Willing Hands

Summertime

2011-07-07T19:25:00.006-05:00

I finally have two finishes to share! Wish I could motivate myself to come on here and blog in between finishes about something beautiful or interesting like so many of you do. Life is filled with many beautiful moments that pass us by so quickly.

My dear sister-in-law just had a sweet baby boy last month, and she has requested that I stitch her a birth sampler. This truly motivated me to finish up Connor's. I put the finishing stitches in today and I just love it. It's too bad we're poor as church mice because I really want to get it framed prontisimo!

I also finally finished the Erica Michaels 'Random Thoughts of Spring' sampler. I had fun playing with color on this piece. Not sure how to finish it off, though ... ideas?
So next up, the sampler I selected for my new baby nephew is "Peapod Sampler" by Bent Creek. Have you seen this one? I think it's really cute, and I have a hard time finding baby samplers that I like. They are mostly all horrible, in my opinion! ;) Do you ever feel this way?

Otherwise, I am busy working and taking care of Connor baby. He is now 17 months, and a big, strong, independent young man who fills our house with joy. Here he is meeting his cousin last month. He wasn't too sure about mommy holding another baby! Hope your summertime is off to an enjoyable start.
Yours in stitches,
Rachel
x o x o x

Spring!

2011-02-26T09:58:00.004-05:00

Who else is ready for some spring stitching?
Most of our snow has melted, and I am itching to hang up my coat and hear the birds sing. Last night I kitted up an old Loose Feathers by Blackbird Designs (#13) called Spring Fling. I'm just missing my green threads, GAST Avocado and Dried Thyme, to get started. I also pulled out the fibers and fabric for "In the Garden with Jane Austen" by The Sampler Girl. I hope to have this one ready by May.

And, I put a few stitches into my choice of colors for Erica Michaels' "Random Thoughts of Spring." The fabric is Silkweaver Spring Garden, 28 ct. Opalescent Cashel and the thread is DMC 4045.

Here is my progress on the little man's Beatrix Potter Sampler (with a few stubborn wrinkles). Almost done! Speaking of the little man ... he is getting so big:
Until next time!
Rachel

Nashville

2011-02-25T14:35:00.000-05:00

So who has found some pretty new things from Nashville this year? What are the "must-haves on your list? It is hard to choose just a few, but here's my wish list from the 2011 Nahsville Market.

Top to bottom:
Kelmscott Designs, Woven Scissors $11.50

Blackbird Designs, A Stitcher's Journey, $27

Just For Today by Primitive Traditions
Fabric: 40 ct. Pear (Lakeside Linens)
Fibers: Sampler Threads Heirloom Gold, Endive, Onyx; Crescent Colours Poblano Pepper, Tiny Vine, Jakey Brown, Used Brick
Price: $10

Jenny Bean's Creation Sampler by Shakespeare's Peddler
Fabric: 40 ct. Vintage Pear (Lakeside Linens)
Fibers: Sampler Threads Endive, Uniform Blue, Willow, Lambswool, Mustard Seed, Acorn, Oatmeal, Fisherman's Wharf, Toffee, Espresso Bean, Cinnamon, Piney Woods, Summer Shower, Mulberry, and Old Hickory
Price: $12

Ann Grant 1829 by Shakespeare's Peddler
Fabric: 32 ct. Vintage Sand Dune (Lakeside Linens)
Fibers: Gloriana Schoolhouse Red and Pecan; Au Ver a Soie 2635 (2), 3812, 3431 (2), 3745, 3815 (2); Belle Soie Baguette and Chocolat; Silk N Colours Camelot's Lady and Potter's Clay; Needlepoint Silk 993 and 222
Price: $25

Prairie Schooler Book 168, May, $8

Still here and still stitching

2010-10-22T19:20:00.005-05:00

Stitching friends! Still alive over here, and still stitching, just making very small progresses lately. I have precious few finishes for 2010, and don't have pictures of everything yet. But I added a few pictures to my facebook album tonight and thought, "why not go ahead and update this blog?"

I have been collecting the LHN Christmas ornaments, and have 3 stitched so far. I have actually finished off two of them, but don't have them photographed yet. I love Christmas ornaments and have enjoyed this collection.

I also make bits of progress on Connor's Jemima Puddle Duck birth sampler. I am hoping to get this finished before his first birthday. Beatrix Potter is so nostalgic for me. I grew up loving her little books and had BP wallpaper in my nursery until I was about 8 or 9. So this is quite a delightful stitch for me. It has LOTS of colors!!

I finished another special birth sampler at the beginning of the year for a dear friend who lost her baby girl at six weeks old. She knew I had been stitching a sampler for her baby and asked if I would finish it. Everyone grieves in different ways, and for this sweet mother, physical mementos have been healing.

I also finished up the Jane Austen Christmas stocking by The Sampler Girl. I need to get this finished finished but have been afraid to trust my paltry sewing skills, so I'm thinking of having it professionally finished.

That's it for 2010 finishes that I have pictures of. I have a few more things to photograph and show plus some yummy stash I picked up this week. Maybe I'll be back again in a few days!!

And how about a pumpkin picture of my sweet Connor baby?

Introducing Connor Knox

2010-03-22T16:05:00.003-05:00

Dearest Stitching Friends, Hello!

Apologies for my long absence ... who knew this mothering business was so time-consuming?

Here are some pictures of our wee lad. He was 7 weeks old yesterday. He is the delight of my heart, an amazing gift from God. He arrived exactly on his due date (which happens to be Mary Kathryn's birthday) of 1/31. I was in labor for about 14 hours, only about 10 of which was active. We delivered in a birth center with a midwife and I had no epidural or pain meds; I was very happy with this decision and would do it again. It was probably the hardest thing I have ever done, but of course, oh so worth it.

Connor is active, alert, curious and melts my heart with the little coos and gurgles and smiles he has been making lately.

I only have a week and a half left of maternity leave. :( Then I go back to work part time and my husband will be with him when I am not. I have had very little time to stitch -- how do you mothers of young children do it? When he is asleep, I mostly catch up on housework or nap myself. I am sure that eventually we'll find a rhythm and I will get back to more stitching -- I do miss it!

I will try to return soon with some stitching updates -- what little I have been able to do.

Meanwhile, I'll be busy over here being a mommy. :)

Nursery pictures

2010-01-21T18:03:00.004-05:00

Only 10 days until my due date -- hooray! We are ready to meet our boy. In lieu of stitching photos today, I thought I would share some of our nursery/bedroom pics. Last night we picked up our changing table and baskets, and our crib bumper arrived. Today I made and hung the bulletin board so the room is really coming together! The crib and the changer were gifts from friends with older babies; it is a coincidence that they match so well. We are really grateful for all that we have received. My mother in law purchased the Moses basket -- isn't it sweet? And the awesome bedding came from The Land of Nod.

I do have some finishes to share but it requires lugging out the ironing board first. I think I had 5 goals for January, I have met one and should meet another tonight I hope. Be back soon.

"Even the Worst Weather"

2010-01-04T10:01:00.007-05:00

Happy New Year, Stitching Friends!

My how time flies. I kept thinking I would have a finish to share by Christmas, but I'm not QUITE there. I have been working on the Jane Austen Christmas Stocking, and thought I should at least share my progress. Here I was last time I wrote, in November:

and here I am now - almost there:

We had a lovely visit from my sister-in-law and her boyfriend, and did indeed "think little of even the worst weather" when Christmas brought record-breaking snows to Philadelphia. We stayed indoors, mostly, sleeping in and having cozy breakfasts in the afternoon, but ventured out for a walk from time to time:

(we have a Danish tradition of making Aebleskivers at Christmastime)

(My DH enjoyed torturing his sister with giant snowballs)

One of the highlights of our Christmas was the cooking. We made a fabulous "Julie and Julia" inspired French feast thanks to my mother-in-law's generous gift of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" and some gift certificates to Trader Joe's. On the menu, we had ... bacon-wrapped dates and ratatouille to start, roast duck, chestnut and sausage stuffing, roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon (bacon makes everything better), arugala with green apple, dried cherries, and candied pecans in a white balsamic vinaigrette, and from scratch walnut fougasse (a gorgeous leaf-shaped flat bread). The meal took about 10 hours to make on Christmas Eve and I did it at 8 1/2 months preggers - woot!

Walnut Fougasse

And of course Philo enjoyed the ribbons and paper.

I have a few January goals... will be back soon to post about those.
Hoping you are all happy and well -- Blessings for 2010!

proof that I am still stitching

2009-11-19T09:39:00.004-05:00

Hello Friends!

It has been a month ... I know that my month's worth of progress looks like what most of you accomplish in a week, but we won't think about that. :) Here are some things to share.

First up is a little pincushion I made for Margaret for the stitching bloggers' birthday club. Margaret loves all things blue, so I decided to do this little design in a blue colorway for her. Somewhere I have the names of the CC fibers I used, I'll try to come back and add them here. I filled this cushion with pellets and fiberfill and I liked the squishy weight of the pellets a lot.

I am working my way through the 2007 JCS ornaments I wanted to stitch. Here is the over 1 ornament from Brightneedle. This is so tiny! Those itty bitty french knots were challenging. Next up is the LHN ornament -- love the colors in this one.

Here is my progress on the Jane Austen Stocking Sampler. This project is such a joy!

I made quite a bit of progress on BBD's Autumn Song. Here is where I was last time I picked it up:

And here is my progress now ... 4 more leafs done:

That's all for now, folks. Preggo update... I am at 29 weeks and need to hurry up and finish this post because I have an appt. with my midwife in 1 hour! See you next time; happy thanksgiving to all.

a Jane stitch for all seasons

2009-10-20T16:56:00.005-05:00

Finishes! I did finish "In the Kitchen with Jane Austen" -- such a happy little stitch! Next up I have Jane Austen Sampler Stocking for Christmas (both from TSG). I have had this in my stash for 3 seasons; so happy to finally be getting it started. Last year I purchased a nice cut of white evenweave for this project, but I wanted it to age it a little, so I tried my hand at Vonna's bake and baste method. It turned out beautifully! I need to sub a few of the fiber colors which are too close to the fabric color, but so far that's been easy and I am loving the way it's looking. Here's hoping I can complete this by Christmastime!

Other than a bad cold (bleh) I have been feeling well pregnancy-wise. Thanks for all your sweet comments!

A is for ... Autumn, Austen, Apples

2009-09-26T11:16:00.005-05:00

22 weeks today

October is coming! I've been stitching on this little fall design from The Sampler girl and it makes me want to bake apple pies. I also ordered some of Tanya's new designs to add to my Jane Austen collection ... and looking at the patterns is almost as fun as stitching them. :) More stitchy stash in the mail this morning includes these adorable accessories from The Gift of Stitching. I think this is my first needleminder!

Last night we visited the Celtic Classic which is a huge Celtic music festival in Bethelehem, PA. We went last year and have been looking forward to returning this year. I could not resist picking up these cute little t-shirts for the baby. They are so small ~ I put my hand in the photo to show how cute and tiny they are. My husband really liked the "wee little troublemaker" one. :) We also purchased this yummy bread -- who can pass up "Autumn Bread"? I toasted it with butter, cinnamon, and sugar this morning -- delish. So - I am starting to look really preggers, yeah?

Laundry is calling, so bye for now!

2009-09-19T14:19:00.006-05:00

Hello Stitching World ~ Long Time No See!

I've been quite the delinquent blogger of late. Last evening, I went out for a fun night of "Stitching at the Ford" sponsored by The Strawberry Sampler, and had fun meeting up with Anna VS and Dianne along with a bunch of other local stitchers. It inspired me to update my blog!

Dianne and I --we planned in advance to match our haircolor and fushia tops (not really)

Anna rocking the mystery shades whilst my left arm looks huge

Sadly, I don't have oodles to show you for the last couple of months. It has been a busy/strange/emotionally difficult summer; I experienced the deaths of three people I was close to, so have been doing a lot of grieving, but am also pregnant with my first, so of course have been joyful as well.

