crystals. The most treasured of which is the magical "inner light" of the owl that reveals unseen truths and wisdom."

Makes it sound even better doesn't it?? Well at least it made it sound better to me. So I ordered it from 123-stitch just a little bit ago. I even have a fabric picked out that I want to stitch her on.... Painted Prairie Skies from Enchanted Fabrics. I think it will make her look like she is sitting among the clouds at Mount Olympus! Now I really want to get the fabby and start her. But alas I have other things that I must finish first!

ToFaaT rotation progress:

Tigerlily: I am almost finished. I finally finished her skin... YIPPIE!!! And now I am on to the metallics and finally the beading. Hopefully I can get the majority of that done this weekend. That is if I don't get called into work too much... "knock on wood." Once she is finished I am going to fill her postion with Daisy.
The Sims Wedding Record: I did take this on our trip to NY, but didn't get much work done on it. So I will have to ramp up efforts on this one soon. I think I am going to work on Tigerlily some more before I start on this one again. But I am getting close with it. And I did manage to pick up the colors I ran out of and the ones I didn't have. Once this one is finished I am going to start on Aaron's Dream Theater Cross Stitch.
The Wedding Gift: I haven't stitched on this one since it came into the roation. I will soon though because I can't stand to stitch on the Sims Wedding record for too long. I don't know what it is.... maybe it's all the pink.... or the flowers.... I really think the problem is that is is so repetative. But I don't have much left on The Wedding Gift, so once I get going on it, it shouldn't take me long to finish.

Soon I will be adding two more postions to the rotation. A large Mira slot, and a contest slot. The large Mira slot will be added once Tigerlily is finished, and will be filled by Villa Mirabilia. Which I am also stitching for a Over one SAL on Mirabilia Stitchers BB. And the contest piece is for a contest on the Enchanted Fabrics BB. I am going to be stitching Victorian Christmas Eve, from the January issue of CS-N magazine. I am really excited about that one. I have my fabric on the way. I picked out two, so I'll do a floss toss later on to figure out which one I really want to use. But the contest doesn't start until September 1st.

And if you are wondering why such a long post..... and on here.... well my internet is not working with my computer at home and I have to use DH's computer.... Which he is really stoked about. But that means I can't update my website. So for a while I will be blogging on here. Not a big deal though. Hopefully I'll get things fixed soon! I am really excited about my new rotation positions and having some more finishes really soon!!

Happy Stitching!!

Ashley G.

Quick Update.....

2008-08-01T16:24:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment and let everyone who hasn't visited my new website know that I am still alive and stitching! I did have a recent finish.... Picture posted above. It is the first pillow I have ever made. It was a lot of fun. I have made some progress on other stitching fronts as well. You can check out all my progress at In Stitches.

Oh and on my last post I had a question about how to add the %'s to a blog. I found the directions on Meari's Musings blog. You can find it in the Other Stitcher's Blogs... she has several how to's on her page. Just scroll down and you will see it in the right hand column, it is labeled progress bars.

Happy Stitching!!

Announcement

2008-07-06T11:44:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to take a minute to say that I am going to stop blogging on here. I will continue for a little while to blog here, but eventually I will phase it out. I have started a website for myself. It has my blog and pictures and a few other cool things on there. Stop by and let me know what you think.

IN STITCHES

I upgraded to the new i'life07. It has a lot of cool features on the iweb program. Stop by and leave some comments, and if you want I'll add you to my other stitcher's blogs, just leave your blog address!!

Looking forward to seeing ya'll there.

Ashley G.

ToFaaT

2008-07-03T17:40:00.006-05:00

No I am not learning a new language...... It stands for Two or Five at a Time. I learned about this from a fellow stitcher, Sooz, on the Mirabilia Stitchers Yuku message board. I thought this was such a great idea that I would give it a try. Seeing as how I did not do well with the 10 project challenge.

So here's the deal:
You open up WIP slots, anywhere from two to five..... five being the max. Then you start stitching on the project in slot #1. When you get bored with working on that, and need something new, just move on to the project in slot #2, and so on. The only real catch is that once you stop stitching on a project, you can not go back to it until you have gone through the rotation, and get back to that project slot. Clear as mud.... right.

There should be no new starts until a slot has become available. For example, I have several Mirabilia WIP and some that I would love to start, but I shouldn't start a new one until the current project in the Mira slot is finished. Again clear as mud!!

So here is what I have decided on as my ToFaaT slots:
Mirabilia - Tigerlily
My Designs - The Sims Wedding Gift
Samplers and Such - Kieran's Birth Record

I think three is enough for me for right now. Plus the fact that I don't have many other designers that I regularly work on to open another slot for. I debated on adding another Mirabilia slot, but I think I will just go with one for right now. That way I think I can get more finished. I will probably change my mind but that's okay.

I have turned into somewhat of a serial starter. I have several things started, but I don't finish stuff. And there is one birth announcement that I really need to finish, seeing as how the baby was born in February.

I am going to try and keep this one up, I seem to have problems when I really confine myself. I think this is enough wiggle room that I will be okay. At least that's what I am going with at the moment. Also with this I don't have to limit my stash enhancing. I am hoping that this will help me to finish more things this year!

Finally an Update

2008-06-28T13:07:00.008-05:00

It's been a while since I posted a stitching update. There is a reason for that, I haven't been stitching that much. After getting back from the cruise, I just didn't feel like doing much of anything. Well except for going on another cruise. But after about three weeks, I decided that wasn't happening so I should get back to my life. So I did.

I finished a piece for my best friend's mom and step-dad.

I started back working on Tigerlily. I have done the one over one skin conversion. I just wanted to try it out and see if I really wanted to do it on the Seasonal Queens. But I finished her arms and started on the wings. She is coming along nicely. Hopefully I'll finish her soon!

I like the way her skin is turning out, but I am not sure if I want to do it on the Seasonal Queens or not. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

I also started on Villa Mirabilia. I don't have much done yet, but I have a little green blobby plant, and a little bit of the urn outline.