But how about some stitchery. I do have a couple of finishes and a work in progress:

WIP: Autumn Song by Blackbird Designs

Blackbird Designs Freebie -- for my grandmother, finished as a wall hanging

LHN Travelling Stitcher -- (stitching done, just need to attach these to the cute travel cases)

Until next time ... hopefully sooner than 2 months from now!

Pomegranate Textiles

2009-07-10T10:53:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my hubbin and I made a visit to the Philly Museum of Art. I always stop in the textiles room to see what they have on display from their huge collection. Right now, they have textiles out that include the pomegranate motif, an ancient symbol of life, fertility, and vitality. I was particularly taken with a Turkish quilt facing from between the 17th and 19th centuries. From the museum's website:

"During the Ottoman Empire, embroidered textiles were made by men in professional workshops and by women in the women's quarters of houses. A quilt facing (yorgan yüzü), part of the bedding in a well-to-do Ottoman household, would have been tacked to the top of a quilt so it could be easily removed. This example is constructed from three joined loom-widths of fabric that were embroidered before being assembled. The pattern of a pomegranate flanked by two large serrated leaves is worked in a darning stitch over three threads. The composition's central field and border typifies Ottoman embroideries from the seventeenth to eighteenth centuries."

The fibers are silk and had a lovely sheen. The intricacy of this work is amazing.

There was also some beautiful hand embroidered lace and other textiles from the 17th century.

In my own meager and humble work, I've been stitching on the larger part of LHN's "Traveling Stitcher." It's not very exciting looking yet, but will be cute when it's all done. Hope you have a lovely weekend planned!

Thank You!

2009-06-28T22:13:00.004-05:00

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your warm congratulations and sweet comments on my pregnancy announcement. I felt so loved and supported by all your sweet thoughts! This past week was eventful-- the good news: I had a lovely, restful vacation visiting friends in Ohio (eat. walk. nap. read. stitch. repeat!). The bad news: this weekend I ended up in the emergency room due to some unexpected and scary bleeding. The good news again: they did an ultrasound and all is well; the bleeding was caused by a small tear called a subchorionic hemorrhage, which is nothing too serious. It was a very anxious situation to be sure, but in the end I saw my baby's heartbeat and had a good explanation for the bleeding. Hoping that the tear will resolve itself and I will go on to have a healthy pregnancy.

Now, how about some stitching??

I finished the needlecase from LHN's "Travelling Stitcher." This was a sweet and fun stitch.

Here is "Spring Has Come" by Prairie Schooler all finished up!

And my progress to date on Beatrix. This is what I worked on most of last week. I am finally finished with the first page ... really need to step it up on this one. Loving the Victorian Motto threads on this -- they stitch so nicely!

Ta Ta For Now. Hope you all have a lovely week.

oh baby

2009-06-12T07:52:00.003-05:00

Time to re-arrange some stitching priorities ... next January (Lord willing), we will be welcoming our first child! I am still pinching myself and getting used to the idea. So far I have not had any sort of morning sickness, so it hardly seems real.

I plan on blogging for my family over at Vox Vendsel and have a post up there about finding out, if you are interested in reading it.

I am having visions of a Beatrix Potter nursery ... I bought some of those Beatrix Potter leaflets by Green Apple about 10 years ago and have been saving them! So much to stitch, so little time. :)

Birthday Treasures

2009-05-24T19:16:00.007-05:00

Just look at all these beauties! I was definitely spoiled this birthday. It was wonderful to be in Texas among family and friends, and to come back home to all kinds of treats awaiting me in the mail.

First of all, Carol sent me the prettiest package for the Stitching Bloggers Birthday Club. She stitched the Bianca Scissor Pocket by Cat's Whiskers Designs on 32 ct. White Belfast with Caron Waterlilies in Hyacinth and Moss. It is so delicate and delightful -- I love it! She also sent along some DMC scissors, a big piece of hand dyed lugana, a fat quarter, some pins and pretty purple ribbon, and a La-D-Da freebie. Thank you so much, Carol!

And what would birthdays be without a little stash? I took advantage of Mary Kathryn's sale before we left and ordered several items from Blackbird Designs ... it seems like they have a huge quantity of new items out now, doesn't it? I also ordered the pretty spring colors for "In the Garden with Jane Austen" by The Sampler Girl. I can't wait to start this one. Speaking of Jane Austen, some dear friends gifted me with the most extraordinary book, called "Life in the Country with Quotations by Jane Austen and sillhouettes by her nephew, James Edward Austen-Leigh." It contains beautiful reproductions of Regency era sillhouettes that Jane Austen's nephew cut free-hand from black paper, accompanied by texts from her novels. The patterns are exquisitely detailed.

i

Also pictured above are a wonderful stitching journal from my wishlist that my sis-in-law and brother picked out, some gorgeous beads from another friend and poetry by Robert Burns from my father-in-law, and a little bird figurine and eggs painting that I picked up at a boutique in Dallas.

An abundance of blessings! Each reminding me of those I hold dear.
More stitchery picturs to come, I promise...

Updates Coming Soon ...

2009-05-19T21:46:00.003-05:00

Oh dear stitchy friends... I have been away far too long!

Just returned from a 12 day trip home to Texas. I have several stitchy updates for you, which will have to wait until tomorrow. For now, you can see some of my trip pictures on Facebook here and here if you like. The second album contains some great pics of a fabulous tea room that all you DFW ladies need to visit, if you haven't already. It's called The Chocolate Angel and the pic above was taken there. Those ladies are my mom (middle) and mother-in-law (right) -- aren't they lovely?

I am almost done with Spring Has Come and eager to show you that progress. I also have a gorgeous birthday package from Carol to show off, some stash and other projects in the works. Just wanted to pop in and say that I've missed you and will be back soon!

ready for Spring!

2009-03-14T09:35:00.003-05:00

Oh, I am so ready for real Spring weather, aren't you? I thought I might try to entice the daffodils to bloom and the leaves to green by pulling out this cheerful Prairie Schooler sampler, Spring Has Come. It has the most cheerful colors...

I'm enjoying stitching on it in a cozy chair with a brand new stitching lamp which is currently changing my life! It's amazing what good light can do.

I hope your weekend is pleasant as only a stitcher's can be. ~ Rachel

Snow day finishing

2009-03-02T18:55:00.002-05:00

I used my snow day today to do a little stitching and finishing! I seem to be stuck on the hanging pillow finish. :) Thanks to Tanya of The Sampler Girl for these lovely designs.
Primitive Irish Cupboard sampler 32 ct. Creamy Cocoa by Sassy's Fabbys GAST Cornhusk, Avocado, Brandy and CC Fallen Leaves, Desert Mesquite and Cocoa Bean

The Inauguration Day Sampler (modified as a housewarming gift for our new neighbors) 36 ct. Tawny Buff by Sassy's Fabbys DMC threads
(Their living room and dishes are all black and white -- hence the color selection; the year is our friends' wedding anniversary)

February Wrap-Up

2009-02-18T22:32:00.008-05:00

Well, here 'tis, the last day o' February. How time does fly!

Every year around this time, I love looking at the new Nashville offerings, and this year I decided to make myself a wishlist to keep track of the things I'd love to own eventually. I am positively drooling over the Primitive Traditions' Abigail Colby books. They are expensive, but so yummy! I'm also intrigued by The Goode Huswife offerings and her "new look" - how about you? I am crazy about that E is for Eggs especially.

I went ahead and sprang for My Big Toe Designs' Quaker Harmony - love this. Also, I couldn't put my credit card # down fast enough for Little House Needlework's new Travelling Stitcher, though I can tell you already that I will need some finishing advice from some talented someone on attaching the stitched pieces.

In February, I also stitched on several wips, including Beatrix... you can see my progress here. So far I am finding this a sloooooow but enjoyable stitch.

So I also have a couple of awards to acknowledge - thank you so much Nancy and Milly for the Special Friends Award and "Love" Pendant. The description for this award reads "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these kind writers. When you pass the award along please include these guidelines. I am to choose eight friends to share this with."

I choose: Sweet Pea Stitches, X Marks My Spot, Mainely Stitching, Dianne Rambling On, Lake Stitcher, With Needle and Thread, Quilt or Stitch? How About Both, and Suburban Stitcher.

And thanks again to Milly for the fun tag:

I am supposed to list my 5 favorite things and tag 5 others. Here are a few of my favorite things:

1. Stitching (of course!)
2. French press coffee
3. Cooking yummy recipes
4. Midsommer Murders, and any cozy British mystery show or book
5. Going to art museums

I tag: Suburban Stitcher, Cozy Egg, Sharon Stitches, Spinster Stitcher, and Stitchful Thinking.

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T01:32:00.006-05:00

I finished my V-day present to my hubby tonight, a little hanging pillow with some festive fabric trim and heart buttons.

Here are some more cute pictures of Philo: he sleeps like this with his paws in the air all the time.

I think Mike and I are planning to visit a local museum for our date tomorrow. I hope you have something special planned, even if it's just to sit with your feet up and stitch. :)

Love,
Rachel

I heart stitchy mail

2009-02-06T17:57:00.004-05:00

I came home to not one, but two great packages .... ah, stitchy mail! Almost nothing makes me happier. I won these great charts by City Stitcher on eBay, and discovered that the seller was our very own Nancy. I also purchased a back issue of Sampler and Antique Needlework from Karen V ~ thanks, Karen, it made the journey safely across the pond!

And, Mary Kathryn let me know that my little birthday pressie had arrived, just a small wish for blessings this year. This is taken from a Prairie Schooler chart called Garden Gloves.

Hope your weekend is blessed! For my part, I plan to spend the evening relaxing at home with Mike, then we have to work on our finances tomorrow (yuck) and various and sundry other weekend-y tasks. I'm sure I'll sneak some stitching in there somewhere...

Februrary snow

2009-02-04T10:41:00.004-05:00

We had a big pile o' snow last evening, and two of my morning appointments cancelled due to the weather, so I have just a few moments to make a post here today. Here are some pictures that I snapped from my apartment windows. Everything is beautiful with a blanket of white and the bright sun shining.

At the top is a picture of a Valentine's Lizzie Kate in progress. I still need to stitch up the border and finish but I am pleased with the color changes. This is stitched on 28 ct. Mocha Java by Sassy's Fabbys.

Ok, must run for now!

in progress...

2009-01-29T20:15:00.003-05:00

I'm overdue for an update. I do have several wee finishes coming up soon, but in the meantime, here are a few pictures of several of my works in progress. Just a quick little post tonight, no special news from me.

~ La-D-Da's Gentle Words - a very old wip, but so pretty

~ CCN Winter Welcome; needs ironing!

~ the 2008 PS Santa, on some pretty Sage Jobelan, for something different

~ From the 2007 JCS magazine - I love this cutie!

And I'll leave you with a picture of Philo living up to his name, hanging out with Mike's philosophy books. :)

Happy Stitching!

A Special Tea

2009-01-14T12:25:00.001-05:00

We have a dear little friend named Micaela. In early December, my husband and I took her out for a special Christmas tea. I put on my best hat and we enjoyed all the dainties of the Christmas be-decked tea room. Micaela, who has SMA , is a huge anglophile and the smartest reader you would ever care to meet. She is also my little stitching buddy as I taught her to cross stitch. She keeps trying to like the taste of tea, but at 13, she has lots of time to acquire that taste. In the meantime, she loves the scones and the atmosphere! My husband was a great sport to go with us, even though the entire room was pink and he was the only male around. :)

the bill was presented in this sweet little embroidered purse

love the rosebuds on our lemon curd and cream!

Micaela looked elegant in my hat!

Two LHN

2009-01-12T18:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your warm comments on my last post! I'm wishing I were a better commenter on all of your lovely blogs. Hope to be catching up that enjoyable task in the next few days.

Here are two more finishes by Little House Needleworks from the tail end of 2008...