I dyed the fabric myself. I really like it. I think it will look good when it's done. I chose to do it on 25ct lugana. I am stitching it over one. I haven't decided it I am going to try petite beads or if I'll just use metallic floss in their place. Again another bridge I'll cross later on. Boy I have lots of stitching bridges to cross.

I don't know when my next update will be. I have a lot going on with work and other things right now that need more attention.

Happy Stitching to all!!!

Cross Stitch for Hubby

2008-05-25T10:39:00.005-05:00

I had someone comment on one of my WIP's, the Dream Theater album cover. My DH is a huge DT fan. I asked him one day if he would like me to cross stitch something for him. Since I do things for everyone else. And I figured it would be nice to do something that he really liked instead of what I really liked.

So he started thinking.... and sometimes this takes a while for him to decide on things. Not saying that's a bad thing, he just wants to make sure it's what he really wants. Well I am not that way and I am impatient. So I started making suggestions, and we finally settled on it should be something Dream Theater related. So I told him to pick an album cover. He picked Octavarium. I said no, and I really like the Live at the Marquee cover, so he agreed. I have the pattern all ready to go. I had picked out some black fabric for it, but later decided to dye my own. I am going to make some adjustments to the pattern. I am not going to stitch Live at the Marquee, it will be left off.

After Tigerlily is finished I told him I would start on it. I am going to try a rotation again between Villa Mirabilia, Summer Queen, and DT. I think it will work out because dT is small enough for me to take to work, the two Mirabilia patterns are just to large for me to drag around. I could if I wanted to, but I don't think I want to.

Busy Weekend Ahead

2008-05-21T16:43:00.001-05:00

I am getting really excited for this weekend. My little brother is graduating from High School. It seems like just yesterday he was in kindergarten, and I was graduating from High School. Yes my brother is a lot younger than I, by about 12 years. And no there are no other siblings between us, we are the only children. It was strage growing up with a brother that was so much younger, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. He has been through some tough times, but he is finally going to graduate. And then next weekend, the whole family is going on a cruise. Thanks to my Parents and my DH's Parents. I am so ready for a vacation. On the stitching front, I did get to work on Tigerlily some this week, and I have finally added an updated photo. The top portion of her dress is just about done. There are a few things missing at the bottom, along with the beads and metalic thread. I just like doing those last. I also dyed some fabric the other night to start Villa Mirabilia once I am done with Tigerlily. I am going to stitch it over one on 25 ct lugana. I put in a few stitches lat night just to see how I was going to like it. I think it is going to turn out alright! I don't know if I am going to get much stitching done this weekend, there is going to be a lot of out of town family in. But I am going to try and sneak off and get some stitching time in. I really want to get Tigerlily finished and framed and to her new home!

Stash Enhancements

2008-05-17T22:03:00.007-05:00

Yesterday and today I received some stash enhancements. They are not RAK's, well I guess they could be RAK's to myself. Some message boards have been saying that some of the older Mirabilia's may no longer be available once they are gone. I don't know how true this is, but I decided that I would pretend it was..... that way I had an excuse to buy more charts.

Anyways, I found that I really liked the Seasonal Queens from Mirabilia, and also Villa Mirabilia. I think the reason I liked Villa Mirabilia so much is becasue it has a very "Southern" feel to it. The Queens I just loved because they were so beautiful. So I found them for sale on ebay. I got a great price on all of them. So starting on Friday they all started rolling in.

The Queens all came together and Villa Mirabilia came in today. I had Aaron help me pick out which one I should work on after Tigerlily is finished. He picked Summer Queen. So I have the fabric I want to use all picked out and on the way. I picked 32ct Summer Breeze Lugana from Silkweaver. So it should be here in a few weeks. Which gives me plenty of time to get Tigerlily finished and framed.

I am sure that it will take a while to finish Summer Queen so I will probably have other projects going at the same time. I think Aaron is getting anxious for me to start on his project. That will probably be next after I finish our Wedding Record. Maybe I should finish a few other things before I start on Summer Queen.... who knows what I will do.... stay tuned for more.....

Back from framing

2008-05-17T12:50:00.001-05:00

I just got back from framing Poppy. I took it to the frame shop but I did the framing myself. I love being able to frame my own stuff. I am going to try my hand at pillow making soon!

As soon as I got home I had to hang her up above the couch. As soon as I saw her I just knew that is where she was meant to be. So now she is home. Thanks for looking!!

How-to... Frame

2008-05-17T11:47:00.015-05:00

Framing

I have been framing my own cross stitch projects for the last year now. It is very easy to frame your own pieces, and doesn't take long to learn. Sorry some of the pictures may be a bit blurry, my good camera is under the weather. And another disclaimer, I am not going to mat this piece, but I will include directions for that as well. There just won't be any pictures, at least right now. I'll add some later.

First off you will need a few supplies that you can pick up from your local frame shop, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby. If you go to Michaels or Hobby Lobby go to the framing section and ask for these supplies.

SUPPLIES:

Foam Core
Spacers (if framing with glass and without a mat)
pins
masking tape
mat (acid free)
glass cut to fit the frame
frame of choice.

Ask the frame shop to cut the foam core to the size you need.

Without a mat: the foam core needs to be the size of the frame you are using.

If you stitched on aida then the foam core needs to be about 1/8" smaller than the frame to make up for the fabric thickness.

With a mat: the foam core just needs to be larger than the size of the mat opening.

It can be the same size as the frame as long as your fabric will allow for that.

You will also need four spacers if you are matting with glass and no mat. They will stick in between the glass and cross stitch to keep the cross stitch from touching the glass. They need to be the same length as the sides of the frame. Don't worry you won't be able to see the spacers when the framing is done. The lip of the frame will hide them.

For the mat if using one:

Use an acid free mat
Decide on the shape of the opening.

I have used oval, square with round edges, circles. etc. I like using "non-traditional" openings, like the rectangle.

Your framer can help you decide on the size of the opening for the mat.

Cutting your own foam core and mats:

You will still need to purchase all the foam core and mat from a craft store or frame shop. But with a sharp craft knife just cut each down to the size you will need.
Most craft stores will carry pre-cut mats.