Pumpkins will be a pinkeep for my LHN Fruit Salad Pinkeep Basket. I changed a few colors in the Pumpkins thread pack and am happy with the result --one of the skeins of CC that came in the thread pack was too pale for my fabric. I like the look of two different oranges for the two pumpkins.

Holly & Berries is stitched on the recommended linen with DMC. I can't decide how to finish that one! Maybe a little pillow??

fun fair squares

2009-01-12T17:55:00.000-05:00

Here are the fair squares I made and received in November and December. The Bent Creek cutie may seem out of season, but April is turning her squares into a Halloween quilt. I need to get busy and finish the ones I received!

January is here

2009-01-10T08:01:00.006-05:00

Prairie Schooler "Winter Wind" Bk. 133
32 ct. Lambswool, DMC floss
Finished as a flatfold

A Rose is a Rose by La D Da
Finished as a Matress Pinkeep
32 count lavender mist belfast linen
Sampler threads and weeks dye works
A Sweet Gift from the Lovely Hazel

As I type, the verse on this Winter flatfold could not be more true... January has brought us such a lovely dusting of Winter snow outside, and oh how I love the beauty and stillness of an early morning snowfall. I finally finished this design which I stitched in 2007 into a flatfold to display on my hutch for Christmas and beyond.

I should say ... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! December and the first part of January has been filled to the brim for me: I left my job at the foster care agency, and began a new job as an outpatient therapist; my sister-in-law came to visit for 10 days at Christmas, and the next day we left for Chicago to spend a week with my family; oh, AND, in what became a crazy 2 week project, I re-arranged all our furniture, which entailed selling/freecycling 7 pieces, making a big trip to Ikea with the requisite assembly required, making 4 new curtains and 5 new pillows, and purchasing a beautiful new iMac computer for our Christmas gift --our old computer was on its very last leg. When I type all that I start to feel exhausted! But that is why I have taken a break from blogging for a few weeks.

Somewhere in there I received this beauty of a pinkeep from sweet Hazel, and I have been admiring it ever since. Thank you, dear Hazel! Speaking of Hazel, I hope to start my Beatrix Potter SAL today ~ can't wait to dive into this fun project.

I have tons of stitching to show you --will try to get it posted incrementally over the next few days... in the meantime, Happy Stitching!

Winter Approacheth

2008-11-22T19:53:00.005-05:00

We are in that strange time of year that is between seasons ... the calendar says Autumn but the weather certainly feels like winter! All the gorgeous fall colors we enjoyed this season are completely fallen off the trees now, and the temps have plummeted. We have even had some light dusting of early snow this week, which puts one in the holiday spirit. Mike and I have broken out the flannel sheets, the electric blanket, and the heavy coats. It's also hard to choose: autumn or Christmas stitching?

I have been super busy getting started with my new job, that I haven't had much time for posting here. I sent off two sets of fair squares today, so I'll have those to show soon. In the last month I also finished up the stitching on a 2007 JCS Christmas ornie, put a little progress into Where My Heart Blooms, and worked some on the large piece for Autumn Song by BBD.

Let's see, I was also tagged some time ago by both Jennifer and Tanya to share 6 Random Things About myself. I am going to be a delinquent tagger and not pass it on to 6 others, but feel free to snag this if you want!

1. My hometown is considered part of the "Dairy Capital" of Texas.
2. My father is a large animal vet.
3. I speak Spanish.
4. I am the only daughter of an only daughter, and my first name, Ruth, has been passed on for 4 generations of women.
5. I also read Greek and Hebrew.
6. I hate pickles.

Not too busy for a little tea

2008-10-30T01:11:00.003-05:00

Tea with Jane by The Sampler Girl
28 ct. Gray Flannel Jobelan by Sassy
WDW Cadet Blue, Palomino, DMC 3750 and 4220

Hello friends,

So sorry for the long absence ~ I have been super busy of late keeping up at work and school ... and looking for a new job. As of last Saturday I have accepted a new position doing mental & behavioral health therapy at a community clinic. This job will give me hours towards the counseling license I am seeking to acquire, yay. It's also a 30 min. commute instead of the 1 hour commute (one-way) that I have been making. I should be starting there within a few weeks. I will be doing some counseling in Spanish, which should be interesting and challenging.

On Sunday, I had the privilege of meeting some great ladies at the most delightful tea that Anna organized at her home. It was lovely to meet Jennifer, Jenna, and Lee, and remember that we all have first names and not just blog names. :) I did take a picture but was asked not to make it public for all the world to see . . . so you will just have to come to Philly to meet us in person to satisfy your curiosity. :)

We had delicious tea, scones, sandwiches, lime marmalade, petite cupcakes, interesting conversation (read Anna's much more entertaining description here) and a bit of stitchery. I worked on Autumn Song by BBD and finished up the bird in the middle. I don't have any real life buddies who stitch so this was an extra special treat for me. The day before, I made up the little pillow pictured above, to thank Anna for getting us together. I am a sucker for color and couldn't resist giving it with this beautiful tin of tea and Anna informed me that the whole ensemble coordinated with her bedroom and outfit, so ... bonus.

I am only managing to get this item posted as it is the middle of the night and I am having trouble sleeping tonight. I'm sorry I haven't been commenting on many blogs lately. Hopefully life will slow down soon! Thanks for stopping by.

Giveaway Contest Winners!

2008-10-14T14:11:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone,

THANKS for all your fun comments this month. I enjoyed seeing a number of new commenters on the Giveaway post. I'm going to have to do this again!

And the winners are .... drumroll please:

#1: Yuko (Be Happy)

#2: Ranae (The Needle & I)

#3: Shari (Shari's Sharings)

#4: Annemarie (Orts and Ends)

Thanks to everyone who entered!
Winners, please email me (rachelvendsel AT yahoo DOT com) with your snail mail address so I can get your charts in the mail.

Rachel

Autumn Harvest

2008-10-11T10:04:00.004-05:00

Hello all, I am having so much fun stitching Autumnal things. Here is a bit of my harvest:

"Autumn Song" Needle Keep by BBD
32 ct. Bay Rum Jobelan by Zweigart
Recommended WDW fibers

I added my initials over one at the left and right and plan to sew into a little pillow.

These gorgeous threads are by Victorian Motto and are for the upcoming Beatrix Potter SAL. I ordered two different sets of Pumpkin from Nancy and have a lot of rusty reds and oranges and golds to choose from!

"Autumn Harvest" by Little House Needleworks
Started 9/20/08 Finished 10/9/08
28 ct. Creamy Cocoa Jobelan by Sassy
Recommended DMC threads

Don't forget to enter the 100th post giveaway! You have until Monday October 13 to leave a comment. Bye for now~

Fair Square Round #9 & RAK for Vonna

2008-10-11T09:33:00.006-05:00

I had a great Fair Square partner in Joan. She stitched part of Strawberry House by LHN and did a beautiful job. I love it, thanks again, Joan!

I stitched Tanya's adorable Pumpkin House freebie for Joan on 32 ct. Lambswool. I changed the roof to a bright blue since Joan loves blue, and used Crescent Colors' Fallen Leaves for the house color.

Also, I had fun with a little RAK for Dame Vonna of the Generous Heart. I made a Floss Tag/Needle Rest for her from Blackbird Designs, changing up the colors a bit to make them more autumnal. There are a few pins in this and I used my favorite technique of painting the pins with nail polish to match. It works like a charm. Vonna does so much for everyone (organizing the Fair Squares site for one, hello!) that she deserves a little kindness every now and then.

Bluebird's Needles and Pins by Blackbird Designs
28 ct. Pearl Linen Natural Light
DMC and CC Fallen Leaves
Finished as a Floss Tag

100th Post Giveaway!

2008-10-06T21:40:00.004-05:00

Hello all! I have lots to show you from the last two weeks, but it will all have to go into the next post, since I promised a giveaway for my 100th post here.

I have 4 choices for you!! Two autumn and two Christmas ones.

#1 The Sweetheart Tree: Jack and the Silver Spider

#2 Calico Crossroads: Cat-o-Latern

#3 Homespun Collectibles Christmas cards

#4 Leisure Arts Christmas Patches

Please leave me a comment and tell me if you would like to be entered to win. You can specify one or more or all charts but each person will win in only one group. In other words, you can say, "please enter me in #1 and #2" but if you win #1 then I will give #2 to someone else. Hope that makes sense! Have fun and good luck! I will do the drawing one week from today and announce the winner by Tuesday, October 14th. Thanks to everyone who visits here and comments - be back soon.

Celebrate Autumn

2008-09-22T13:54:00.011-05:00

Today is the official beginning of autumn. My favorite season of the year! I love the beautiful colors, the chilly weather, the delicious food like pumpkins and apple cider, going back to school - just everything about it.

I had fun catching up on all your blogs this weekend - I love seeing what all you creative types are up to. I am feeling a bit more perky since yesterday, thanks for all your sweet comments.

Are there any other Victoria fans out there? I was sooooo happy when they started re-publishing this again. If you have never been swept away by this wonderful magazine then do check it out! The current issue has the most fabulous autumn menu: "Autumn Bisque", "Harvest Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette", "Spiced Dinner Rolls with Walnut Caramel Butter", and "Coconut Pumpkin Tart". I was looking for an excuse to make it so I decided to host a Harvest Dinner Party in honor of my husband's birthday next month.

One thing I forgot to mention in my last post is that I attended a fabulous lecture by Jacqueline Holdsworth of Needleprint last Wednesday at The Strawberry Sampler, a fabulous LNS about 45 minutes from where I live. It was such a treat to meet this lovely lady! She had the most delightful English accent and gracious demeanor. I learned a great deal about Quaker traditions, and one thing I learned about Needleprint is that the proceeds from the sale of each chart go towards the conservation of that chart; Jacqueline referred to it as a "dowry" of sorts for the chart's future preservation. Of course my camera's battery died and so I didn't get any pictures with her, but here are two from the shop.

Speaking of Jacqueline Holdsworth, I was so excited to join the Beatrix Potter SAL that Hazel set up. I have a special fondness for all thing Beatrix Potter and have been wanting to stitch this sampler for a long time. I plan to use some rather autumnal colors that Barbara J suggested.

Hullo, this is my 99th post. Next post, number one hundred, I will have a special give-away... so do come back!

Puttering at home

2008-09-21T10:26:00.004-05:00

When I woke up this morning, I felt so tired, even after a good night's rest, and my hubby was sweet enough to bring me this lovely breakfast in bed ... sometimes it's the little things! I stayed home from church and am wandering around in my jammies taking it easy. I did the finishing on a little surprise gift for a friend and may pull out some fall decorations for our apartment.

I received these lovely Fair Squares from Joan - aren't they pretty? This is from Strawberry House by LHN. I finished her squares off yesterday and will mail them tomorrow, so I'll show those in a few days.

Autumn has been inspiring me lately, so I started this little needle cushion from Autumn Song by BBD. I also have a small start on Autumn Harvest by LHN and hope to start In the Kitchen with Jane Austen by Sampler Girl next. I know that last one is going to make me want to bake apple pies!

The next best thing to stitching ...

2008-09-12T06:24:00.006-05:00

... is stashing!
Thanks for the warm response to my LHN fruit salad basket. From your comments I would say that I might be seeing some more fruit salad sprinkled around some blogs in the future. :)

I have done some serious stashing this summer ... now if only I had the time to stitch all of these up in a hurry. (All pictures are clickable to enlarge.)

Lots of Prairie Schooler: love those Kris Kringles!

We Give Thanks by Blue Ribbon and Home of a Needleworker, Too by LHN.

And another piece that is 98% finished: My Beloved by Country Cottage Needleworks. Just a few more leaves to stitch.

As always, I appreciate YOU and our stitching community. You are all an inspiration. I have a very busy weekend ahead, so I probably won't be back until next week. See you then!

LHN Fruit Salad!