Most of the ones I have seen are not acid free.
You don't have to use acid free mats, but it will help to preserve your cross stitch for years to come.

If you do want an unusual opening for the mat you will need to get a piece of matting material from the frame shop, but you can still cut it yourself.

I find it is easier to have all of these things cut for me. Just ask if they charge a fee for cutting these things.
When my husband worked at Hobby Lobby, they only charged for the glass, foam core, and/or mat...etc. They didn't charge a service fee. I can not speak for other frame shops.... but just ask.

You can use any type of frame that you want, just make sure it is deep enough to hold your cross stitch. Usually Hobby Lobby and Michaels have open back frames, and I know that Hobby Lobby runs them for 50% off most of the time. If you do use an open back frame you will need to have a piece of glass cut by the framer to fit your frame.

Once you have all of your supplies you can begin the framing process.

Center your project on your foam core.

I usually do this by eying it, but you can use the pattern to find the center of the project and temporarily tack it with a pin to the center of the foam core.

Fold your fabric over the foam core and place a few pins in each side.

I usually set the foam core upright and start to pin from the top.
making sure that the fabric is folded under the bottom so that when I pull the fabric taught and start pinning I don't pull the fabric off center.

I usually place at least 3 to 4 pins in each side.

one in the middle and one on each end. If the sides are really long I'll put some more pins in the middle.

After I have all the sides with a few pins each I begin to place more pins.

Make sure the fabric is taught and place more pins in each side.

I usually place the pins every 1" to 1 1/2"

Make sure to firmly push the pins in and push them down as far as you can.

be careful not to stick your fingers when pushing in the pins. I have had a pin go crooked and stick my finger. (no one wants a bloody project..LOL)

Remove the pin that was centering your cross stitch on the foam core

Now that all the sides are pinned, turn your cross stitch over and tape the loose edges to the back of the foam core. If there is a lot of loose fabric I have been know to trim it up some.

Keep taping until you have something that looks like this.... an remember to tape those corners flat.

A lot of people don't tape the edges they temporarily pin the edges and then lace up the back with kite string, dental floss, six strands of white embroidery floss...etc. To see pictures of this you can go to Meari's blog and check out her framing how to. This is too much work for me, but it all depends on personal preference.

After all the pinning and taping.

If you are using glass and no frame, now is the time to put in your spacers. Make sure your glass is CLEAN!! Then just peel off the white backing and stick to the glass. I usually make sure that the spacers fit exactly around the frame without spaces. This may require a bit of trimming but it can be done easily with scissors.

The spacers in these pictures obviously are not the same size as my frame they are just used as an example of where they should go. And I don't have the glass in the frame, the spacers stick to the inside of the glass.

After you have the spacers in just place your cross stitch into the frame. And now you are ready to close up the back.

Cut a piece of brown crafter's paper

found at any hope improvement store on large rolls. (it's cheap and last)

lay the frame on the crafter's paper and trace the frame. Cut the paper slightly inside your pencil tracing.
Use double sided tape and put the tape around the edges of the frame.
Press the crafter's paper to the back of the frame and tape.
Then add a hanger of your choice.

You have now completed your framing. If you are framing with a mat just omit the spacer process and place the mat in on top of the glass and then proceed with closing up the back ,after your cross stitch is in.

One last thing....
If your fabric did not allow you to use a piece of foam core as large as your frame.... don't panic. You will have to mat this piece.

Make sure your foam core is larger than the mat opening
Center your cross stitch in the mat opening and flip it over.
Tape the cross stitch into place on the back of the mat.
Make sure your cross stitch is still centered in the mat opening.
Place the mat cross stitch assembly in the frame.
Use scraps of cardboard to fill in any gaps between the frame and cross stitch that is taped to the mat.
Finish off your back with crafter's paper as described above.

I hope this has helped!! If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment.

Poppy is Finished

2008-05-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

I am doing a happy dance this afternoon. I have finished Poppy at about 4pm. Looking back at my first picture I can't believe I have been working on her for a month now. It sure didn't seem like that long. I am going to take her down to the frame shop to get what I need to frame her. I have the frame already, just need the foam core and glass.

I was really surprised that I actually like the beading part. Usually I don't like working with small "things", and by the end I was ready to just be done. But I really liked doing the beading. I almost think it was the best part. She really came to life after the beads went on. I love the dimension it adds to her.

I am a bit sad that she is done, but I still have lots of pixies to go. And I am making good progress on Tigerlily. Hopefully she'll be done in about a month or so. Thanks to everyone who commented on my progress. I know I posted a lot of pictures, but I was just so excited about her I just had to share.

She is my first Mirabilia finish. I have the rest of the Pixie Couture Collection and I also won Spring Queen, Summer Queen, Autumn Queen, and Winter Queen on ebay the other day. So I think it is safe to say that she is far from the last Mirabilia finish that I will have.

Just had to start it

2008-05-10T15:23:00.001-05:00

I ended up going ahead and starting Tigerliy for my best friend. I haven't finished the beads on Poppy yet, but I am waiting for some shorter beading needles. The ones I found at Michael's were too long and I kept bending them, plus they had sharp tips. The ones I ordered from 123-Stitch are short and have blunt tips. I also ordered some YLI invisible thread so that way I don't have to keep switching thread colors and jumping around doing the beading.

I don't have that much done on Tigerlily, but I do love the colors so far. I am just not sure if I love the fabric. It is a pretty fabby, but now that I have started stitching on it, I think it looks blah. I don't know maybe it's just me. This is really close the the color my friend had picked out from another site. I just want it to be special and look great of course.

I did do a floss toss, you can see the pictures in my Mirabilia Pixies album. I didn't have all of the floss, but I had a few colors. Hopefully it will look better as I get more colors done. I'll have to update the photo once I get more colors in her skirt done. I am hoping she will be as quick to stitch as Poppy was.

Happy Stitching

Busy with Beads and Burglars

2008-05-09T06:27:00.000-05:00

It's now 10am and I am home from work. I am going to eat some breakfast..... well I guess "brunch"..LOL. Then it's nap time, if I can. I just learned a few minutes ago that a new hotel that is going up by my apartment complex was broken into last night. A bunch of TVs were stolen, and they were taken out right by my apartment. Neither my husband or I heard anything. Even our dog, Dixie, was oblivious to what was going on. So a police officer is outside looking around and taking pictures and what not. The stupid burglars dropped a plug for one of the TVs and then they tromped through the mud and left footprints.

I have now started the beading on Poppy. It's going pretty quickly I think, but I am not liking the beading needle. It is too long and skinny for me. I can't work with it for too long before my hands start to hurt.

So I am going to try and lay down for a quick nap after brunch, and then back to beading. I am hoping that with a lot of time to work today, and tomorrow I'll be able to finish her on Saturday.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and is able to get some stitching in!!!

Getting Closer

2008-05-06T17:12:00.000-05:00

I finally finished the bottom of the dress and started on the metallic thread in the wings and dress. I am getting closer and closer to being done, I am so excited.

Her wings are so twinkly. I am ready to start on the blue metallic thread. I would start on it tonight, but it is getting late and I have a long day at work tomorrow. Hopefully I can get in some more stitching done on her at work tomorrow. I am hoping that I can get her done by this weekend and to the frame shop. I am ready to see her hanging on the wall!!!

Pixie Progress

2008-04-24T16:33:00.000-05:00

Well here she is. The top portion of her dress is finished except for the beads. I can't wait to see her finished, and framed. I have a frame all picked out.

A lady came into Aaron's work to re-frame some of her pictures. So the manger of the shop asked Aaron if I would like the frames. I told Aaron to find out how much they cost and he found out they were free. Well I didn't care what they looked like I was going to take them. I don't like all of them, but I'll use the ones I don't like for other people. But one of the frames is the perfect size for Poppy. It also looks fantastic with her, which is the best part.

She has been so much fun to stitch, I almost don't want it to end. But then who wants a project that lasts forever. And I have all of the rest of the pixies screaming at me to be stitched.

Tigerlilly will be next. I have her fabbie here and ready to go. I have seen some other peoples progress pics and she is very pretty as well. She has really vibrant colors, I am sure she will be a pleasure to work on as well.

Poppy Progress

2008-04-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

Here is my progress on Poppy so far. I know I have posted several pics so far, but I just can't help it. She is so pretty and I am so excited about the way she is turning out.

Today I started working with the metallic thread in the wing. It is going okay, but it is a bit difficult to work with. I think I am going to try thread heaven and see if that helps any. So I think I am going to wait on the metallic thread till later. I just had to do some of it to see how it looked.

I think I will have to work on her dress now. Since the top half is as finished as it is going to be for the moment. I am looking forward to stitching the red part of her dress. I still have a few more hours before my DH gets home from work, and the Red Sox game starts. So I still have some good stitching time that I can get in.

I also got the wedding announcement back from the frame shop (ie. my DH) the other day. I'll post a picture in my 2008 Finishes Album. It turned out really nice. I ended up putting a mat on it, pink, with a gold frame. It turned out really nice. I figured if I didn't use a mat it would end up being too small and not as noticeable as I wanted it to be.

I hope everyone else has gotten some good stitching in this weekend, I know I have!

HAPPY STITCHING!!

A New Start

2008-04-13T18:22:00.000-05:00

A girl I used to work with is getting married in the end of May. I had such a hard time trying to decide if I should try and stitch something for her. I looked at patterns on the internet and couldn't find one I really liked. Then I found a stitching program for the Mac. And I decided that I would try and turn her invitation into a cross stitch. I tried everything and just couldn't get it to look the way I wanted. I pretty much gave up trying to stitch something for her.

Well then it came to me. I would stitch something like I had for my other friend and myself. Just something simple with her new last name and the date of the wedding. I looked through all my books and found the perfect lettering and border. I also decided to try my hand at dying fabric again.

It turned out better than I ever dreamed. I was so excited about how the fabric turned out, I decided to see what the pattern looked like on the fabric. It looks really good, and I can't wait to get it finished. I am missing one color so the lettering is still not done, but it won't take much. I am so excited to see how it's going to look finished.

An Update... Finally

2008-04-13T08:42:00.003-05:00

I finally got around to working on the birth announcement for Kieran. I got the little cloud and mouse finished and I got to put her name on it. I am glad I got to work on it this weekend, cause I really need to get it finished. I only have two clouds a few more stars and backstitching left. Oh and the rest of the moon.

I am hoping that it won't take me much longer to finish, but there are so many more things that I want to do. I am supposed to get my fabric for my pixies this coming week. And I really want to finish my Celtic Knot. Maybe once I finish the Knot, I will be able to finish the birth announcement. I just wish it was done already.

Hope everyone else had some got to stitch this weekend!!!

4-11-2008

2008-04-11T12:59:00.007-05:00

I finally found out that my fabric for my pixies is shipping today. I was so excited about that!! So hopefully I will be able to start stitching on them really soon. Hopefully by the end of next week.

I am at work again and I did bring things to work on, but I ended up being "bad". Here's the story. About a week or so ago, for sale on ebay, were all six of the mirabilia pixies. I debated on whether I should get them or not. Well after I finally decided that I wanted them, I was too late. So today I was bidding on a piece of fabric on ebay, that I didn't win, and I saw that the pixies had been re-listed. Well I jumped on them like white on rice. I probably shouldn't have, but I just couldn't help myself. They were listed for such a great price and I just couldn't let someone else get them.

So in the next few weeks I will be the proud owner of all 8 of the Pixie Coutures. I think I will keep a few and then the rest I will give to my best friend who loves fairies. I know that I am going to keep Violet, but other than that I am not really sure how I'll divide them.

One good thing about today is that I am getting work done on the birth announcment for my best friends little girl. I have been really bad about working on it. Hopefully I can get some more work done on it today and tomorrow.

I have so too much going on right now and I have so many things I want to start on..... I am CRAZY!!!

HAPPY STITCHING TO ALL!!!!

Patiently Waiting

2008-04-03T06:05:00.000-05:00

I have everything I need to start Poppy and Tiger Lilly, except the fabric. I ordered it on the 21st, and because it is hand-dyed it is supposed to take 8 to 10 days before it is shipped. So now I am just awaiting an email saying that my fabric has shipped.