2008-09-09T23:34:00.003-05:00

Well, my wee pinkeep collection is growing. These are from the Little House Needleworks Thread Pack series and I have a happy dance to share tonight: Cherries. I am in love with the way it turned out with the adorable cherry backing fabric and stitched on 32 ct. pale pink linen. The ribbon has the tiniest bit of black in it to match. I did change the red thread which came in the thread pack to a different CC as I wanted a deeper red. If anyone is interested I will look that name up.

Next up: Pear and Peaches, and I have the stitching done on those. After that, Pumpkins, of course, which I have been saving to do this season.

I have some other stitching to share and a lot of stash acquisition; hope I can put up another post this week. I'm working on my Fair Squares for Round 9 and enjoying the first few hints of autumn weather. I'm also debating joining the Me, Myself and I Round Robin. I have had visions of a Jane Austen neighborhood dancing in my head. But I am not sure if I want to embark on such a huge project! Anywho, it's late here. A great big THANK YOU for stopping by and leaving all of your wonderful and encouraging comments. Hope this finds you well, my friends!

Ukranian/Byzantine Wedding "Rug"

2008-08-27T13:00:00.008-05:00

Hello Stitching Friends! I am back from vacation and taking a few moments this afternoon to post some pictures of the wedding gift I told you about in my last post. You can view an entire album of related pictures by clicking here, which will take you to my facebook page.

The wedding itself was beautiful - a long, elaborate service with an Eastern-rite, Byzantine style Eucharist (a.k.a., not Roman Catholic) and many interesting traditions. One tradition is for the priest to tie the bride and groom's hands together in an embroidered scarf, a symbol of their union. It was a joy to make this heirloom for my friend. I used her wedding colors and trimmed and backed the linen with a gorgeous black linen embroidered with a gold floral motif that I found at a specialty fabric store. The monograms stand for their names, and the verse is from the Song of Solomon; "Thurow" is the couple's last name. I am very pleased with the finished product!

I had a lovely time with my parents and got in some good visiting with my grandmother, who is now in an assisted living home. It was nice to be away from normal routines, but I am happy to be back home and very much anticipating the cooler weather and the advent of my favorite season of the year!

Edited to add: some of you have asked about the design: I did chart it out myself, using the alphabet and motifs from this book.

On Vacation!

2008-08-19T10:20:00.003-05:00

Hello world ~ yes, I am still alive! I am in Texas right now hanging out with my parents for a much needed visit with them. I also have a wedding to attend/participate in this weekend. One of my best friends, the woman I lived with for three years before I married is at last getting married at the age of 38 and it is going to be such a joy ... it will be a big Catholic wedding with about 4 days of activities! The entire service is a sung liturgy and I am really looking forward to it.

I have been working all month long on an embroidered scarf that the bride and groom are wrapping around their hands during the wedding vows. It is in the final stages of finishing and as soon as I get back home I will of course post some pictures! I did not bring my computer so I will do lots of catch up blogging when I return next week.

My parents live in a small East Texas town. They have a pretty pond in the back yard and two new domesticated ducks that live here - a big white Jemima Puddle duck and a sweet, small brown duck. I am sitting by the window now drinking coffee and watching the ducks and the birds - what a peaceful, pleasant activity. I hope you can all find a moment or two of quiet in your day today.

Thank you for all the kind comments and visits I have received here lately - your friendship is sweet to me!

Pifs

2008-07-26T07:40:00.005-05:00

My other two pay-it-forward gifts have been received so I thought I would share those pictures.

Ginger requested a sheep or a Bible verse, so I combined those in a tiny Prairie Schooler-inspired pinkeep.

Jane is always posting pictures of her beautiful granddaughter, so I thought a little pillow celebrating her might be well-received. The design is a freebie from The Workbasket.

I have to make this a quick post as we are headed out the door to help some friends move today. Have a great weekend everyone!

At the movies and other miscellanies

2008-07-24T06:19:00.007-05:00

Tuesday night, DH and I had the privilege (by virtue of our WHYY membership) of attending a preview screening of the lush new Brideshead Revisited , based on the novel by Evelyn Waugh, which features Emma Thompson as Lady Marchmain. This is a re-make of the wonderful, 11-hr. BBC mini-series from 1982 which starred a young Jeremy Irons. Although much shorter than the original, it is still basically true to the story. The story is set in Oxford and Venice in the 1920's -1940's and is about an atheistic artist who gets entangled in an aristocratic Catholic family and caught between two forbidden loves. If you are familiar with the story, you know that there is adultery and homosexuality ...let me encourage Christians not to be put off by these themes: the message is ultimately one of faith. It is beautiful - go see it if you can, it opens tonight.

In other news...

I received the fun Kreativ Blogger award that has been going around blogland. It is always nice to know that someone else out there is reading and thinking of you, so thank you to my sweet pal Michele B. and new-to-me blogger Cherry! One thing that has been fun about these awards is meeting a few new bloggers and getting to know their wonderful work; I have added some great new blogs to my blogroll by following links.

Now it's my turn to pass the award on to others. Here are the rules:

1 The winner may put the logo on her blog.
2 Put a link to the person you got the award from.
3 Nominate 5 blogs.
4 Put links to the blogs.5 Leave a message for your nominees.

So many talented and delightful stitchers have already received this award, and yet there are so many more talented and delightful stitchers to go around! Here are 5 of many who could be named.

Andrea (Deep Fried Cupcake)
Monique (Inside Number Twenty)
Annemarie (Orts and Ends)
Deborah (Midsummer Night Musings)
Michelle (Cozy Egg)

I will leave you with pictures of Philo in his favorite basket. It is far too small for him, but he loves to squeeze in anyway - simple pleasures. :)

Making progress

2008-07-17T20:53:00.003-05:00

I've been stitching away on Where My Heart Blooms, and thanks to Mary Kathryn have some WDW Charcoal again since I most inconveniently ran out, due to the frogging problem with the border. (Thanks again, MK!) Anyway, I think this is such a pretty chart and I have enjoyed stitching on the Jobelan. Any other Jobelan fans out there? I'm finding that I really prefer linen blends for softer, more cloth like feel. I love the way the 1/1 stitching turned out.

Look at this beautiful book! It is by Rouge du Rhin and I ordered it from The French Needle and received excellent, fast service. I am planning a very special project for a dear friend's wedding in August ... stay tuned for details.

teatime

2008-07-12T22:09:00.006-05:00

"Chirp and Twitter, 'Tis time for Tea"
I just love that verse, don't you? Mary Kathryn surprised me this week- she sent this adorable pillow along with some tea-themed goodies for a sweet birthday/friendship gift. As an ardent tea-lover and huge fan of Tanya's designs, I know that Mary Kathryn knew I would love this package, and she was right. :) She also sent some yummy looking Celestial Seasonings tea bags, adorable Susan Branch fabric swatches, and a fun tea shop mystery, Death by Darjeeling by Linda Childs. Thank you so much, Mary Kathryn, you continue to bless me with your kind friendship.

Next up is the first of 3 Pif's which will be winging their way through the postal service in the next few days. This pinkeep and matching scissor fob is for the always elegant supermum, Hazel of Quietly Stitching. I loved making this for you, Hazel, and hope you enjoy it! I couldn't wait to surprise you so I hope you don't mind seeing a picture first!
I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend. As for me, I'll be sipping on some tea, in between stitches ...

"A Little Sea-Bathing"

2008-07-10T18:35:00.004-05:00

Hullo all, I am just now having a chance to blog about our nice vacation last week. Mike's sister and her husband were in town for a few days, and we had a lovely time showing them around the Philadelphia area. We took them to the Jersey shore one day for some heavenly relaxation on the beach. I happened to have also finished off Tanya's delightful Jane Austen freebie which reads: "A little sea-bathing would set me up forever." I heartily agree with Mrs. Bennett! This design told me it wanted to be a pillow with some nautical striped fabric and a hanger made of twine. I hung it on our wreath on the front door with a bit of extra twine, fabric, and flowers.

We also visited the historic district, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and the Betsy Ross house, where the first American flag was made at George Washington's request, by a humble seamstress. There were many antique flags on display which was neat to see.

Stitching with Jane Austen

2008-06-30T16:03:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow, Mike's sister, Karen, and husband, Dave, are flying in to spend the rest of the week with us and celebrate America's birthday in the city where it all began. We are planning on spoiling them all week with fun and relaxing activities. I'm so happy to have a break from work to look forward to, also!

Speaking of a break from work, I took the day off today partly due to car trouble (the brakes on our Jeep started making a horrible grinding noise this weekend and I wanted to get that fixed right away) and partly because I wanted to spend the day cleaning. Well, what do you think I found myself doing instead of cleaning? (What would any true needleworker do with a day off? Clean ... or Stitch??) I happened to have the 2007 Northanger Abbey at home on Netflix, so I watched that this morning and worked on Blackbird Design's "Where my Heart Blooms." I read NA a few months ago and it quickly became one of my favorites. I really enjoyed this adaptation, especially the gorgeous costumes and the handsome Mr. Tilney.

I had a slow start with the BBD project: owing to a small error, I ended up stitching most of the border and then having to frog and re-do it. I made yet another error the second time, but left it in as I don't think it makes a huge difference.

This weekend we also did some housesitting and pet-care for some good friends and I watched Pride and Prejudice whilst working on the same project. So it truly has been a weekend to stitch with Jane. I ordered Monique's lovely little threadkeeper with the same theme, and she was kind enough to include some pretty red silk with the order. Thanks, Monique! I was happy that these purchases were able to go to such a good cause.

Also pictured are some recent stash acquisitions, including the fabric and fibers for Rites of Spring and a few Belle Soie to add to my small collection. Also I just fell in love with "A Child's Prayer" by With My Needle, a new favorite.

Next time I return I'll share some photos of our vacation week. For those Americans who are celebrating, I hope you all have something special planned for your Fourth of July!

Bless the Baby

2008-06-12T11:03:00.006-05:00

(click on the photos for a larger image)

I'm finally sharing pictures of a pillow I made for my baby cousin, Henry. Isn't he adorable? His nursery is done in tiffany blue and chocolate brown. I made a tie-on pillow with paisely fabric and matching grossgrain ribbons. Henry lives in California; his mommy Lorie, a very talented photographer and awesome Mom, is my husband's father's sister's daughter - ("cousin" is easier, isn't it?).

Thanks for all your encouraging comments! Hugs and love right back at ya.

p.s. I watched the cutest movie this week, Calendar Girls with Helen Mirren. Go rent it or Netflix it if you haven't already! It is wonderful British fun, very tastefully done and inspired by a true story.

Seek Joy in All Things

2008-06-09T16:26:00.005-05:00

Well, it's hot, people. Hot, hot, hot. We're setting records in Philadelphia! I think the high today was a very muggy 99. I do have a finish to share, which is Stacy Nash's "Seek Joy in All Things." I just love that verse and had to stitch it when I saw it. I've been switching this project out with 3 pay-it-forward gifts, and I have finished 2 of the 3, so I'm almost done with those, yay. I'm excited to share those soon. "Seek Joy" by the way, is stitched on 28 ct. Gray Flannel by Sassy's Fabbys with DMC threads and I plan to make it into a pillow.

I celebrated my 30th birthday and 5 year wedding anniversary at the end of May. On our anniversary, Mike and I did some of the things we most enjoy together: museum exploring, bookstore browsing, and reading outside in a park. We visited the Rodin sculpture museum and snapped some pictures of his extraordinary The Thinker. I learned that The Thinker was taken from a work called The Gates of Hell based on Dante's Inferno, so the subject is actually contemplating eternity and damnation. No wonder he seems so intent. Rodin loved hands and I was particularly taken with the beauty of some of the hands he rendered in sculpture.

So, I'll be back soon with some PIF projects to share as well as some great new stash acquisition. I'm feeling very empowered and inspired by two things: one is a new Nikon camera that Mike got me for my birthday. Hip hip hooray! No more boring scans from me. Two, Annemarie's post about not feeling guilty about her blog. I have only been able to blog about once a month and really don't get to comment on other blogs too much. I have contemplated deleting this blog so many times but when I read Annemarie's declaration of independence (of sorts) I felt much better, so thanks for that, Annemarie! I will update my blog whenever I can, but it is my blog after all and I shouldn't feel guilty or apologize every time I come on here. So, there. :) That having been said, Thank You all for reading! It really means a lot. I hope that if you are around excessive heat, you're finding ways to keep cool... see you soon!

Two finishes

2008-05-01T21:14:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone who wished me well - my little cold season illness ended some time ago and I have been quite well ever since. My stitching time has been very limited, though, so all I have to show for the last couple of weeks is this little Lizzie*Kate finish and the rest of my Birdsong II. Birdsong will be a flat fold, but I can't decide how to finish Tea for Two - maybe a pinkeep, maybe a needlecase? Any ideas?

motif from Lizzie*Kate Tea Crazy
28ct. Creamy Cocoa Jobelan, Sassy's Fabbys
DMC threads

Birdsong II by Prairie Schooler
32 ct. Lambswool
DMC threads

On the mend

2008-04-13T22:02:00.002-05:00

Sorry it has been such a long time since my last post!. I came down with a really yucky cold, missed two days at work, and then had a busier than usual time trying to catch up from the missed days. This weekend was nice, though, with a lot of good quality time hanging out with my husband. I have a small finish ("Tea for Two" a new Lizzie Kate) and more progress on Birdsong to share, but for now I am going to get some sleep and I hope to be back soon - just wanted to wave at you all!

a bit more birdsong II

2008-03-30T19:45:00.005-05:00

Hi friends, thanks for your many kind comments on my last post! I continue to stitch away on this bright and fun sampler. I now have the wording and the border finished up, and just have a few other bits to complete. I made Autumn Leaves into a flatfold, and plan to do the same with this one.

I had promised you a bit of news, which is that my husband has accepted the offer to study for his doctorate at Villanova University here in Philadelphia, and we are so excited that he will be able finally to realize this dream. I am thankful that we will enter a season of more or less stability in knowing where he will be for the next 5 years! I blogged a little bit about it yesterday on my family blog, Vox. Many thanks to everyone who has cheered us on through this process! We give God all the glory and are very grateful for His blessings.

Love & Stitches,
Rachel

Welcome, Spring!

2008-03-21T21:37:00.004-05:00

Goodness, it has been far too long since I've posted an update. Life has been busy indeed! This is a short little post to show you some pictures of my last finish and progress pics of the two I am working on right now. I haven't had a lot of time for stitching in the last month but I am still enjoying these pieces little by little. I am working on Birdsong II by Prairie Schooler (sorry for the crooked scan!) and Quaker House Samplers by Carriage House Samplings. I also finished up Schoolgirl Lessons by LHN.

It is still cold in Philly but SPRING is definitely on the way. I hope everyone has some special plans for Easter. We have our sister in town and are looking forward to going to a Frida Kahlo exhibit tomorrow at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I'll be back soon with some updates about my husband's grad school plans...

Something to be Cheerful About!

2008-02-17T20:07:00.005-05:00

I stitched Cup of Cheer for my kitchen with my pink "Old British Castles" dishes and my copper things in mind. Last night I was able to finish her into a little pillow to hang in the kitchen right above the tea and coffee and I'm quite pleased with the finish.

The subject line refers to some very good news we received this weekend. My husband was accepted with funding to a PhD program at Fordham University in New York. He received unofficial word via email, much earlier then we expected to hear anything--he applied to 10 schools, and we had not expected to hear anything until March or April. What a blessing to get good news first! We will still have to wait to hear back from the other schools until we can make any decisions, but at least we know now that he has a great option for next fall. We might be living in New York City!!!! That would be a big adjustment, but we would love the opportunity to enjoy all the museums, libraries, and culture in New York for a few years. Heaven only knows how we would afford it but I'm sure we'd make a way.

It promises to be another busy week. I hope you are all as well as can be!

Cheer and Kindness

2008-02-13T22:42:00.010-05:00

Our weather has been rainy and cold. Here is a picture I snapped last Friday of the dreary world outside my window (but we stitchers don't mind rainy weather do we? Good excuse to do you-know-what.) It seems February is a month for bad weather in this region. Last year on Valentine's Day we had a big snow storm! Yesterday we had freezing rain and I had to work late into the evening, so I found myself making the commute from inner-city southwest philadelphia to our home in the suburbs at a cautious 20 miles per hour! When I got home, I just wanted to curl up under the electric blanket and stitch. I've made a little bit of progress on "Schoolgirl Lessons," which has been fun to stitch so far. I'm working on 32 ct. Belfast "Pink Whisper" with the recommended Belle Soie Rose of Sharon.

This weekend I enjoyed picking out colors for and stitching up Tanya's "Cup of Cheer." Since this was my own little girl to color, I gave her Anne of Green Gables Red Hair, pink shoes, and a copper tea set. She makes me happy! Speaking of Tanya and happy, that sweet lady sent me a very unexpected V-day gift in the mail- thank you again, my dear! We are having fun loving all things Jane Austen on a yahoo group that she started and I'm looking forward to stitching up her adorable Jane Austen book bag.

Also pictured are some cuts great pink linens that I scored on ebay for about $6 each. Left to right they are Antique Pink, Baby Pink, Carnation Pink, and Cherub Pink. I guess Valentines put me in the mood for pink, but I've also had a mind to make up those cute pink pinkeeps from The Gift of Stitching Mag featured last summer.

I was humbled and honored to receive the "you make my day" award from both Mary Kathryn and Su, two stitchers that I admire tremendously. Thank you so much, ladies, you made my day! I'd like to dedicate this back to all of you great friends who have been stopping by to leave comments lately. They always encourage me, so thank you!

I leave you with a photo of my kitty cat, Philo, being bad. He's up on the kitchen counter which he knows he's not supposed to be! But I fancy that he has perched there to say to all my readers, "Have a Happy Valentine's Day!"

Nashville Spotting

2008-02-13T21:50:00.003-05:00

Have you started searching for all the delicious new goodies yet? I wish I had unlimited funds to stash, alas, I do not, but it is fun to make a wish list!

Happy Friday

2008-02-08T08:23:00.000-05:00

You may have spied this little giftie on Mary Kathryn's blog that I made for her birthday present this year. Mary Kathryn is my "go-to girl" for almost all my stashing needs, and not only does she provide great service but she is just a wonderful friend. I know she likes cottage-y colors and loves coffee, so I picked out this fabric and then planned the color changes around it. I like this chart with more feminine colors, don't you?

This is a quick post ~ I MUST get ready for work now. I'll be back with more wipbustin' photos this weekend.

WiPBustin'

2008-01-28T20:30:00.000-05:00

That's what I am focused on for the next several weeks -- getting all those pesky wips outta my hair. I am trying to deny myself new starts until all the in progress pieces are finished, which is good motivation to pull them out and work on them --even if they have gotten boring.

I am proud to announce the completion of my most long standing w.i.p., begun back in August 2006: Quaker Garden:

It really is a lovely piece and doesn't even have all that much stitching - I don't know why I got so bored with this one. But at last it is finished. We can't afford to frame it now, but I'd love to frame it in the future. I also have some small bits of another Blackbird Designs piece, Awake the Dawning Day, to finish in my wipbustin' spree, in addition to several more items. I think I only have the border eyelet stitches to go on that one. Hope to be back with more finishes soon... I have piles of stash that are calling my name!

Edgar: the "Feare Not" ornie is from the 2005 Just Cross Stitch Christmas magazine.
Thanks for stopping by and thank you for all your sweet comments.

the thing with feathers

2008-01-18T02:49:00.001-05:00

"Hope Perches"

Literary Littles #3 by
The Sampler Girl
28 ct. Tan Marble Jobelan
by Sassy's Fabrics
DMC 3842, DMC 435, and
CC Wavy Navy

I am so happy with the way this pillow turned out! I found the fabric - a perfect color match - at Wal-Mart, believe it or not. This is a birthday present for my literary kindred spirit friend, Mindy. Tomorrow we are driving to Ohio to visit them, and I have stayed up way past my bedtime finishing this present ~ time to retire.

I wanted to thank you all for the way you have warmly welcomed me back to blogging. Your sweet comments are a gift.

I Heart LHN

2008-01-17T14:01:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the newest designs from Little House Needleworks? I love them!!!!!!!

A Belated Thank You

2008-01-11T01:22:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know who the mystery Santa is?

Dear Santa, I would love to be able to thank you properly! I received your oh-so-sweet and thoughtful gift in the mail in the midst of my blogging hiatus... I peeked at a few blogs which indicated that you, Kind Santa, had sent similar anonymous gifts to many other bloggers. Whoever you are, you brightened up my Christmas and I wanted to say thank you! I hope that the blessings come back to you one hundred fold.

Christmas/Winter Catch Up: No. 2

2008-01-11T00:32:00.001-05:00

I finished stitching "Bless the Baby" for my new little cousin-in-law, Henry. I matched the colors to the baby's nursery and have some cute fabric to make it into a little pillow - this may be my weekend project.

I also started CCN's "Winter Welcome" but it does not seem to be bringing the snow to Philadelphia!

I have an overwhelming amount of stash that I am eager to dive into, but I still have about 5 or 6 Wips lingering around and really want to discipline myself to finish those before I make any new starts. I did finish Tanya's wonderful "Hope Perches" tonight - it will be a birthday gift for an Emily Dickinson-loving girlfriend. I'll share that in a few days but for now I'm off to bed!

I hope your 2008 is off to a wonderful start.

Christmas/Winter Catch Up: No. 1

2008-01-11T00:17:00.000-05:00

This post goes out to my new friend Michele Blake, who told me that she has been faithfully watching for updates here on Willing Hands. I had no idea anyone was still peeking in on me!
I really must apologize for the long absence and I do resolve to be better about blogging in 2008. Although life has been too busy for blogging, of course I haven't stopped stitching! So, without further ado, here are some of my stitching finishes from the tail end of 2007, starting with some Christmas things:

Sorry for the blurry last picture. That one is the ornament I stitched for Janice in a Prairie Schooler Christmas Exchange.
The two PS Old World Santas are ones I stitched for the PS Wreath SAL. I'm afraid I only completed 4 out of my 8 goal. I will just have to tackle the other 4 this year.
The "Feare Not/Rejoice" ornament is perhaps my favorite finish. It was the first time I ever worked with silk and the first time I ever stitched on 40 count linen! It is stitched with The Thread Gatherer's Silk n' Colors "In the Burgundy" silk and the design is by The Workbasket from an old JCS Ornaments magazine.

Autumn Blessings

2007-11-18T22:54:00.000-05:00

I received this wonderful pay it forward gift from Wendy in the mail recently. I just love the colors in the design and the expert finishing. Thank you again, Wendy! Such a lovely and unexpected treat to brighten up my autumn.

The fall colors have been absolutely gorgeous here in Philadelphia the past few weeks. I snapped these pictures of the beautiful hill across from our apartment complex this morning. I fear that all the rain we are getting this evening may knock a lot of leaves off the trees. Such swiftly fading splendor.

And lastly is a picture of my sweet and silly Philo, who loves to squeeze himself into a wee basket on our table.

We are traveling to some dear friends' home in Ohio for Thanksgiving. They live on an apple orchard-- we are looking forward to lovely walks outside among the trees and lots of apple cider! I hope your Thanksgiving is bountiful and blessed.

Red and Blue

2007-10-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

I first want to say a big thank you for all your kind comments on my last post. They truly blessed and encouraged me.

Somewhere along the way, I started decorating with a combination of red and blue, and I have a lot of these colors in my home. The last photo in this group is the top of one of our bookshelves. Last weekend, I re-arranged some furniture in a little corner of my apartment, and finished something I have wanted to do since moving in 2 years ago: I made valances for my windows! I finally had enough confidence with the sewing machine to tackle this project. I found some really cute red fabric with golden ladybugs. I hung some of my favorite blue transferware plates nearby, and also finally framed my BBD Sunflower House, and hung it in the same area, as it has the reds and blues I love so much. I am so pleased with the result. The desk in the first photo is where I put my sewing machine when I sew.

Yesterday was hubbie's 29th birthday! We went out to dinner and had fun looking through e-cards and birthday notes when we came home. We are enjoying leading a Sunday School class together at church, and I bought him this Bible as a present.

I have several wips going on right now, but this week I have been stitching away on the 2006 Prairie Schooler Santa; hope to show you that finish soon.

Autumn Leaves and Summer Fruits

2007-10-09T06:13:00.000-05:00

Autumn Leaves has been in my finishing drawer for some time, and I finally got it made into a flat fold with some gorgeous paisley fabric. It inspired me to pull out my autumn plates and decorate my hutch for the fall.

I also have been inspired to finish off some of the fruit thread packs by LHN into little pinkeeps during a stitch-a-long we're having at the LHN group. I really want to do pumpkins, peaches, and pear next.

I wish my blog posts weren't so few and far between these days but that is life right now! Hope you all are well.

birds and words #5

2007-09-15T11:20:00.001-05:00

'Tis been too long since I've done a Loose Feather's Poetry Corner for you.
As you can see, the house is finished, hooray! I have almost decided to finish this for my mother for Christmas. I think she will love it.

my progress on Awake the Dawning Day by Blackbird Designs

And now for a selection from On Wings of Song.

"Jenny Wren" by Walter de la Mare

Of all the birds that rove and sing,
Near dwellings made for men,
None is so nimble, feat, and trim,
As Jenny Wren.

With pin-point bill, and tail a-cock,
So wildly shrill she cries,
The echoes on his roof-tree knock
And fill the skies.

Never was sweeter seraph hid
Within so small a house--
A tiny, inch-long, eager, ardent,
Feathered mouse.

Lots of Pictures to Share!

2007-09-15T10:41:00.001-05:00

This is my small start on La D Da's "Peaceful Ways." The fabric is so pretty and fine, but I've forgotten what it is. I think it is a 36 count by R&R and I am using GAST threads Cinnamon, Walnut, Tarnished Gold, and Dried Thyme.

Two loveable Santas for the PS Wreath SAL.

Michele B. (Striped Rose) sent me her pretty squares for the Fair Square exchange Round 2. I am envisioning a pretty pinkeep! Thanks, Michele I do love them.

Sweet stitched piece received from Shelleen for the USEBB For the Birds Exchange. She had laced it to some matboard and framed it ... I hope she won't mind, as I'm on a bit of a pinkeep kick lately and I plan to re-finish as a pinkeep with some of the pretty fabric she sent along. Thanks Shelleen for the lovely stitching and extra goodies you sent.

These are my squares to Michele. I know she likes Little House Needleworks so I stitched motifs from "Morning Berries" using Crescent Colors threads on 32 ct. Natural Light. I do hope you like these, Michele.

We had a lovely trip to Yale; if my pictures turned out, I will share those next. Mike and I slept in this morning and made a yummy sausage and egg scramble with fresh french press coffee. I hope to work on some finishing and other home projects and then we have a birthday party to attend this evening. Happy Saturday!

Just a note to say . . .

2007-09-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

. . . that I am alive and well. :) With my new job (you can read about it here) my stitching has tapered off to a few tiny projects and one bigger secret project - my first experience as a model stitcher! I will share more about that as soon as the designer gives me the ok to do so.

I should also be able to share my squares --both sent and received--for the Fair Square exchange in the next few days, as Michele and I both sent to each other over the weekend.

I'm so sorry for neglecting to post or comment much lately! Hopefully the dust will settle a bit soon. Love to all and happy stitching to you. :)

Rockin'

2007-08-05T16:08:00.001-05:00

Well, as Barbara said, "Wow, I rock." What a nice feeling! Thanks, Mary Kathryn, for tagging me as a "Rockin' Girl Blogger."

I completely agree with Vonna that there are so many amazing bloggers out there, that I could honestly nominate dozens and dozens of other rockin' girl bloggers. But, in the spirit of fun, here are 5 of my top gals. Many of my most favorite chicas have already received one of these little awards. Here are a few more...

Isabelle must be the definition of a rockin' girl. Anyone who sews her own wedding gown out of gorgeous silk dupioni totally rocks in my book. Isabelle has mad, mad seamstress skills, girls!

Michelle is my friendship exchange partner for Fair Squares and I am already blown away by her amazing gardening abilities and great needlework sense. Go by The Striped Rose and marvel at this lady's gorgeous roses!

Andrea is one of those bloggers that I truly enjoy reading; she puts a little bit of extra love in each post. She picks wonderful projects, has a fabulous wit, sense of humor, and the most gigantic collection of silks you've ever seen.

Katie - 8 years old and stitching like a pro? 63 comments on your first post? Oh, yes, girl, you rock!

Deborah - I bow before the designing genius that is Midsummer Night Designs! Deborah can I please be you when I grow up?

I hereby nominate all the other worthy stitchers and bloggers in our fabulous stitching community. You all inspire me. :)

Lazy Sunday

2007-08-05T15:26:00.001-05:00

I suppose it's not very sabbatarian of me, but I've been enjoying shopping and stitching all afternoon long.

A little start . . .
My husband's cousin is having a baby in one month and her nursery colors are chocolate brown and tiffany blue. I had fun playing in my stash and coming up with this combination for the Lizzie Kate chart, "Bless the Baby." I plan to use these fabrics to frame it as a sweet pillow.

Impulse buys . . .

Hands to Work "I Wait For the Lord"

Carriage House Samplings' "Quaker House Samplers."

I could not resist these two beautiful charts this afternoon. I ordered them on sale at SBB--so who knows when I'll receive them--but I'm not planning to stitch either immediately so, no matter. I went ahead and purchased the silks called for in the CHS chart just as a special treat to myself.

More birds, Updates, and PIF Offer!!

2007-08-01T12:32:00.000-05:00

I have been away from blogging for a couple of weeks due to many changes happening in our lives. The biggest one is that I was let go of my full time job at the end of June, and by the Lord's grace have found a new position already which will begin next Monday. My new job is Foster Parent Recruiting/Training in the Community Based Program of a non-profit agency here in Philadelphia. I am so excited to have an opportunity to serve in this capacity. There are 8,000 children in foster care in the city of Philadelphia and I feel so blessed to be a part of helping some of them find supportive and loving homes.

I really want to take this moment also to give God glory for answering prayer. It came as a big surprise to us when I lost my job and we immediately sought His guidance and provision and many dear friends in our church community began praying for us. Within two days I had interviewed for this job and within two weeks they had extended the offer. God does provide --sometimes, not always as we imagine, but sometimes in miraculous ways. :)

Now on to a little stitching news.

First of all, I have signed up with Tanya for her Pay it Forward offer and cannot wait to see what this multi-talented designer Super Mom will stitch for me. Tanya has creativity and hospitality oozing out of every pore and it has been a joy to get to know her online!

Here's how it works:
I will send a stitched handmade item to the first 5 people who leave a comment on my blog under this post. You will receive it within 365 days; you have my word. The only thing you have to do in return is Pay It Forward by making the same promise on your blog! Once you sign up, I will be emailing you for mailing address information and will keep an eye out on YOUR blog to see what designs, colors, designers you like.
Please do sign up; this will be my second time to Pay It Forward and I had a ball stitching for new friends last time.
............................................................................................
For the Birds Exchange Pictures

Here is my completed piece for the USEBB "For the Birds" Exchange; I think it is safe to share as I don't believe my partner reads my blog. I stitched this for Toni and selected a design by Bent Creek, changing a few colors. The text reads "One bird having some friends over." This is the exchange for which I solicited all your opinions on choosing a design; thanks to everyone for your input!

I made the bottom birdie a pretty green to co-ordinate with my backing fabric, and stitched the word "bird" in that color; then had the letters of "friends" match the colors of the bird's friends (pictures are clickable if you'd like a closer view). The fabric was a scrap from my Awake the Dawning Day 30 ct. Iced Cappucino by R&R; threads are DMC.

This was my first ever flat fold, and I have the lovely Vonna to thank for her awesome finishing tutorial.

........In other news, I had many comments asking for the Amitie freebie. I'm afraid that Echevette has taken it off her freebies pages, as I cannot find it. I also managed to discard my hard copy. If anyone happens to have this to share with others, please drop me an email (rachelvendsel at yahoo dot com).

birds and words #4

2007-07-15T01:04:00.001-05:00

loose feathers poetry corner

Well, my apologies for not getting this out on Friday as planned, but here is my update this week on the lovely Awake the Dawning Day. My house has a roof now and all the satin stitches are done. I hope my SAL partners are enjoying their projects as much as I am. Has everyone seen the newest Loose Feathers? I like it very much; it's a bit different in style than the first two but I do like it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hope you enjoy week's poem.

Woodpecker

Suddenly, like an arrow from the East,
Smart as new paint appeared our gorgeous guest,
Green in his plumage, scarlet on his crown,
Strolling about a tree-trunk upsidedown,
Tap-tapping busily with beak on bark,
His mind imagineless, his purpose dark
To us who watched him, startled out of speech,
Exchanging secret glances each with each.
So all that day, being young and fearing not
Lest custom dull the treasure we had got,
All that day long we jingled, as we went,
New-minted coins of bright astonishment.

Gerald Bullett

Harry Potter Bookmark, Happy 7/7/7

2007-07-07T06:13:00.000-05:00

"Hedwig's Four Patch"
32 ct. Lambswool
Weeks Onyx
GAST Deep Sea, Burnt Orange, Brandy, Hyacinth
CC La Tierra

A big thank you to Tanya, fellow reader and HP enthusiast, for the delightful freebie!
Stop by Tanya's website: http://thesamplergirl.homestead.com/home.html to see this and all her great designs.

Mike and I are going blueberry and raspberry picking today at Linville Orchards. It is supposed to be hot in Philly today so I will be lathering on the sunscreen.

Hope you all have a great weekend. Oh, and THANK YOU for all the nice comments on my little finishes!!

~four finishes fa la la~

2007-07-05T11:16:00.000-05:00

I spent a good part of our 4th of July holiday working on these pieces. I finished stitching "Berries" for our LHN Cottage SAL, and plan to turn that into a little pinkeep, but need to find the appropriate fabric first.

.... "Bluebirds pins and needles" from the new BBD book will be a belated birthday pincushion for dear Vonna (happy birthday, Vonna!).... I had great plans to get this in the mail to you days ago but this way you can just extend your birthday celebration a bit. :)

And even though I'm spoiling the surprise, I just can't wait to share these, too. The purple "Amitie" pillow is my pif for Wendy (I hope you like it, Wendy!) and the red "Merci" tie on pillow is a surprise pif for Karen V. in England as a thank you for who she is and all she does to bless our stitching community. I used Karen's tutorial to make the tie-on pillow --so a double "merci" to you, my friend! I hope you ladies enjoy these gifts and I hope they arrive safely and soon. I enjoyed making them for you so much.

p.s. "Amitie" and "Merci" are both freebies found here.

I sitched "Amitie" one over one with Carrie's Threads Deep Purple on 28 ct. evenweave.
I stitched "Merci" over two on 32 ct. Lambswool with two strands of DMC 115.
The BBD pincushion was stitched with the recommended Weeks threads on 36 ct. Antique Cotton.
"Berries" used the Crescent Colors from the thread pack on an unknown scrap of 32 ct. linen.

birds and words #3

2007-06-29T11:47:00.000-05:00

Many, many thanks for everyone who voted on their favorite option in my last post. Purple Martins (#1) won the popular vote, but after reading your comments, I'm leaning towards #3 or #4 as something my parnter might like best. I'd like to stitch Purple Martins for one of you and do a little name drawing to determine the recipient. I'll let you know when I can get to that!

Loose Feathers Poetry Corner

The house part of Awake the Dawning Day is now under construction. I managed to put in the door and windows and part of the birds at the bottom.

(If you're just now tuning in to birds and words, I am stitching this Blackbird Designs' chart using the recommended Weeks fibers and R&R linen.)

Hope you'll also enjoy this little poem by Daniel Hall.

"Short Circuit"

For no reason,
all at once,

a dove and a jay
swerve and land

at opposite ends
of the clothesline,

and the clothes--mine,
all mine!--commence

to dance with reckless
love and joy.

Please Help Me Choose!

2007-06-27T13:46:00.000-05:00

I'm participating in a bird-themed exchange in a few weeks, and find that I have so many cute charts that would be appropriate. Thus, I'm having the hardest time choosing what to stitch. Will you help me choose?

I have 3 Prairie Schooler options and one from Bent Creek. The third picture is an option because I know my partner loves cats.

OPTION 1, Praire Schooler Purple Martins (Book 24):

OPTION 2, PS Hummingbirds:

OPTION 3, PS Bird and Cat (Book 94):

OPTION 4, Bent Creek, "One Bird Having Some Friends Over":

Please comment and tell me which you like best!

Jane Austen Sampler Finish

2007-06-22T11:53:00.000-05:00

Hello friends,

I don't have a "birds and words" for you today, because I couldn't stop stitching on my Jane Austen sampler. (Picture is clickable for a larger image.)

I did manage to finish it up this morning and it is the perfect description of how we have spent the last several days; my dear sister-in-law, Sarah, has been visiting us this week, and so far we have spent most of our time at home, sleeping in, drinking coffee, cooking fun meals, snuggling under the covers to watch movies, and playing with Philo. We are still in pajamas at 1:00 pm as I type! Soon we will get dressed and head downtown to the museum for their live jazz evening. I hope you will all have a restful weekend as well.

Thank you for all your wonderful comments on my last post- I appreciate you each stopping in and taking the time to say hello.

birds and words #2

2007-06-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

Loose Feathers Poetry Corner

"THE SADDEST NOISE" -- Emily Dickinson

The saddest noise, the sweetest noise,
The maddest noise that grows, --
The birds, they make it in the spring,
At night's delicious close.

Between the March and April line--
That magical frontier
Beyond which summer hesitates,
Almost too heavenly near.

It makes us think of all the dead
That sauntered with us here,
By separation's sorcery
Made cruelly more dear.

It makes us think of what we had,
And what we now deplore.
We almost wish those siren throats
Would go and sing no more.

An ear would break a human heart
As quickly as a spear,
We wish the ear had not a heart
So dangerously near.

Thank you all for your very kind comments and for taking the time to stop by here. I hope you enjoy this rather sad but lovely poem by the inestimable E.D., as well as week 2 progress. To my SAL friends, Nancy, Janice, Mary Kathryn, and Angela, have fun stitching!

We are desperately in love with our sweet new kitten, Philo. He is affectionate and curious and quite at home in our little apartment. It is delightful to see all the wee places he is finding to hide and nap.

Now I just wanted to take a moment to address a few questions left in the comments last time. Monique: I do tend to stitch with one color for a bit before moving on to the next one, but if I have to move more than a few squares over, I just tuck my thread under the stitches just finished, cut that thread, and start a new one. This will help you avoid having a messy back. I hope that helps - if you need any other guidance, such as it is, feel free to email me: rachelvendsel at yahoo dot com

Nancy I did leave you a comment at your blog regarding the title title of the poetry book I'm using, but in case you didn't see or for anyone else who couldn't click through the link, the book is called On Wings of Song: Poems About Birds from the Everyman's Library Pocket Poet hardback collection, which are very beautiful little books, sized for carrying with you to read at picnics, or on the train, or what have you.

Janis Lee: I did not change any of the threads or fabric, I am stitching on the recommended R&R and using the fibers from Weeks Dye Works. There is a rather obvious water stain on my fabric but I'm afraid I made that while ironing my fabric. I'm hoping the house part of the design will cover that up. :)

Also, Barbara, thanks for your comment with the quote by ee cummings -- love that! How wonderful to use on your birth announcements.

I haven't made it around to all your blogs recently but hope to remedy that this weekend. Hope you are all doing well and have a nice weekend whatever you are doing.

New Kitty!

2007-06-09T23:05:00.000-05:00

Today my husband and I acquired a precious new kitten. I blogged about it HERE. :)

for the love of birds and words #1

2007-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Loose Feathers Poetry Corner

I have decided to create a regular Friday feature here which will include progress pics on Awake the Dawning Day accompanied by poetry. Why, you may ask? Well, I:

just re-joined the Loose Feathers Club, which this year is bird-themed
just started "Awake the Dawning Day" and am so excited about this piece , and
just acquired this beautiful book, an anthology of bird poems

So there you have it.

First, my little start on AtDD. A bit slow going because of all the color changes, but oh, those beautiful colors!

And now our first selection, Bird-Language, by W.H. Auden:

I hope you all have a lovely weekend and get some nice stitching in.

Sharon's Pif Received

2007-06-07T08:56:00.000-05:00

I made kind of a "fat" pinkeep for Sharon of a lower case sampler alphabet stitched in blue DMC variegated floss. Once again, my pics are a bit blurry but perhaps Sharon will have a better picture for us soon. This was finished with some pretty blue backing fabric, ribbon, and hand-painted pins to match. I covered two pieces of foam board with batting and the fabric, so it is kind of thick in the middle, which I thought was nice.

I really enjoyed stitching this for you, Sharon!

New Blogger

2007-06-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

Everybody go say "Hi" to a new blogging friend, Katie P. She is only 9 years old but already showing great talent! Her blog is here.

Vonna's PiF Received

2007-06-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

There are more pictures over at Vonna's blog of the little Pif gifts I sent to her. (I failed to get my crummy camera to take decent pictures this time, but thanks to Nicole, I may be learning.)

I think Vonna really liked it, even though she forgot a PiF was coming her way. :) It is the With My Needle pinkeep and scissor fob from the JCS 2006 Ornament magazine, stitched with an orangey-pink DMC variegated floss that reminded me of summer and Vonna's great personality. The pinkeep is stitched over one with an alphabet on the front and on the back I added our initials and the phrase "pins for thee." The fob includes a quaker flower and bird motif and Vonna's monogram. I also had fun selecting paint colors to create some matching pins for this project. The paint dried a little too matte, so I dipped them in a clear acryllic gloss on the second coat to create a little sheen.

My gift to Sharon is out in the mail and Wendy's is almost finished. I also have a surprise PiF going to a special someone since only 3 ladies signed up under me.

I have created a rotation for new projects and old wip's. Tonight I plan to start the newest BBD Loose Feathers, "Awake the Dawning Day." This will be an SAL with some lovely ladies from The Love of Stitching yahoo group. I have a little something special planned for my blog as I stitch along on this, more details to come.

I'm also trying to finish up the Jane Austen Sampler, a couple of Christmas ornaments, and an embarrasingly old UFO, Quaker Garden.

Rotation Schedule
Mondays
Ornaments: Rejoice Ornie and then 2006 Annual PS Santa

Tuesdays/Thursdays
At Home with Jane Austen (goal is finish by June 21)

Wednesdays
Awake the Dawning Day

Weekends
Quaker Garden

I hope all my stitching pals out there are having a fantastic week. Thanks to everyone for stopping by and thanks especially to my new readers. If I've not made it by your blogs to say thank you, I will soon!

I'm in love: Crab-Apple Hill

2007-06-01T09:39:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I spied an adorable embroidered tea towel pattern at Mary Kathryn's blog, and immediately went scouting to find the source: Crab-Apple Hill Studio. I fell in love with what I found there and left a comment for MK to that effect. This morning there was a happy announcment in my email from her that she will be adding this designer to her product line at eHandcrafts online. This is a fantastic collection of cottage-style embroidery, wool-applique, and patchwork designs.

All these photos taken directly from the Crab-Apple Hill website.

Home Comforts

2007-05-25T10:14:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all of your birthday greetings and great comments on Vonna's mouse pillow and the mail art. I have been stitching away this week on my PiF gifts. I'm so tempted to share photos but I will wait until they are all finished, mailed and received. In the meantime, to the right is a picture of my start on The Sampler Girl's Jane Austen Sampler from the Gift of Stitching magazine. I love this quote, it is too true.

You may have noticed this gorgeous pillow over at Mary Kathryn's blog. She treated me this week to an incredibly lovely gift, a monogram pillow on black toile that she finished so beautifully. It is my new treasure, and every time I look at it, I smile with happiness. It is a wonderful addition to our home!

There are comforts to be had away from home, however .... Yesterday was my fourth wedding anniversary, and tonight my husband and I are dining and staying overnight at a historic bed and breakfast called the William Penn Inn. Our package includes roses and champagne in our room and I am so looking forward to the mini-get away!

One last "Home"-themed note: Would anyone like my "Home of a Needleworker" chart? Since I finished the design, I don't think I'll need it again, and I'd be happy to send it to the first person who leaves me a comment and asks for it.

More birthday love and Malaysian Mail Art

2007-05-18T13:44:00.000-05:00

Subtitled: Summer House - Two Ways!

Yesterday my hubbie brought me a fat letter from the post which contained a birthday card and wee present from the ever-talented, thoughtful, generous, creative and kind Super-Star Vonna! She stitched me the most darling over-one version of LHN's "Summer House." As I opened the envelope, I exclaimed, "Oh, it's a fob!" and my husband said, "A bob?" And I said, "No, a fob, a scissor fob," and he said, "Oh, I thought it was a pillow for a mouse." At which point I was laughing out loud. You see, ladies, I have never owned a fob before . Now I know that will come as a shock to those of you have dozens of them, but I am still relatively new to the wonderful world of alternative finishes. :) Hence, the reason my hubbie thought it was a mouse pillow. Vonna, you know I love this beauty as I have already gushed via email, but thank you again, my friend!

Disclaimer: my camera is really awful with details, so I made a rather terrible scan to try to capture the details of this gorgeous stitching. Wish I could show it off better.

In other news, my mail art partner, Zalita, let me know that the mail art I sent her arrived safely to the other side of the world. Vonna doesn't know this, but I had selected summer house for this project along with some other Little House Needleworks motifs. This was also my first mail art exchange and I am pleased that everything arrived safely and really enjoyed meeting a new international friend.

Birthday Love

2007-05-16T09:22:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was a really special day and I felt very blessed and appreciated by my sweet friends and loved ones. So many loving gifts and messages that I feel truly overwhelmed with gratitude! I have forgotten the source now, but somewhere I read that Henri Nouwen said Christians should always celebrate birthdays because it is like saying, "It is good that you exist. It is good that God made you and I love that you are alive and in this world." It is such a perfect expression of love.

I woke up to some great e-cards in my inbox from Will and Cynthia and my dear Mother-in-love. Angie sent me a gift certificate to spend at my favorite crafty store, eHandcrafts. I am going to love using that! Karen and Dave had already blessed me with a generous Amazon gift certificate on Monday (thanks again, you two!). As if that were not enough I had an email stating that I had WON a drawing I entered at a British stitchy magazine for this fabulous needlework kit! Imagine that! I don't think I've ever won anything, and to win on my birthday was such a delightful surprise!

I spent most of the day in New Jersey as Tuesdays are my counseling day. Mike said, "Treat yourself to some Starbucks on the way in," so I ordered an Orange Mocha and got a bran muffin for the drive. My mum called on the way and sang a jazzy happy birthday to me. :) I also received phone calls from my brothers and sister-in-law Sarah. Mom and Sarah say they have some special treats on the way. :)

My first counselee of the day, a dear woman named Michelle that I care for very much, had very thoughtfully remembered the day and gave me two beautiful jar candles, in Black Cherry and Lily of the Valley. Yum! She also spoiled me terribly by making the most delicious homemade bruchetta and a cheesecake for me to take home.

I spent my lunch hour with Greta, a Mennonite woman I've been counseling for several months. She took me to their Mennonite market which was stocked with beautiful Garden State produce: fat tomatoes, gorgeous strawberries, fresh asparagus and greens, and the most amazing hanging baskets of begonias and all sorts of flowers. I could not resist bringing home a tray full of fresh potted herbs, which now line my windowsill: Sweet Marjoram, Thyme, Basil, Rosemary, Sage, and Lavender. This may have been the highlight of my day!

Check out this lavender!

Upon arriving home, I was greeted by all sorts of messages in my email and a few lovely packages. My kind friend Mindy had sent the sweetest sterling silver brooch in the shape of a lovely pair of scissors. Our best buds the Nielsens, who unfailingly remember our birthdays, had selected a book from my wishlist: The Forgotten Sayings of the Desert Mothers. Thanks, guys! I am really looking forward to reading this one.

Dad Vendsel sent another Amazon gift certificate, so I will really have fun selecting some books from my wishlist. All my dear friends in the online stitching groups I belong to had posted messages to say happy birthday, which was very touching.

We got changed and went to my favorite neighborhood restaurant where we had a delicious meal. I ordered my favorite bottle of beer, Newcastle, and fried asparagus with lemon horseradish sauce for an appetizer. Karen told me I should "eat something fattening" for my birthday, so there you go, Karen! We also got my all time fav-o tuscan bruchetta salad and I had garlic-herb cream cheese stuffed chicken breast with rosemary mashed potatoes and green beans! By the time dinner arrived I could only eat a few bites so I have most of that left over for today.
We then walked around Barnes and Noble and I picked out a couple of bargain books I have admired by Susan Branch. One is a pretty book of days, and I thought it would be an appropriate birthday activity to start a private journal about the next year of my life. My mum said this morning that she predicted "29" would be one of the most fulfilling years of my life ... so, we will see, Mom!

Mike's very special birthday gift to me was two tickets to see Harry Connick, Jr. in concert here in Philadelphia. He is coming next month and I am so thrilled. I adore his music and saw him in concert years ago at A&M and he gives a wonderful show. For those who might not be familiar with him, he is an amazing jazz musician from New Orleans. I belive this concert helps to benefit Hurricane Katrina rebuilding.

We came home and watched a movie, and I put the final stitches into a project I have been working on since January.

I received my last birthday greeting of the day at 11:30 pm by my friend Mignon, shortly before turning in to sleep soundly. What a day. Thank you for ALL the love!!!!!!!

"The Potting Shed" Gift Received

2007-05-14T08:07:00.000-05:00

Goldie let me know that she received the needlecase I stitched for her, so now I can show you the pictures. (I actually nicked her pics because I didn't get very good ones.) I sitched Little House Needleworks' "Herb Garden" on a 32 ct. hand-dyed lugana from Silkweaver. It is lined with some garden-themed fabric that complimented the colors really well. I made a little pocket for notions and sewed on a ribbon for holding scissors and three Kelmscott thread rings for holding 3 of Carrie's Threads. I sent some yummy Burt's Bees soaps and garden stickers for fun, too.

I'm so glad you liked it, Goldie! This was my first needlecase finish so I am relieved that it turned out ok. :)

Sweet Vonna

2007-05-04T07:28:00.000-05:00

Vonna, you have outdone yourself this time!

I had the good fortune of having Vonna as a partner on the Stitching Bloggers "Potting Shed Exchange" (garden theme) and Vonna stitched a cheerful Waxing Moon design called "Love builds a garden" and finished it as a picket fence standup display. Vonna I am dying to know if you created this little fence all by yourself... it is so perfectly matched to the cross stitch design that I think you must have! The colors and shape of the flowers, even the little fence, all suit the stitching so well. Your finishing creativity is absolutely amazing. I have placed it with my plants in the window where I think it looks quite at home.

She also treated me to some garden goodies -- soft pink garden gloves and matching trowel, a cute little ladybug ornament and some mini terra cotta pots to grow daisies and marigolds.

Vonna, big hugs to you. I was having a really "down" day yesterday and when I stepped outside my apartment door to discover your HUGE package, it really brightened my spirits! Thank you, my friend! I know this was a labor of love, and it has truly blessed me.

Fun Finishing Idea

2007-04-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

How cute would this be as a fun way to finish off a small design?

A tea cozy with sweet coordinating fabric and trim. I just love this colorful scene.

Found on this new designer's website, Abigail Bury. I love her pillows.

(Have any of you ever tried needlepoint? I never have.)

Mail Art Exchange

2007-04-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Hello friends, I have missed you! Some disappointing news we received about my husband's application to grad school has kept me away from blogging & emailing of late. He was not accepted at any of the four institutions to which he applied. So we have been "re-grouping" and planning for the next year. He is going to re-apply into some different programs and I will continue moving forward with the licensure process to become a professional counselor. In times like these we always fall back on our faith in a God who loves us and directs our lives for good, even when our plans and desires appear to be frustrated. So we are trusting God and moving on!

In stitching news, I am participating in a mail art exchange with my Little House Needleworks Yahoo group, and received my partner Zalita's envelope this week. She stitched the LHN freebie Star Light, Star Bright and included some post cards from Malaysia, a couple skeins of hand-dyed floss, buttons, and some traditional Malaysian fabric. Thank you, Zalita, I loved receiving this, my first mail art! Zalita blogged about her gift to me here. When she has received my envelope, I will share pictures as well.

One last little finish is another Bless the Baby pillow for some dear friends who just had a baby girl. I enjoyed stitching this with Crescent Colors "Baby Blanket" and finishing it with some soft pink fleece on the back. Until next time, many happy stitches to you all.

Two Pinkeeps

2007-04-02T10:14:00.000-05:00

My weekend finishing project!
I think these look sweet with my old copy of E.D.'s love poems...

LHN's Watermelon was backed with a white floral fabric and pinned with white sheer ribbon and white pins.

The sweet valentine freebie was backed with the floral fabric shown and pinned with teal pins and the a twisted, pink striped grosgrain ribbon.

A red door, new silks, and spring stash

2007-03-30T13:47:00.000-05:00

Hello friends! Just thought I'd share a few things from my stitching world with you today.

I am so excited that I finished the stitches in the house part of my Home of a Needleworker. I decided to "paint" my door red for a little punch and I really love it.

I am also really quite happy about my decision to start collecting the Belle Soie silks. They are so soft and beautiful... I received the first three this month from eHandcrafts. If you've been considering these, go for it!

Vonna inspired me to pick up this cutie, although I probably won't stitch it until next Easter:
And I also fell for the new Ericha Michaels "Random Thoughts of Spring." It is pictured next to the prettiest silkweaver fabric, a gorgeous combination of turquoise and green with a bit of blue. I have not been super-thrilled with my silkweaver fabric of the month, but this one really knocked my socks off. Trouble is, I have no idea what to do with it! Size is 18 x18 and it is a 32 ct. Jobelan. Any ideas for what I could stitch on it?

easter exchanges

2007-03-28T10:17:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: I received Toni's package this afternoon. Thank you, Toni!
It is a fun Lizzie Kate Easter pillow. I love the fabric you used to finish it and the overdyed threads in the stitching. I'll enjoy putting this out at Eastertime every year!

Some of you may have already dropped by Cathy's blog and seen the easter egg pinkeep I sent her for our USEBB Easter exchange. It is from the Prairie Schooler leaftlet "Just Hatched" and I personalized the back with our names and a little chickie from the same booklet. The fabric is a 28 ct. opalescent and the fibers are DMC.

I also enjoyed sending Cathy some easter colored floss, the new Kelmscott butterfly thread minder (I don't own any Kelmscott for myself so it was fun to see one in person!), some pins, the new PS Spring sampler and a little Homespun Elegance bunny sampler, some Mary Englebreit stickers and Harry and David chocolate covered blueberries! Cathy you are a lovely woman and I so admire your stitching; it was a joy to stitch for you.

My pictures of the actual pinkeep are blurry so I included the scans I made before finishing. Cathy's photos are better.

My easter exchange hasn't arrived yet so I will post those photos as soon as it does (and continue stalking our mailman in the meantime). :)

just bits

2007-03-12T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hello all, I guess I'm on about a two week rotation for this blog ... I should post more often but I don't get to do quite as much stitching as some of you "turbo needles" do! Or at least it feels that way. ;) I do maintain two other blogs, one for recipes and one with my husband, so I'm a busy little blogger, but it would be great if I could post here more like once a week.

I'm doing some secretive exchange stitching right now and will be eager to show you that soon.

I have also put some stitches into Home of a Needleworker and another thread pack, Watermelon. When I finish up my exchanges, I hope to get busy on my pay it forward gifts. I only had three people sign up for mine, but I have two more surprise gifts in mind for a couple of deserving ladies. I've selected what I want to do for each person and can't wait to dive in to those projects. I wish I could do something for every wonderful reader of this blog!

I also ordered some floss for the At Home with Jane Austen sampler from The Gift of Stitching magazine. Mary Kathryn has a lovely finish of this already.

On another note, I sent out some St. Patrick's Day cards to a few family members today, and found a lot of delightful Gaelic blessings and quotes online. My favorite Irish blessing ever is, "May you never lack a scone!" but I also like this one:

May you always have
Walls for the winds,
A roof for the rain,
Tea beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,
Those you love near you,
And all your heart might desire!

Two Prairie Schooler Seasons

2007-02-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

First, let me say a big thank you to all of you for your wonderful comments on Sweet Valentine. I so appreciate your taking the time to let me know you stopped by. And I promise to show you my actual finishing of the pinkeep when I manage to get to it!

Last evening (in front of the Oscars) I put the final stitches into my modified Winter Wind, and a few days ago I finished up my long work in progress, Autumn Leaves, both from Prairie Schooler. I hope to finish both of these as flat folds, as they are seasonal and can be stored away easily when not in season. Of course now I must also stitch the new Spring and Summer samplers-- good thing I'm fond of both designs!

We had a snow storm last night, and everything was blanketed in beautiful white. Perfect weather for stitching on a winter sampler.

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I made a little signature line with the sampler's alphabet stitching one over one and love the way it looks. Hope you are all having a great Monday!

Sweet Valentine

2007-02-12T20:53:00.000-05:00

Here is my version of a delightful little freebie courtesy of Deborah of Midsummer Night Designs, stitched up in one night:

Sweet as the Flower Freebie
18 ct. Aida, Rue Green
WDW Cadet
WDW Red Pear
DMC 840

I am going to finish as a pinkeep with the backing fabric pictured here:

Thanks, Deborah! I am so glad I discovered your designs and can't wait to get stiching on a few!

Hot off the Press!

2007-02-10T02:37:00.000-05:00

Ta Da! Introducing my beautiful new template created for me by Susie of Bluebird Blogs. I am so happy with the new look. I hope it makes your browsing experience even more pleasurable. :)

Thanks, Susie!

my Finishing on "Apples"

2007-02-10T02:24:00.000-05:00

Thank you all for your nice comments on my little Apples finish! Such a nice encouragment to me. Here is how I decided to finish it, as a quick "no-sew cube" with ribbon and fabric backing.

This is a very speedy and economical way to make up a quick finish... the 4x4x2 styrofoam cube it is placed on was $1.49 at my Michael's and just the right size.

Cheerful Apples

2007-02-05T13:55:00.000-05:00

Say hello to "Apples." It is the first of the LHN/CCthread packs I have stitched and I just love the bright primary colors. I was intending to finish it as a pinkeep but now I think I may do a little cube-it type box with a pretty ribbon on top. I was planning to stitch on Winter Wind all weekend but I spontaneously grabbed this instead... I think I needed some spring color!

This was stitched on a piece of scrap linen of unknown origen - I think it is smaller than 28 ct., probably 32 ct.

Home of a Needleworker

2007-01-30T10:43:00.000-05:00

This is an SAL with my Little House Needleworks group (some of the sweetest women in the world!). I always enjoy sitching on LHN - the simplicity of design makes it such a pleasure for me.

I am helping to organize an LHN/CCN-themed mail art exchange for this group in the next few weeks. It should be an adventure!