It always seems that when you really want something to arrive it takes longer to receive it. I tend to get impatient when I really want to start something and I can't. So here I sit on my couch. I could be stitching and working on my other projects but I just want to work on one thing, and I just don't want to. I guess I will just have to "force" myself to be patient a little bit longer and work on one of my other projects. I am almost finished with my Celtic Knot. Hopefully after this weekend I'll be able to put up a finished picture!

3-30-2008

2008-03-30T10:08:00.000-05:00

I just finished this today. It is one of the 10 projects in my challenge. Of course my challenge hasn't been exactly successful. I have bought stash, but I haven't started anything else but what is in my challenge. So I consider it a half success so far.

Anyways, I started stitching about a week ago, and just finished ironing about 30 minutes ago. I actually like the way it turned out. I wouldn't hang it in my house, but I am sure that the recipient will like it. Her wedding colors are pink and I think white. She is very very girly, I'm not.

I had a hard time picking out something to stitch for their wedding. Everything I looked at, I didn't like. So this had pink roses and hearts and looked prissy so this is how I ended up with this record. I think the bride will like it though.

I'm thinking about a pink frame or maye a gold one. If anone has an opinion let me know. My DH doesn't know if he has any pink frames where he works though. But I think I can find one somewhere else. Comments on frame color choices would be greatly appreciated. Also I don't know if I want to mat it or not. I am thinking no since it has a bit of a border already. Just having a hard time deciding on this piece.

Finally Saw Kieran

2008-03-25T09:34:00.000-05:00

I finally got to see my best friends little girl this weekend. She was the cutest and sweetest little baby. I still haven't finished her birth announcment though. I feel so terrible about that. I did get to see her room all decorated and the announcment will look great in her room.

Celeste also asked me this weekend to be Kieran's godmother. I am very excited and honored! Celeste and I have been best friends since we were in first grade. That was 23 years ago....that's a pretty long time. She still lives in Nashville though. I have been trying to get her to move to Birmingham. It hasn't worked yet, but I figure one day it might.

I am just really thrilled that she asked me to be Kieran's godmother. I just had to share!!

3-18-2008

2008-03-18T16:32:00.000-05:00

Just a few update pics. The one to the right is the finished Alpha Gamma Delta Sampler that I finally finished. My DH and I framed it on Sunday. I did most of the framing, Aaron just supervised. I think he likes it when I frame my own stuff. Since he frames for a living, I don't think he likes having to do it at home.
I think it turned out really nice. I really like the green frame I picked out. It is a metal sectional frame. I had thought about matting it, but I decided against it in the end. I can't wait to hear from my friend when she gets it. I really hope she enjoys it!

The picture to the left is the updated "love knot". I have the other half of the knot to finish and then our names and wedding date for the bottom. I can't wait to have it finished and hang it up.

I really need to work on the birth announcement for my friend, but I haven't picked it up in about a week. Sad to say I am more interested in the things I have to do for myself. I guess I should quite being selfish and get back to work on her stuff.

I got some work done on my Mystic Stitch this weekend. I was really happy about that. I am still only on page one, but I am halfway through. Hopefully I'll get a pic posted later this week. After I get finished with some of my other projects, I should be able to get more done on Coffee Time.

First Finish of 2008

2008-02-29T12:28:00.000-06:00

This is my first finish of the year. I didn’t start it this year, I started it when I joined Alpha Gamma Delta. I found it while rummaging through wedding gifts at my parent’s house. So I figured I should finish it since all that was left was the black stitching. I added it to my 10 project Challenge, and I finally finished this afternoon.

I know how I want to frame it. I am going to use a black frame with an oval mat. I am going to pick the mat and frame out tomorrow. Lucky for me I know someone in the framing business. I have had a hard time trying to decide what I really wanted to do with it when i was finished. I just couldn’t decide where to hang it, even if I was in a house. But I think I am going to give it to one of my sorority sisters. I know she will like it, and I think she still has a lot of AGD things displayed. I don’t know if her husband will like it or not, he says that she has too many squirrels.

It turned out really well I think. When I first started stitching the black I wasn’t sure if it was going to look okay or not. I think that’s why I quit and didn’t pick it up again for almost 6 years. But after I got into stitching on it again, it started looking okay. I’m excited about framing it and I’ll post pics on my 2008 finished projects pic page

A little bit about the piece: Alpha Gamma Delta’s flowers are the red and buff roses with green asparagus plumosa fern, our colors are red, buff, and green. The Fraternities jewel is the pearl, and our mascot is a squirrel. Alpha Gamma Delta is not a Sorority, it is a Women’s Fraternity. Sororities were formed to serve for male fraternities. Alpha Gamma Delta is an international women’s fraternity dedicated to academic excellence. leadership, development, high ideals and sisterhood.

Kieran Alexandra Hargrove

2008-02-17T11:21:00.000-06:00

On Feb. 14th, my best friend had her little girl. She was 7lbs 5oz, and 21 in long. I wanted to go to Nashville to greet her this weekend, but I had been sick all last week and didn't want to get the little newborn sick. So I will wait until the first weekend of March.

One good thing is that I get a bit more time to finish the birth announcement. I didn't get any work done last week because I was sleeping all the time. But here is my progress so far. Hopefully I will be able to get it finished or mostly finished before I go home in two weeks.

EMS 2008 Rose Sampler

2008-02-05T10:53:00.001-06:00

I am involved in a Stitch-a-Long (SAL) with one of my Yahoo Stitching Groups, Stitchers_haven. It is a year long SAL, and we are doing the EMS 2008 Rose Sampler. Each month the next portion of the pattern is released.

This is part one and it is almost finished. I started on Thursday January 31st. I had to stop Sunday after the Superbowl. I think I was going cross eyed. I stitched a couple of hours each day.

It is being done on 32 ct evenweave. I am using DMC 115 variegated garnet, DMC 318 steel grey, and DMC 415 pearl grey. So far I think it is looking really nice.

I love how the color changes with that variegated thread. I haven't used this type of thread before so this is extra neat for me. I love working with new thread and fabric. This is also the first time that I have used an evenweave fabric and stitched over two.

I should get the rest of Part one finished this weekend and get started on part two by the following weeeknd. I figured I would just work on this on weekends now, especially since I have so many other projects that I need to work on. Especially my birth announcment for Kieran. She is going to be born anytime now.

So that is what is going on in my crazy stitching world, hope yours is going well!!!

HAPPY STITCHING!!

Exciting Email

2008-01-30T12:31:00.000-06:00

I received a great email last night. My MIL said she was rummaging through her hallway closet looking for something, and she was hit in the head by a falling object. When she looked she found that it was, in her words, cross stitching stuff. I am not sure what all that includes, but she has offered to give it to me. I'm not complaining!!!

When my FIL had his first heart attack his doctor said he should take up cross stitching to take his mind off things and calm him down. Obvioulsy it didn't work to well for him, works wonders for me though. My MIL will be down next Thursday so that is when I will get this wonderful gift. I'll take some pictures of what I get. I can't wait to see what it is!!

Happy Stitching!!

Motivationally Challenged

2008-01-27T07:37:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I finally decided to go ahead and grid my Mystic Stitch Coffee Time. I think it will end up helping in the end. But it seemed like it took me forerver. Of course I was watching tv at the same time and Ikept getting caught up in the movie that was on.

I keep telling myself that I need to work on the birth announcement but I just can't seem to get myself motivated. I guess I am just ready to work on the projects for me. I only have one thing I've done for myself hanging in the apartment. Ever since I started stitching again last year, I have been doing stuff for everyone else. I really enjoy making things for other people, but I am ready to see some of my work in my home.

Okay, I'm off to work on the birth announcement. Hopefully once the bunny is done I'll be more motivated to work on it.

Happy Stitching!!

January 26, 2008

2008-01-26T10:37:00.001-06:00

Here is the progress on my Celtic Knot. It has been a surprisingly quick stitch. I haven't worked on it all that much. I am hoping that I will be able to get back into my rotation in February. That way I can get my 10 project challenge under way again.

I think I am going to start to grid my Mystic Stitch Coffee Time. But today I think I'll work on the Birth Announcement. My friend Celeste is due about mid February and I think she may deliver two weeks early. So I really need to get working on it. I'm pretty sure I can get it done by March though.

You can check out some other pics and stuff on my Multiply site.

A Stitching Lull

2008-01-25T09:49:00.000-06:00

Work has been so crazy lately, and I feel like I don't have much time to stitch. I have finished the bottom half of the Celtic Knot. It has been a pretty easy and quick stitch. Hopefully I'll get a progress pic up tonight.

I am getting to work on the Birth Announcment for my best friend's baby. She is due pretty soon and I am hoping to get it finished by the end of February. We'll see. So far it doesn't seem like to many people are out in Feb, so I am hoping to get back in the swing of things. I started stitching on the little bunnies head this morning. I have the body done and some of the moon. It just isn't going as fast as I would like it to. But I am trying to hang in there.

I am seriously considering gridding my mystic stitch project. It is a bit difficult trying to keep up with what line I am on. And now that I am eight blocks down, I don't like counting down 80-90 lines. That takes up more time than anything. so I think ths weekend I am going to try to grid my fabric.

Hopefully I will be able to get a little bit more done on the birth announcement and work on my mystic stitch this weekend. I am on call so I'll just have to see how it goes. Hopefully well!!

Happy Stitching to all!!!!

Some Progress

2008-01-10T06:55:00.000-06:00

It's not a lot but I have only worked on it a couple of hours over two days. I have several other projects going on at the same time. But I am still proud of what I have gotten done! I haven't stitched anything this big before so I think I am doing okay, and I am enjoying working on it.

Coffee Time

2008-01-09T05:21:00.000-06:00

Well so far I have worked on my Mystic Stitch Coffee Time twice in the past two weeks. I haven't gotten that much done, but what I have done I am proud of. I am working in columns. Each Column has eight blocks, which is a 10x10 square of stitches. I have gotten 1 1/2 columns finished. It may not seem like much but there are 100 stitches in each square and I am a fairly slow stitcher.

The more I stitch I am finding that I am getting faster. I do think I am putting too much tension on my stitches because you can see the fabric through some of the stitches. Hopefully once I finish and wash and iron the piece it will be better. I will get some pictures up later this afternoon. I'll also get some pictures up of the birth announcement for Kieran.

A First

2008-01-01T09:02:00.000-06:00

I started my first ever Mystic Stitch this morning. So far it is going okay. I worked on it for about an hour this morning while watching the Parade of Roses. Since I was just stitching with one color it really isn't that bad so far.

I am going to try stitch parking now though. I had to pick up a few colors that I needed, and now that I have those I should be ready to go and give it a try.

Hobby Lobby also had fabric on sale today so I picked up the last of the fabric that I will need for my 10 Project Challenge.

I'll post some pictures later today to show my progress. There really isn't much to see as of yet.

A Year in Review

2007-12-31T14:00:00.000-06:00

Another year has come and gone. It seems like it just began yesterday. This year I finished 10 projects. Almost all of them were Christmas presents. I did manage to get them all done and framed in time though. That has been the most projects I have finished in my 20 years of stitching. Although I did stop for quite a while.

But here comes the new year and a new challenge. We will see how my 10 Project Challenge goes, and how long it takes to finish. I have some big projects in store so it may take longer than 5 months. I am thinking it may take me almost all year. Hopefully not, but I am not going to rush myself. Most of the projects are for me, and this year I think a lot of things will be for me.

Stitching Timeline

2007-12-29T16:55:00.000-06:00

I have decided to help prevent boredom with my 10 Project Challenge, I will rotate my projects. I think I will change up the rotation monthly. That way I really don't get bored!! I'll get more done on the nights that Aaron works, but I'll do my best to keep up with the rotation and work on the pieces each night.

I know I need to have the Birth Announcement for Kieran finished by the time she is born. So that will have to be in the first rotation. Then I think I will do the AGD Sampler (I don't have much left on that one). I think I will put the Celtic Love Knot in there as well, mainly because I've already started that one. That makes three. I guess I will start the Mystic Stitch, Coffee Time, mainly because I already have the material for it. I think that will suffice for now.

Now to figure out what days to work on what:

Monday: Birth Announcement

Tuesday: Mystic Stitch

Wednesday: Celtic Love Knot

Thursday: AGD Sampler

Friday: Birth Announcement

Saturday: Catch up Day

Sunday: Whatever strikes my Fancy

That will leave the Baby picture frame, Wedding Sampler, Dream Theater Burning Heart, and Wreath of the Month Sampler for February. I am sure that I will finish the AGD Sampler before February, so I will just slip one of these in the January rotation.

Last of the Christmas finishes

2007-12-25T21:20:00.000-06:00

These were the last of my Christmas presents. It seems like it took forever to get my Dad's done, but I finally finished it. It turned out really nice and I think he really liked it.

The other cross stitch is a part of Footprints in the sand. I did that one for my Grandmother. I am so glad that Christmas is over and now I can start stitching some things for myself and not have to rush to get things done.

Two Projects Down

2007-12-11T16:50:00.000-06:00

I finished these up last night. The picture on the left is my ornament and the one on the right is Aaron's ornament. I think they turned out really well.

These were two of the projects in my challenge. I went ahead and did these because they were quick and easy stitches. I also wanted something so that Aaron and I could remember our first Christmas together as a married couple. We spent Christmas together last year, but it is different this year.

When I was growing up and my mom still stitched, she always made a Christmas ornament for me. We still hang them on the tree, and they are still some of my favorite ornaments. I just wanted to start this tradition in my family. I hope one day that it will mean as much to our children as it meant to me.

I Framed it!!!

2007-12-09T03:58:00.000-06:00

Here are my latest finishes. One is the Birth Announcement that I have been working on. I finally framed it tonight. Aaron talked me through it and I actually did all the framing work myself.

It really wasn't that hard. I thought that it was going to be difficult to do, but it really wasn't hard at all.

I also framed a piece for my mother. She stitched this a while back, probably before my brother was born.
I love the way it turned out!! I had such a hard time deciding on what colors to use for the mats. I actually had to call my mom and be secretive and ask what color mats she would use for blue fabric with white stitching. Everyone in the frame shop was laughing at me. I guess it was pretty funny!

Now I can say that I actually made the pieces from start to finish. It is such a feeling of accomplishment. It is really nice to be able to make something for somebody for Christmas or Birthdays. I think it means so much more than if you just go out and buy something.

10 Project Challenge

2007-12-08T13:28:00.001-06:00

Okay, I haven't posted in a while so I thought today would be a good time!! I finished stitching my grandmother's Christmas present. I still have to frame it, and I have to finish and frame my Father's present. But at least I got one more done, and that just leaves Dad's present. I am really ready to stitch something for myself!!

On on of my Yahoo! Groups I saw a post about the 10 Project Challenge. I decided this was a fantastic idea! What you do is pick 10 cross stitch projects. They can be new projects or a WIP. During the challenge you don't buy anything for your stash. I am going to add the exception that if I need something to finish a project, like a skein of thread, that will be okay to purchase. But no adding to my stash.

I am going to start my Challenge in the New Year, starting on January 1st. I'll list my projects here, and I'll share pictures in my Webshots album.

10 Project Challenge:
1. Celtic Love Knot (For Aaron and I)
2. Birth Announcement for Kieran
3. Wedding Sampler for Wes and Melinda
4. Baby Picture frame for Jenny and Steve
5. Christmas Ornament for Aaron
6. Christmas Ornament for Me
7. Wreath of the Month Sampler
8. 1/2 of Coffee Time (from Mystic Stitch)
9. Dream Theater for Aaron
10. AGD Sampler

Okay so I don't have anything for the last one, but I am sure that I will find something to fill it with!! Remember to check out my Webshots album.

Finally Finished

2007-12-01T09:15:00.001-06:00

I am finally finished with one of my Birth Announcements. I was so excited last night as I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

I wasn't that sad that the project was over becuase I still have one more to go. I have a friend who is going to have a little girl in February. So I will start that soon. I guess I should start it really soon since the last one took me two months to do.

Only 1/3 Left!!!

2007-11-28T19:51:00.000-06:00

So I decided that I just couldn't resist and I had to post my progress. I am so excited about this piece!! It is coming together really nicely. Hopefully I can finish by the weekend.

I was hoping to be done on Sunday, but as you can see that didn't happen. So here I am on Wednesday with 1/3 of the back stitching still to do. That's okay because even if it was done it wouldn't be framed until next week sometime anyways.

Here's a reminder of what it looked like sometime last week.

Birth Announcement Cross Stitch WIP

2007-11-24T11:48:00.000-06:00

Okay so here is another update. I'll try to contain myself and not post again until I have finished.

All I have left now is the backstitching. I am so excited! This turned out so nicely!! I can't wait until I am done and my husband starts to frame it. Just a perk of having a spouse who works in the framing department at Hobby Lobby.

The Last Bunny

2007-11-22T21:47:00.000-06:00

Last night I just finished stitching the last bunny. I started some of the back stitcing on him, I just couldn't help it. I have the name, a few butterflies, and the ribbon left to finish before I start all the back stitching. You can see the bottom half of the piece in my other blogs. Let me know what you think.

Also I am half way finished with my Father's Christmas present. It is coming along very nicely!!

Q Snaps

2007-11-13T13:11:00.000-06:00

I have had issues cross stitching and using hoops. I keep getting these "dirt" circles on the fabric. These circles are really hard to get out. So I saw where some people were praising Q snaps in a group message board. Well I decided to break down and by the 6x6 q snap. I had a coupon for Hobby Lobby so it seemed like the time to do it.

Well when I got home I promptly put it together (which took no time at all). Then the task of putting fabric on and getting that set up. That was a breeze. When I started stitching my hands weren't all over the fabric, I can just hold on to the plastic snap. So far it has been fantastic. The only draw back so far is that Hobby Lobby only had the 6x6 and not the 8x8. But that's okay. I'll continue to use the 6x6 and see how it goes before I go any bigger.

One Corner Down

2007-11-13T13:03:00.000-06:00

One corner down, three more to go. Okay so to tell the truth, I thought this was going to be really girly and I was a bit worried about this pattern. But it is actually turning out to be really nice.

This is going to end up being a picture frame for my Father. I am going to put a picture of him and me from the wedding in it. I was going to do it for both of my parents, but I am going to have some of my mother's finished cross stitch framed for her. I thought that would be very fitting. And then my Dad can take the frame and picture of him and me to work and put it on his desk.

I hope he likes it. I am sure he will.

Exciting Progress

2007-11-11T13:33:00.000-06:00

I am so excited to share this. I have finished the cross stitching on the bottom half of the birth announcement. I sitll have the backstitching, but that comes last. I already backstitched the butterflies, so all I have to backstitch is the bigger stuff.

I just got into the cross stitch zone yesterday and had a blast. I can't wait to get started on the upper half. I have really suprised myself because I enjoy stitching something this big. Well big for me anyways. I think I said this before but I have enjoyed stitching things for others more than myself. I seem to stay motivated if it is for someone else.

Hopefully I'll have more pictures to post by tonight or tomorrow!!

Tied in Knots

2007-11-10T13:59:00.000-06:00

So I finally finished the smaller piece that I have been working on. It didn't take long to finish. I was a bit nervous to start it, becasue of the french knots. But once I got the hang of it, it really wasn't that bad.

Anyways, I still don't know what I am going to do with it. I haven't decided how to finish it off. I don't think I am going to frame it. I guess this means I need to take a trip to Hobby Lobby and find a way to display it. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Photo Frame Cross Stitch

2007-11-08T20:05:00.001-06:00

Okay so here is what I am stitching for my parents. I will put one of the pictures from the wedding in here. I'm not sure what picture I am going to use, but I have time to decide. I just hope I can finish it before Christmas. So far it this much has only taken a couple of hours. But those hours have been really spread out.

Anyways the one picture is what the finished project should look like. The latter picture is what I have done so far. I'll post more pictures as I go along.

No new progress

2007-11-08T17:55:00.000-06:00

Sorry to say I haven't been able to cross stitch for a couple of days. It is killing me. I did get a little bit done on a christmas present for my parents. That one is going to be really cute. It is for an 8 x 10 picture frame and you can put whatever 4 x 6 picture on it. It is a really good idea. I will get some pictures of it up soon.

Stitches in Progress

2007-11-05T12:42:00.000-06:00

I thought this would be a good time to post my upcoming projects and works in progress. One is for fun, one for a friend, and one just for me.

The first is a cross stitch just for fun. It is pictured to the left. It is almost finished. I only have the bits of yellow and the little red french knots left. But I have more important projects going right now. So in other words, I lost interest. But I will finish it up soon. It won't take long.

The next project is one for a friend. It is another birth announcement. It is a Janlynn Kit as well. I can't wait to get this one started. Hopefully I will get started on it after the first of the year. That is after all of my christmas presents are done.

It seems that everyone I know is having babies. I hope this is it for a while. I don't know how many more of these big projects I can crank out.

The last project is one for me. I think I am most excited about this one. Only becasue it took me a while to find just the pattern I wanted. It is going to be a wedding sampler for my husband and me. My husband's mother got us a love spoon just after we were engaged. I thought that this celtic knot with it's hearts would be the perfect compliment to the wooden love spoon. I am sitll not sure what color fabric I want to use. I am really leaning toward the navy, but it also gives the option for a lighter fabric. I have a while to decide though.

So there are my upcoming stitch projects. I think I've got enough to keep be busy for a couple months.

Birth Announcement Cross Stitch 2

2007-11-04T20:56:00.000-06:00

So here is the updated Birth Announcement. I worked off and on all afternoon. I think it is coming together nicely. The bottom half is almost finished. All that is left is a few butterflies, a heart, and the birth weight.

I am really impressed with myself and what I have accomplished in such a short time. Considering this is a larger piece. The largest I have done. I have found that I am more motivated to finish something when it is for someone else rather than myself. I have one piece that I will start for Aaron and I after the new year. I'll post progress on that after it gets going. But for now I think I will just stick to the Birth Announcement Cross Stitch.

Wishing for Time

2007-11-03T19:29:00.000-05:00

Don't you wish there was more time in the day. More time for the things that you really want to do. Not cleaning the house, doing laundry, washing dishes. But more time for the hobbies that help you to unwind from a long day. I always find myself trying to fit my cross stitching in to what little time I have left in a day. Of course then there are the days when I put off my housework, and actually stitch. I love those days, but my house suffers.

So now I find myself trying to finish up Christmas presents. I decided this year that I would cross stitch my presents. How's that going you may ask. Well so far I have two out of four projects completed. The two presents that I have done are for my inlaws, not even "my family." The third project isn't for my family either, it's for a soroity sister. Well atleast I have about another month and a half before I need to be finished.

Thank goodness I have such a wonderful and understanding husband. So when I don't have enough time for everything, he understands that cross stitching comes before the housework.

Birth Announcement Cross Stitch

2007-11-03T14:56:00.000-05:00

So here is my first post. This blog is really just for me. I just like keeping up with my progress. Right now I just stitch for fun. I have several projects that I am currently working on. One is a birth announcement for a friend of mine. It is the largest project I have done to date.

I think it is going fairly well. I have been working on it off and on for almost a month. If I could find more time to work on it, it would be done a lot faster. But there are only so many hours in a day.

One day I wouldn't mind selling some of the stuff I do. I have seveal smaller cross stitches that have cute little sayings on them. Those take almost no time at all to stitch. But for now I just stitch to relax and relieve stress.

So my current project is the Birth Announcement. It is a Janlynn Counted Cross Stitch Kit. It is called Sleepy Bunnies Birth Sampler. It is stitched on 14-count white adia. The finished size will be 11" x 14".

Here are pictures of my progress so far: