tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38057501336476098232024-03-12T21:46:03.147-04:00Stitches and Cats, Oh My!Musings from my little corner of the world.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-85366066469759402232013-09-20T19:49:00.000-04:002013-09-20T19:49:01.164-04:00In Loving Memory...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is a new angel in heaven...Shirley Ann. I love you, Mom.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed4Yv01qHP0/Ujzd9Y3fXhI/AAAAAAAADNI/ZAMWBRCov8U/s1600/Mom+&+Me+-+1956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ed4Yv01qHP0/Ujzd9Y3fXhI/AAAAAAAADNI/ZAMWBRCov8U/s320/Mom+&+Me+-+1956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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My beautiful Mother and I.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS; mso-bidi-font-family: Times New Roman; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS; mso-bidi-font-family: Times New Roman; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS; mso-bidi-font-family: Times New Roman; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Right
now I'm in a different place <br />And though we seem apart <br />I'm closer than I
ever was <br />... I'm there inside your heart
<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS; mso-bidi-font-family: Times New Roman; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm with you when you greet each day <br />And while the sun shines
bright <br />I'm there to share the sunsets, too <br />... I'm with you every night
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS; mso-bidi-font-family: Times New Roman; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I'm with you when the times are good <br />To share a laugh or two, <br />And
if a tear should start to fall <br />... I'll still be there for you
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Comic Sans MS; mso-bidi-font-family: Times New Roman; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And when that day arrives <br />That we no longer are apart, <br />I'll smile
and hold you close to me <br />... Forever in my heart</span></span></div>
Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-56694006984470609602013-09-03T00:38:00.000-04:002013-09-20T20:37:41.637-04:00Stitching Keeps Me SaneIt's been a tough year. My stitching helps to keep me sane. I took a few pictures today of a few things I've been working on.<br />
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My favorite:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGyKG2xxErw/UiVVuWq8iTI/AAAAAAAADMI/dIEFyexnjPs/s1600/IMG_3997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KGyKG2xxErw/UiVVuWq8iTI/AAAAAAAADMI/dIEFyexnjPs/s320/IMG_3997.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Mary Ann Jackson 1837</strong></div>
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Of Female Worth</div>
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My nightly sanity booster...stitched on 40 ct LSL Pearled Barley.</div>
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Not My Favorite:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-froctZvFA3Y/UiVVxalNVFI/AAAAAAAADMQ/SjC3pq72QBw/s1600/IMG_4003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-froctZvFA3Y/UiVVxalNVFI/AAAAAAAADMQ/SjC3pq72QBw/s320/IMG_4003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Top: <strong>Very Scary Mystery Sampler</strong> </div>
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Lizzie Kate</div>
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Bottom: another peak at Miss Mary Ann Jackson </div>
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Very Scary has been my work project (breaks and lunches). I started it a couple of years ago when it first came out but my interest waned. Earlier this summer I pulled it out and took it to work so I would be forced to work on it or stare into space. Stitching on anything is far more interesting than staring into space so I made progress. I brought it home this weekend in hopes that I could finish it once and for all. But frogs were hiding in the border so it will be around another day or two. <em>Sigh...</em></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk7xP3cqcqU/UiVVyZkJDxI/AAAAAAAADMU/NvQfAOS_gVA/s1600/IMG_4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wk7xP3cqcqU/UiVVyZkJDxI/AAAAAAAADMU/NvQfAOS_gVA/s320/IMG_4006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Rosebud Sampler</strong></div>
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Ewe & Eye & Freinds</div>
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Love the sweet and dainty border on this one! Truth be told, that's why I decided to stitch it. The areas to the right and left of the basket were open and so I added an antiqued version of one of my personal beliefs. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akn6lQYqLPA/UiVV0IcvrQI/AAAAAAAADMg/gdGj2ECp2Gw/s1600/IMG_4009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akn6lQYqLPA/UiVV0IcvrQI/AAAAAAAADMg/gdGj2ECp2Gw/s320/IMG_4009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Heart and Hand</strong></div>
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Ewe & Eye & Friends</div>
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This is dedicated to my Mother. There are a couple of things left to do: add the pealized heart button that came with the pattern in the open area and stitch an over one pink ribbon somewhere to represent my mother's ongoing battle. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkkbFxbXG5U/UiVahorpttI/AAAAAAAADMw/kL_yy6iOQrA/s1600/IMG_3995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lkkbFxbXG5U/UiVahorpttI/AAAAAAAADMw/kL_yy6iOQrA/s320/IMG_3995.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next up are the ingredients for my next work project: <strong>Cackle</strong> from Raise the Roof Designs. I'm using a tea-stained greenish 32 ct mystery linen from my stash. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fR_7mhxLKo/UiVakskehsI/AAAAAAAADM4/Ht0QGDaearg/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fR_7mhxLKo/UiVakskehsI/AAAAAAAADM4/Ht0QGDaearg/s320/IMG_3994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ready to begin: <strong>Forget-me-not Sampler</strong> - With Thy Needle & Thy Thread.</div>
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This is a limited edition kit and it called for coffee-dying the 36 ct linen but I had tea. So tea-staining and oven drying commenced today and I think it turned out beautifully! Can't wait to start this and see how the threads look! <em>Keeping my fingers crossed that I'll still be pleased!</em> </div>
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Okay, enough for now. I should be heading to bed. It's back to work in the morning. </div>
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My spirits have taken several hits this past year and I am slowly, slowly trying to come back. I miss the blogging community and hope to be visiting and commenting soon.</div>
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Thanks for stopping by. </div>
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Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-64500874958847210082013-05-18T19:57:00.002-04:002013-05-18T19:57:19.675-04:00bloglovin here I come...<a blog="" claim="9ypkzmbcj3r"" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" www.bloglovin.com="">Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2789616/?claim=9ypkzmbcj3r">Follow</a> my blog with BloglovinRobinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-9919925604744732872012-04-22T01:18:00.008-04:002012-04-22T01:24:08.525-04:00Bunny Tails<div style="text-align: left;">A couple of months ago I had a craving to stitch a sampler. I wanted something small <strike>because I have upteen other projects going on right now</strike>, something that I didn't have to decide floss colors for, a little something I could pick up and stitch on without thinking too much. Do you ever feel that way? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So stash diving I went and I pulled out an oldie but a goodie, "Meg's Bunny" from Sheepish Designs. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aY44RaKSUO4/T5N-5goSaZI/AAAAAAAADI4/I7bJ7XxE6q8/s1600/IMG_3199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aY44RaKSUO4/T5N-5goSaZI/AAAAAAAADI4/I7bJ7XxE6q8/s320/IMG_3199.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I had a piece of the recommended 36 ct cream linen in my stash <em>(don't you love it when you have the fabric already in your stash!)</em> and pulled the recommended DMC floss. <br />
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And so I commenced stitching...<br />
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And I changed a couple of colors, moved things around a little bit, and stitched...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGMwD6bTSJw/T5N6eCe-DII/AAAAAAAADIQ/yaDXo3w_cKU/s1600/IMG_3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGMwD6bTSJw/T5N6eCe-DII/AAAAAAAADIQ/yaDXo3w_cKU/s320/IMG_3121.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I kept worrying about whose initals to stitch in the top border. I finally decided to avoid that decision and finagled the strawberry border to replace the initials, switched the bluebirds to robins <em>(of course)</em>...and kept stitching, <strike>yes, when I should have been working those upteen other projects</strike>. <br />
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And I finished stitching the little sweetie this week!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rpAiRE7kT8/T5N6t7GGdsI/AAAAAAAADIY/xX25uIAw_LM/s1600/IMG_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rpAiRE7kT8/T5N6t7GGdsI/AAAAAAAADIY/xX25uIAw_LM/s320/IMG_3185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Meg's Bunny</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sheepish Designs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a closer look at the changes I made to the top border:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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Check out the bunny's tail in the picture below; instead of cross stitches, I used french knots! It took three attempts before I found a color that showed up on the cream linen.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I love the strawberry border but I think that little tail is my favorite part of the sampler. What an enjoyable stitch! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world today and thanks to those who left comments and advice about my Ann Norman sampler. I apologize for the delay in responding to your messages. My wireless router finally gave up the fight last weekend and I have been without the internet until this evening. <em>(Yes, I have been suffering from withdrawal.)</em> It will take a couple of days to get caught up. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful week! </div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-91810372778940470832012-04-14T13:20:00.008-04:002012-04-14T16:05:43.858-04:00My status: Enchanted!A few weeks ago, Ann Norman arrived on my doorstep. Of course, I was bursting with excitment to see her. My hands shook as I opened the box and I held my breathe as I pulled her out and unfolded her wrappings. My first impressions, in order, were: "She's beautiful and colorful and so full of little details and I love the border", then relief set in ("I didn't buy a fake antique, she's the real thing"), and finally joy that she was mine. I think I even hugged her! <br />
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May I introduce to you the handiwork of Miss Ann Norman! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYhiElTOLgI/T4nE4MbLjxI/AAAAAAAADII/84JPf2zFiqE/s1600/IMG_3178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYhiElTOLgI/T4nE4MbLjxI/AAAAAAAADII/84JPf2zFiqE/s320/IMG_3178.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ann Norman - aged 13 years </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">April 27, 1854</span></strong></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Stitched in cross-stitch on high count linen (40+ threads per inch) with silk threads.</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I began looking closely at her condition I could have cried. The linen is discolored and stained especially around the edges where it probably was covered by a wood frame, and distorted from being nailed to that @#$% backing board for so long. There are a few spots that I'm guessing may be stained with blood (perhaps where Ann poked herself with her needle?), one of the bottom corners appears to have been water damaged as the colors have bled, and there are a few small holes scattered around, but I am, never-the-less, simply enchanted by dear Ann! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPglQKEhpOI/T2-jSLO5nCI/AAAAAAAADHI/nfVq3B1XI9k/s1600/IMG_3146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPglQKEhpOI/T2-jSLO5nCI/AAAAAAAADHI/nfVq3B1XI9k/s320/IMG_3146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Close up of top right corner where Ann escaped from one of those awful nails.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Seeing Ann up close, led me to think about the antique samplers that have survived over the years despite the handling, mounting, framing, and storing methods that were used. I am so thankful for the survivors! Perhaps they survived because they were stored away in a drawer, or the back of a closet, or up in an attic and forgotten for decades until someone discovered them again. And I'm thankful for the finders that didn't disregard them as just handiwork and of no value. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Almost as soon as Ann arrived, I knew I wanted to stitch her again to see her as clean and as bright as she once was. I've been having so much fun pouring over her little, sometimes miscounted, stitches to chart her that I can hardly pull myself away. As I chart, I feel like I'm getting to know a bit about Ann. I'm sure she liked flowers, dogs and birds because she stitched lots of them into her sampler. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>I imagine sampler-making wasn't one of Ann's favorite pastimes. For one thing, she wasn't particulary concerned about stitching on the vertical thread or allowing two threads for each stitch or space. Sometimes Ann left an even number of threads between stitches and sometimes an odd number. Another interesting tidbit I found is that when Ann discovered she stitched the wrong color or changed her mind about a color, she simply stitched over the original color with the new color. One of more obvious examples of this is in the lower section. Ann stitched two red birds and then went back and added a few black stitches on top of the red stitches (perhaps to make the birds look more like cardinals?). This young Ann didn't have the time or the inclination to create a perfect sampler. I think she was just itching to get it done and move on to more interesting activities. Ann was definitely <u>not</u> a frogger! <br />
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</div>I have no idea where Ann lived or even if she was American, but I would love to find out. The linen she used has a blue woven line along the right and left selvage edges. From edge to edge the linen is 13 inches wide. Does anyone know where this linen was from? Does anyone recognize anything about the sampler style that might place it?<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOG2jO4r1vk/T4mpWdo8p4I/AAAAAAAADIA/f5dRbIQKA7o/s1600/IMG_3174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOG2jO4r1vk/T4mpWdo8p4I/AAAAAAAADIA/f5dRbIQKA7o/s320/IMG_3174.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I would very much appreciate any advice or leads to information about conservatively remounting and framing antiques samplers. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As always thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. Wishing you a wonderful week and hope you find time for stitching!</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-74071013872352553152012-04-08T00:09:00.003-04:002012-04-08T00:36:43.188-04:00Happy Easter! -- And Liebster Award News<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k00G5Aexl_M/T3JT_U6970I/AAAAAAAAAZA/6m7T8qHrQ9c/s1600/Liebster+Award.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_e7fm2t="2" closure_uid_k5ap64="2" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k00G5Aexl_M/T3JT_U6970I/AAAAAAAAAZA/6m7T8qHrQ9c/s1600/Liebster+Award.png" /></a><br />
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I received a blog award from Karen at <a href="http://stitchingchair.blogspot.com/">The View from the Stitching Chair</a> last week. Thank you Karen! I'm so glad you like my blog! <br />
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Here's the Liebster Award scoup:</div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Liebster is a German word meaning favorite, dearest or beloved and is awarded by bloggers to newer bloggers with fewer than 200 followers. By accepting this award I will:</div><div class="post-body entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">1. Choose 5 blogs to award the Liebster to. </div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2. Thank my friend and link back to her. </div><div class="post-body entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="text-align: left;">3. Post the award on my blog and list the bloggers I pass the Liebster on to with their links. <br />
4. Let them know by leaving them a comment. <br />
5. Share 5 random facts about myself that people do not know about me.</div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>The 5 blogs I'm passing the award on to are as follows (in alphabetical order):<br />
<div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cindy - <a href="http://meredith02.blogspot.com/">Never Enough Tyme</a></div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Glenna - <a href="http://needle-eye.blogspot.com/">Eye of the Needle</a></div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Joy - <a href="http://thebusystitcher.blogspot.com/">The Buzy Stitcher</a></div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lorraine - <a href="http://ljezak.blogspot.com/">Sew Be It!</a></div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Marjo - <a href="http://asouthernerunderthenorthernlights.blogspot.com/">A Southener Under Northern Lights</a></div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>These are wonderful blogs! I'm always inspired by their talent, creativity, and love of needlework. If you haven't visited their blogs yet, then you are in for a treat!<br />
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</div>Now, let's see...5 random facts about myself that people do not know about me: <br />
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</div>1. I collect robins for two reasons, my name is Robin and it is the Michigan state bird.<br />
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2. I'm an avid American Idol fan! Wouldn't miss it! Thank goodness for the DVR!<br />
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</div>3. My mother and my mother-in-law's first and middle names are the same, "Shirley Ann." I'm going to stitch them on a sampler one of these days.<br />
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</div>4. My interest in needlework was ignited by two inspirational women in the 1970's: Erica Wilson, who had a wonderful needlework television show on PBS, and Ginnie Thompson, "The First Lady of Cross Stitch" who spurred American interest in counted cross stitch. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to attend one of Ginnie Thompson's classes. That's when I switched from aida and hardanger to linen. <br />
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</div>5. In the eighties, I entered the Rokome Gardens National Counted Cross Stitch Show and won two ribbons. First Place in the Paula Vaughan category and Third Place in the sampler category. Check out my entries:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_5qX_e6LUw/T4ECIMwQDiI/AAAAAAAADHg/WAjG69gYMUY/s1600/IMG_3153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0_5qX_e6LUw/T4ECIMwQDiI/AAAAAAAADHg/WAjG69gYMUY/s320/IMG_3153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Bright and Shining Star (I think that is the name)</div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Paula Vaughan </div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="post-body entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okEKkz6xhbY/T4ECQZPNXjI/AAAAAAAADHo/7gTWqMeDEc0/s1600/IMG_3147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okEKkz6xhbY/T4ECQZPNXjI/AAAAAAAADHo/7gTWqMeDEc0/s320/IMG_3147.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="post-body entry-content" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="text-align: center;"> Country Kitchen Sampler from A to Z<br />
Deborah Lambein</div><div class="separator" itemprop="articleBody" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful week! Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-78364311996207643892012-03-17T18:07:00.004-04:002012-03-18T00:09:12.975-04:00Happy St. Patrick's Day!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">Loving the weather today! Windows are open, birds are singing, feels like spring! </div><br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Dg1_J7zfwI/T2UCY9EbspI/AAAAAAAADGo/7Yz3v5pIVvQ/s1600/IMG_3136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Dg1_J7zfwI/T2UCY9EbspI/AAAAAAAADGo/7Yz3v5pIVvQ/s320/IMG_3136.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Zoe, Shamrock Kitty soft scrupture, and "Shamrock Heart" from The Sweetheart Tree</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So far today, I've been avoiding housework and laundry, but I really need to get a few things done. Did I ever mention that I hate housework? I really do. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'd much rather plan a new Easter project. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm designing a little somthing to fit on the top of this box:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dloQccoDItM/T2UFJfyF_3I/AAAAAAAADGw/NKdQTbs6WWY/s1600/IMG_3132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dloQccoDItM/T2UFJfyF_3I/AAAAAAAADGw/NKdQTbs6WWY/s320/IMG_3132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found this egg shaped box at the grocery store last week and into my cart it jumped! As it turns out, it was a win-win situation. My husband gets the candy and I get the box. Everybody's happy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This morning I discovered the candy had disappeared already, which got me thinking about an Easter-y type of design. This is what I came up with:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXZGzxcOFY8/T2UJ9uUihtI/AAAAAAAADG4/LcXP2MSlE08/s1600/Easter+Basket+picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXZGzxcOFY8/T2UJ9uUihtI/AAAAAAAADG4/LcXP2MSlE08/s1600/Easter+Basket+picture.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"A Tisket, A Tasket, Here's My Easter Basket"</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright Samplerbird Stitchery 2012</span> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
What do you think? It may need a tweak here or there, but I think it will coordinate nicely with the box. The stitched piece will cover up the labels leaving just a bit of the colored egg pattern showing on the top and, of course, around the box edges. I have the perfect shade of purple Victorian Motto chenille to edge the design, too! </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I've diving into housework and laundry and hope to resurface in a couple hours to pull linen and threads and get stitching. Stay tuned for progress pics!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. Have a wonderful weekend!</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-13629858058922008722012-03-04T01:33:00.002-05:002012-03-04T11:30:50.691-05:00Teen IdolsIt has been a week for teen idol memories.<br />
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When I was eleven years old I fell "in love" with an older man. I met him on a TV screen and he was dreamy. We'd meet every Monday night. I'd laugh at his and his friend's antics, and when he sang, I'd swoon. Oh, how I loved him!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSs5vASfmKA/T1LnPgLf15I/AAAAAAAADFw/_NoglVQuEpg/s1600/1713869-davy-jones-the-monkees-dead-617-4091%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSs5vASfmKA/T1LnPgLf15I/AAAAAAAADFw/_NoglVQuEpg/s1600/1713869-davy-jones-the-monkees-dead-617-4091%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David "Davy" Jones</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1945 - 2012</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was very sad to hear that Davy Jones of the Monkees passed away this week. He was such a showman and I loved him. I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to see the Monkee's reunion concert last year. It was wonderful seeing them all again and brought back so many memories. I loved all of the Monkees, but Davy was my favorite.</div><br />
My sister, Jennifer, is 14 years younger than I. She also fell in love with an older man on TV when she was about eleven. His name is Rick Springfield, and truth be told, she still loves him. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBW-_spwV8Q/T1MBArFs7tI/AAAAAAAADF4/j5MxW6IEU7k/s1600/IMG_3086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mBW-_spwV8Q/T1MBArFs7tI/AAAAAAAADF4/j5MxW6IEU7k/s320/IMG_3086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rick Springfield</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3/2/12 at the Fillmore in Detroit</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last night our teen idols converged. Jennifer and I went to see Rick Springfield at the Fillmore in Detroit (just a block from where we last saw the Monkees) and he played a Monkees song and said a few words about Davy. So many people loved Davy and the Monkees! Bless you, Rick for celebrating Davy's memory.</div><br />
Davy, you will always be in my heart. I am grateful that you were a part of my life. May you rest in peace.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-80087972429887526412012-02-25T23:00:00.002-05:002012-02-25T23:09:04.501-05:00Victorian Motto Mojo!I must tell you, I {{{heart}}} Victorian Motto floss and trims! I have been very fortuntate to win two of Nancy's recent giveaways. The first was a lenght of cluny lace and last week, I won 10 skeins of floss. I am estatic! Nancy is so sweet and so very generous! If you haven't checked out her ebay store, I highly recommend it. So many treasures and so inspiring! I absolutely LOVE everything I've ordered and won from Nancy. Click <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Victorian-Motto-Sampler-Shoppe">here</a> to visit the Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. <br />
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Look at these beautiful threads! Aren't the colors lucious? My hands are itching to stitch with them! I'm thinking a small of some sort. Any suggestions?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqDgQCp-6-o/T0mokKj7ZQI/AAAAAAAADFM/mTX2yuyB4Q8/s1600/IMG_3035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KqDgQCp-6-o/T0mokKj7ZQI/AAAAAAAADFM/mTX2yuyB4Q8/s320/IMG_3035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As for the cluny lace, I have a little design already stitched that it will be perfect for... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC0pkrHD1cg/T0mrUSJasoI/AAAAAAAADFU/sMsu75MEEIg/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DC0pkrHD1cg/T0mrUSJasoI/AAAAAAAADFU/sMsu75MEEIg/s320/IMG_3039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Lizzie Kate's "Summer Basket" stitched on a piece of "strawberry stained" linen. I actually stitched it a number of years ago and it has been lanquishing in a box waiting for the right finishing idea. Eureka! Victorian Motto to the rescue! <br />
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Well, it's Saturday night, and you know what that means...bath time! That is, if you're Zoe, the chair <strike>hogging</strike> stealing cat. Somehow that cat knows when I'm on my way to that chair and races me to it. And of course, she beats me to it! So I end up perched on the edge while she stretches out comfortably behind me! What's up with that?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYQlfZY3KHk/T0mrqrRgPgI/AAAAAAAADFc/UH13kvEWXnc/s1600/IMG_3053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zYQlfZY3KHk/T0mrqrRgPgI/AAAAAAAADFc/UH13kvEWXnc/s320/IMG_3053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
That's it for tonight's post. I'm so glad you stopped by for a visit. Hope to see you again soon! Take care!Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-91920794679306665352012-01-22T02:31:00.008-05:002012-01-22T02:44:10.604-05:00Is it cold enough for you?This has been the popular conversation starter around these parts over the last few days. And yes, as a matter of fact it is cold enough for me! And my little Zoe agrees! We're both waiting for spring!<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A8WX44aRD8/Txs3jqGvPmI/AAAAAAAADEM/16MIvZ_Zbws/s1600/IMG_2991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8A8WX44aRD8/Txs3jqGvPmI/AAAAAAAADEM/16MIvZ_Zbws/s320/IMG_2991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the meantime, I stitch.</div><br />
My New Year's Day start was Lizzie Kate's "Winter Alphabet." I finished it on the 16th so it is my official first finish of 2012! I enjoyed stitching this one so much: the colorful threads, the pretty little borders, and the sweet little motifs scattered among the letters. I made a game of strategizing what to stitch next to avoid changing colors until I had to at the risk of miscounting. It's stitched on 32 ct Natural Light linen with DMC and overdyed threads. <em>(The colors are so much prettier and bighter than in this rather drab picture.)</em><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBHTYcpEMfg/Txs22Oy8LcI/AAAAAAAADD0/v0lRf3IOhSI/s1600/IMG_2984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CBHTYcpEMfg/Txs22Oy8LcI/AAAAAAAADD0/v0lRf3IOhSI/s320/IMG_2984.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>"Winter Alphabet" ~ </em></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Lizzie Kate</em></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After finishing "Winter Alphabet", I pulled out "Meg's Bunny", a small sampler from Sheepish Designs. I'm using a piece of 36 ct cream linen that I vetoed from another project, hence the dark line of stitches along the top scroll. I'll frog those old stitches as I need more room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJfRuQkLlU4/TxupXq4G08I/AAAAAAAADEk/_FIKLOKl6IY/s1600/IMG_2989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oJfRuQkLlU4/TxupXq4G08I/AAAAAAAADEk/_FIKLOKl6IY/s320/IMG_2989.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>"Meg's Bunny" ~ </em></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>Sheepish Designs</em></span></div><br />
Here's a peak at my work project, the project I take to work and stitch on during my lunch and breaks. It is my variation of With Thy Needle and Thread's "Needles and Pins Heart Pinkeep". <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxOtHi3Uf8o/Txs3La3Q11I/AAAAAAAADD8/bsX47EyMSLs/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxOtHi3Uf8o/Txs3La3Q11I/AAAAAAAADD8/bsX47EyMSLs/s320/IMG_2990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>"Needles and Pins Heart Pinkeep" ~ </em></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><em>With Thy Needle and Thread</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>I love this design and envisioned it with more of a Valentine theme so I switched the colors and instead of a bluebird and blue flowers, I'm stitching a cardinal and pink flowers. Easy peasy! I don't plan to stitch the scalloped border, I'll either edge it with lace or chenille trim.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My oldest cat, Sophie, pictured below, is <strike>annoyed and</strike> <strike>impatiently</strike> waitng for my undivided attention <em>("Why are you clackity clacking on that contraption when you could be adoring me?"</em>), so I had better wrap this up and give Her Majesty a kitty massage before she starts her caterwalling. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4qfZOs9KOvM/Txs34RInWyI/AAAAAAAADEU/BTnYZEiOnXc/s1600/IMG_3004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4qfZOs9KOvM/Txs34RInWyI/AAAAAAAADEU/BTnYZEiOnXc/s320/IMG_3004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by!</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Stay warm! </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And enjoy your day! </div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-32545173237900044602011-12-31T23:16:00.000-05:002011-12-31T23:16:15.498-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sending everyone wishes for a safe and properous 2012. May the year be full of fun projects, interesting people, and the time to enjoy both. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">God bless!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKMs2rjV7kc/Tv_Y6sOxstI/AAAAAAAADDo/v1ycdo9Wou0/s1600/Happy+New+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xKMs2rjV7kc/Tv_Y6sOxstI/AAAAAAAADDo/v1ycdo9Wou0/s320/Happy+New+Year.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>Happy New Year!</strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Designer: Me</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Copyright Samplerbird Stitchery 2011</span> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tried to make this chart downloadable but technology is not my friend today. Urghh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you would like a copy of the chart, please email me at <a href="mailto:robinndlwk@aol.com">robinndlwk@aol.com</a> and I will happily email a pdf back to you.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by!</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-6969777419013669742011-10-30T00:10:00.000-04:002011-10-30T00:10:22.116-04:00Trick or TreatNo tricks, just a stitchy treat from Samplerbird Stitchery. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_1jAmpQwkw/TqzG9OfpI1I/AAAAAAAADCk/h3O26ceK50Q/s1600/Trick%2Bor%2BTreat%2BDitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_1jAmpQwkw/TqzG9OfpI1I/AAAAAAAADCk/h3O26ceK50Q/s320/Trick%2Bor%2BTreat%2BDitty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Trick or Treat Ditty"</strong></div><br />
I was doodling around with my design software today and came up with this little design. I think it would look sweet as a little treat bag or as a basket ornament. It's "hot off the presses", which really means I haven't selected fabric or floss yet. So if "Trick or Treat Ditty" appeals to you, pick your favorite Halloween colors and stitch one up. Oh, and please share your finish with me, I'd love to see your version.<br />
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Thank you for stopping by my little neck of the woods today. And a special thank you to all my followers: it has been pretty quiet around here for the last few months and I appreciate your continued interest in my blog more than I can say.<br />
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Have a wickedly fun Halloween!Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-62595880111710555602011-07-31T14:38:00.012-04:002011-07-31T15:21:25.823-04:00Summer StitchingYeah, it's been awhile. <br />
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Haven't been blogging much, just a peak here and there, to see what all my blogging buddies are up to. I've been struggling with life issues of late, parent getting older and needing more of my time, looking for a permanent position in the state agency where I have been working on a "limited term", and some chronic hip/back pain issues. My Mom and the pain issues are ongoing but I was lucky enough to land a permanent position. So I am officially permanently employed!! I no longer have to spent every other free minute revising my resume to fit job descriptions or writing cover letters or working on STAR scenarios to describe my work experience/results in interviews. Thank goodness!!! I was so sick of thinking about all of that!<br />
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But through it all, I did find some time to enjoy some stitching (and designing) along the way. Here's a rundown of what I have been working on over the last few months:<br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9ybZAzhySQ/TjVtTlhr8RI/AAAAAAAAC-s/LHjTViPJR-Y/s1600/IMG_2857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f9ybZAzhySQ/TjVtTlhr8RI/AAAAAAAAC-s/LHjTViPJR-Y/s320/IMG_2857.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>First up is <strong>Quaker Sampler</strong> designed by one of my all-time favorite designers, Sandy Orton. Love her attention to detail! (The sampler is one of the featured designs in Donner Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework, published in 2000.) I stitched it on <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">36 ct. LL Lt Examplar with a combination of Crescent Colors Cupid and Threadworx Bleeding Hearts. I started it last </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">summer on impulse with Cupid knowing I would need to order more. Of course, when the newly ordered floss arrived, it was a different dye lot and too brownish. So I put the sampler aside and began a six-month long search that would span several overdyed floss brands and multiple shades of red until I found just the right mixture. In the end, it turned out the way I envisioned. (The sampler is a bit brighter in person.) </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fOvJKGaHBQ/TjVvYB9jRfI/AAAAAAAAC-w/2bZozwjFyHQ/s1600/IMG_2866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--fOvJKGaHBQ/TjVvYB9jRfI/AAAAAAAAC-w/2bZozwjFyHQ/s320/IMG_2866.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Next is <strong>Liberty House</strong> designed by Ewe & Eye & Friends.<em> (Sorry for the wrinkles, but it is too hot to even think about getting the iron out.)</em> Just had to dig this design out of my stash after seeing Faye's version on her <a href="http://carolinastitcher.blogspot.com/">Carolina Stitcher blog</a>. I worked on this while camping a couple of weeks ago. I'm stitching it on Ice Blue 32 ct linen using 1 strand of the recommended fibers. I tried stitching with 2 strands but thought it looked to heavy so frogged out the initial stitching and started over. Unfortunately, the little froggers didn't know enough to go away, so I have had to frog and restitch several areas. And to top it off, I discovered the little amphibean varmits added a horizonal stitch. Arghhh!!! Decided to leave it and finagle the motifs to compensate for my lack of counting ability. (Those of you that know this design, may notice that I took the liberty of replacing the year with the word "Liberty.") </div><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCP1r8mT2n0/TjVvpzwgZjI/AAAAAAAAC-4/S_vwiO53-QU/s1600/IMG_2869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xCP1r8mT2n0/TjVvpzwgZjI/AAAAAAAAC-4/S_vwiO53-QU/s320/IMG_2869.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When we travel, if I'm not driving, I like to have a project to work on. I chose The Prairie Schooler's <strong>Prairie Birds</strong> to work on. I'm using a brown 28 ct. natural linen from my remnant stash and the recommended DMC floss. I don't usually stitch on 28 ct. but I needed something that I could actually see while riding down the road. Some of these Michigan roads are definitely not "stitcher friendly"! I plan to stitch a few of the designs that depict the birds I see in my backyard and make them into ornaments. My DH found some birch branches, as pictured on the front of the pattern, to use in displaying them. He's a sweetie! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOY9agHIGQY/TjVwD_i7KdI/AAAAAAAAC-8/W4UFUkqRjjo/s1600/IMG_2872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TOY9agHIGQY/TjVwD_i7KdI/AAAAAAAAC-8/W4UFUkqRjjo/s320/IMG_2872.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Speaking of stitching while riding or camping, this is the container that I use to collect my orts. It was formerly a Q-tip container. I can slide it closed so other debris can't get in (like bugs, which I do not like). I use this one for traveling or stitching outside. My main ort jar, which is a jelly jar stays by my stitching chair in the living room.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f7hiORY5XQ/TjVwJ2CAS6I/AAAAAAAAC_A/1x3N8Mqo43A/s1600/IMG_2868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_f7hiORY5XQ/TjVwJ2CAS6I/AAAAAAAAC_A/1x3N8Mqo43A/s320/IMG_2868.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Have you experienced chenilley goodness yet? I ordered a selection of chenille trims from the <a href="http://stores.ebay.com/Victorian-Motto-Sampler-Shoppe">Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe</a>. Lovely colors! I can't wait to use them! (And get more!)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7V6mdlXQxc/TjVwoGPZmII/AAAAAAAAC_I/dIyPA99A3j0/s1600/IMG_2875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w7V6mdlXQxc/TjVwoGPZmII/AAAAAAAAC_I/dIyPA99A3j0/s320/IMG_2875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my last post several months ago, I showed a picture of my progress on <strong>Leaping Cat</strong>, a sampler by La-D-Da. I did finish her up and here she is in all her leaping glory. She is stitched on a Hand Dyed Fibers 36 ct. linen using 1 strand of the recommended over-dyed floss. </div><br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SXa6ThB4Qeg/TjVwuIWtepI/AAAAAAAAC_M/8gPPYHG8kFw/s200/Serpent+Bequiled+Samp.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My next project will be an Adam & Eve sampler that I've designed. I'm floss tossing to settle on the main colors, which is always a tough decision for me. <br />
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</div>I think that about covers the main events in my stitchy world for the last several months. Thank you for hanging around while I have been absent. And a heartfelt thanks for the inspiration you have given via your blogs. Some days, it was the hi-light of my day to have a few minutes to visit even if I didn't have the energy to comment. A big appreciative {{{hug}}} to all! <br />
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Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world today. Stay cool, if you can, and enjoy the day!Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-66926643446838969732011-04-05T21:50:00.001-04:002011-04-09T13:50:50.198-04:00TUSALGreetings! I'm late for the TUSAL showing this month. Where does the time go? I have been stitching a bit here and there, but my new job has definitely put a crimp in my stitching and designing time. I am thankful for my job and I'm not complaining really, just stating the fact of the matter.<br />
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I am disappointed though that I haven't felt very creative lately and so haven't made much progress on several designs that I have in the works. In the evenings when I have the time and energy, I have chosen instead to work on "Leaping Cat" from La D Da and "Easter Frills" from With Thy Thread and Needle.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjEsGSEEWvI/TaCcEwy_z_I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/gc47NPupn6M/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjEsGSEEWvI/TaCcEwy_z_I/AAAAAAAAC5Y/gc47NPupn6M/s320/IMG_2519.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My TUSAL jar with current works in progress. </div><div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>(Picture taken in the last bit of sunshine before sunset.)</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-_tRmw42yY/TZurfEmnGiI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/rXcZaKAfYvk/s1600/IMG_2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r-_tRmw42yY/TZurfEmnGiI/AAAAAAAAC5Q/rXcZaKAfYvk/s320/IMG_2521.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Notice the foreign object on the left side of the picture? Any guesses as to what it is? </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">If you guessed a cat's foot, you are correct! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3SG1kxvadY/TZurjcdTDXI/AAAAAAAAC5U/o9oL9Gle2Q4/s1600/IMG_2522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3SG1kxvadY/TZurjcdTDXI/AAAAAAAAC5U/o9oL9Gle2Q4/s320/IMG_2522.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The foot belongs to Zissou (a.k.a. Zee-Zee or Mr. Z). </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Typical cat behavior! He has to be into whatever I am doing. The little ham, he even looks like he's giving me the raspberry to boot!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. Please come back and visit again. Take care, and until next time, happy stitches!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-56085834464492233352011-03-06T13:23:00.001-05:002011-03-07T19:07:00.498-05:00TUSALWow, has it only been a month since last TUSAL? I know that I am a couple of days late posting this month but it has been a little crazy around here. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qeHhkVL2ZnA/TXO04cQ5u7I/AAAAAAAAC4I/LHef7ltKRsY/s1600/IMG_2516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qeHhkVL2ZnA/TXO04cQ5u7I/AAAAAAAAC4I/LHef7ltKRsY/s320/IMG_2516.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A couple of weekends ago, my sister and I went to see Rick Springfield in concert at the Motor City Casino in Detroit. (Very cool casino and the the concert was great too!) We decided to make a day of it so my sister could attend his book signing in the afternoon. (BTW, we did meet him and she did get her book signed.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On the way to Detroit, we stopped at a couple antique/second hand stores and I found a few treasures. One of which is the beautiful drawn thread piece in my TUSAL picture above. Does anyone know if there is a more specific name for this style of needlework? Isn't it breathtaking? I couldn't believe that it was only a $2. Other than a couple of small discolorations, it is perfect. I absolutely love it! Here is a closer look at the detail:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4xtc37pwHtE/TXO0-sgh7rI/AAAAAAAAC4M/iUPCpd2faj4/s1600/IMG_2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4xtc37pwHtE/TXO0-sgh7rI/AAAAAAAAC4M/iUPCpd2faj4/s320/IMG_2517.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I also found a hankerchief with delicate drawn thread work. Again, it was another steal. I also picked up two small oil cans (forget to include them in the pictures) to use on a couple of With Thy Needle and Thread finishes. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IbZEeyG4hQI/TXO1EyZZ_SI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/vedM1c_eMAo/s1600/IMG_2518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IbZEeyG4hQI/TXO1EyZZ_SI/AAAAAAAAC4Q/vedM1c_eMAo/s320/IMG_2518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a little bit of stitching progress to report, although my new job and the flu have definitely taken their toll on my time and energy. In the picture above, you can see my St. Patrick's design, tentatively titled, "Shamrock Reel". I plan to finish it as a small box cover similar to the Valentine box that I designed and finished last month. In the scroll frame is "Easter Frills" by With My Needle and Thread. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-85ReIyqPTj0/TXO1KNjBvOI/AAAAAAAAC4U/wJ46h6lqnjU/s1600/IMG_2511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" l6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-85ReIyqPTj0/TXO1KNjBvOI/AAAAAAAAC4U/wJ46h6lqnjU/s320/IMG_2511.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also started the "Leaping Cat" sampler from La-D-Da in February. I'm using a piece of 36 ct. linen from Hand Dyed Fibers. I saw it and fell in love with it stitched on 40ct gauze but I chickened out and chose linen instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started a new job towards the end of February and came down with the respiratory type flu last weekend so I haven't had the energy to even sign on to my computer lately. I can't wait to get back to visiting around blogland and see what everyone is up to. And I am impatiently waiting for my first paycheck so I can do some market stash enhancement with a free heart. A week and a half to go! Woohoo!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that about wraps it up for the happenings in my little world over the last few weeks. I do need to mention my sorrow at learning of Lisa Roswell's passing this last week. To say that I am saddened and shocked is an understatement. How tragic. My heart and prayers go out to her family. She will be missed by so many. </div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-12855080956738059882011-02-03T20:50:00.001-05:002011-02-03T22:20:46.399-05:00TUSAL and Preparing for a HS Happy DanceTime for the February TUSAL check-in. I'm using a small jelly jar to collect my orts. Once the little jelly jar is full, I'll dump it into the large Ball jar setting beside it. Most of the orts are from the little sampler that the jar is sitting on. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtDhNisRlI/AAAAAAAAC0g/pR5Vi1StLSk/s1600/IMG_2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtDhNisRlI/AAAAAAAAC0g/pR5Vi1StLSk/s320/IMG_2444.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;"><strong>A "Berry" Nice Sampler by Hillside Samplings</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Stitched on 30 ct. Northern Cross Natural linen with DMC floss.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Changes: Switched to a slightly deeper yellow for the strawberry blossom centers and replaced the stitched center strawberry with the porcelain strawberry button that was intended for the pin pillow. </span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A couple of weeks ago, I was in a funk and needed something colorful to stitch. Went stash diving and pulled out <strong>"A "Berry" Nice Sampler" </strong>from Hillside Samplings. This has been on my "want to stitch" list since I first laid eyes on it. I loved stitching this little sampler! With such a pretty palette of colors and an interesting variety of stitches, it was hard to put it down! Finished the stitching last night, ironed it today, and I'll be adding the the porcelain strawberry button to it this evening. Then I'll be happy dancing! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtDp7KkJeI/AAAAAAAAC0k/a1DVy0v2glU/s1600/IMG_2397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtDp7KkJeI/AAAAAAAAC0k/a1DVy0v2glU/s320/IMG_2397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a picture from the leaflet cover. Notice the center strawberry is stitched. When I bought the pattern, I also bought the linen and the porcelain button. Imagine my disappointment when I set down to really look over the pattern and discovered that the button wasn't used for the sampler. Probably one of the reasons that it has been waiting for 10 years to be stitched! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtDyz27ESI/AAAAAAAAC0o/RvdgqMqoIWQ/s1600/IMG_2407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtDyz27ESI/AAAAAAAAC0o/RvdgqMqoIWQ/s320/IMG_2407.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's another view of "A "Berry" Nice Sampler". Sorry about the bad lighting. The actual colors show up much nicer in the first photo. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few of the orts in my TUSAL jar are from Carriage House Samplings "Alphabet Sampler". I'm stitching it from the cards that I collected before the full sampler chart pack was released. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtER0KaMXI/AAAAAAAAC04/bitB8tLbKFQ/s1600/IMG_2396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtER0KaMXI/AAAAAAAAC04/bitB8tLbKFQ/s320/IMG_2396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>"Alphabet Sampler"</strong> - <strong> Carriage House Samplings</strong></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-small;">Stitched on 40 ct. Sandstone linen using overdyed threads. (Again, the lighting does not do the colors in this sampler justice.)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have this by my stitching chair and whenever I am between projects or need to take a breather from what I am stitching on, I pull it out and stitch awhile. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll leave you with a picture that I came across when I was browsing through some of my pictures. This is why I no longer leave my laptop on the floor if I have to step away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtFBCrCa3I/AAAAAAAAC1I/wY7B9BAyLbo/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TUtFBCrCa3I/AAAAAAAAC1I/wY7B9BAyLbo/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444;">Megan, the queen of warm and cozy places.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world today. And sincere thanks to all that left comments to my last post. It means so much to me. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;">Hope you are staying warm and finding time to do something you love! </span></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-32867772612244938522011-01-22T23:00:00.000-05:002011-01-22T23:00:11.386-05:00No finishes to report, but I have an answer for Glenna...First of all, thank you for the kind comments regarding my pile of unfinished finishes. I appreciate that no one scolded me for not being more proactive in the finishing department. What can I say, I'm just the kind of girl that enjoys stitching. As for the finishing, well, not so much.<br />
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I haven't finished anything this week although I have been experimenting with paint colors. I'm trying to decide what color to paint frames that I made last spring for:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTuY36926YI/AAAAAAAACz0/BbOrfL4zaBw/s1600/IMG_2382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTuY36926YI/AAAAAAAACz0/BbOrfL4zaBw/s320/IMG_2382.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Sally Spencer"</strong> from Birds of a Feather<br />
Stitched on 32 ct. hand dyed linen with overdyed floss.<br />
Personalized with my immediate family's initials and the first two letters of the name of each of the cats that I have had.<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Which of the two darker paint colors (see craft sticks to the left of the sampler) look best? Thoughts? <br />
<br />
And...<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTuY-J0e-iI/AAAAAAAACz4/BNuIGJYR1mU/s1600/IMG_2384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTuY-J0e-iI/AAAAAAAACz4/BNuIGJYR1mU/s320/IMG_2384.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Button Button" </strong>from Hillside Samplings<br />
(I can't find the chart right now, but I think that's the name.) <br />
Stitched on 32 ct Lt Mocha linen with Caron Waterlilies in Fir and embellished with pearl buttons.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished stitching this sampler in 1997 and I mounted into the frame with glass and three layers of spacers to accomodate the buttons, but I'm not happy with the stain I used. Too light. Can't restain because I sprayed a coat of sealer on it. I'd like to find a coordinating paint color, slightly darker than the Waterlilies for it. Everything I've tried so far looks too bright (see light paint colors on craft stitcks in the picture above). Any suggestions for this one? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my last post, <a href="http://needle-eye.blogspot.com/">Glenna</a> left a comment asking about one of the pieces in my UF (unfinished finishes) box. I think this is the one that she described. (Glenna, I would have emailed you sooner but I was unable to find your email address. Let me know if this isn't the one that you were asking about.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTuZF2h4dhI/AAAAAAAACz8/riV6FBQ7xQw/s1600/IMG_2372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTuZF2h4dhI/AAAAAAAACz8/riV6FBQ7xQw/s320/IMG_2372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Woodland Snowfall" from Little House Needleworks<br />
Just Cross Stitch 2004 Special Christmas Ornament Issue <br />
Stitched on 32 ct. scrap of mystery brown linen. <br />
My plan was (and is) to finish it as a needlebook.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Well, my stitchy chair and my cat, Sophie, are calling to me. Time for a diet coke, some tummy rubbings (Sophie's, not mine) and some stitching. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. Take care and stay warm! </div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-68467075562327940222011-01-15T13:46:00.001-05:002011-01-15T13:48:44.266-05:002011 Goals (kind of) and Finish FinishesI kind of set a goal to pick out two of my stitched finishes each month to finish finish. I say "kind of" because I'm not going to kick myself if I miss a month or two along the way. Life happens, right? My plan is to frame one piece and finish one piece into a small of some kind each month. If all goes as planned, by year's end I'll have 24 finished finishes.<br />
<br />
Recently <a href="http://xmakesthestitch.blogspot.com/">Diane</a> invited me to join <a href="http://gotpossibilities.blogspot.com/">POSSIBIL(I)TIES</a>, a blog she started for stitchers to encourage one another to finish-finish stitching project finishes. I jumped at the chance and joined right away. I am also practicing goal visualization. I have this picture in my mind of me smiling on December 31 looking over all my finished finishes and wondering why it took me so long. <br />
<br />
So with my goal in mind, last weekend I opened up the 6" x 20 1/2" x 14.5" tote that I use to store my stitched finishes and thought, "hmm, where do I start?" <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHEcbs8tFI/AAAAAAAACys/_6qjdcmwlKE/s1600/IMG_2371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHEcbs8tFI/AAAAAAAACys/_6qjdcmwlKE/s320/IMG_2371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have no idea how many stitched pieces are in there...but as you can see, it is pretty full. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHEh_aPIlI/AAAAAAAACyw/YQ0nA5a7z_g/s1600/IMG_2369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHEh_aPIlI/AAAAAAAACyw/YQ0nA5a7z_g/s320/IMG_2369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I reached in...held my breathe...and pulled out a couple of Blackbird Designs finishes. I dug around in my stash for backing fabric, trims, buttons and charms, dusted off the old sewing machine and got busy. Here are the results: </div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHE3XfLHdI/AAAAAAAACy0/HWizHwhAJc4/s1600/IMG_2361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHE3XfLHdI/AAAAAAAACy0/HWizHwhAJc4/s320/IMG_2361.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Small Token"<br />
Reward of Merit Pincushion by Blackbird Designs<br />
Stitched on Vintage(?) 32 count linen using overdyed threads. Finished using the background fabric for the backing and lace from my miniatures (old hobby) stash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHFCqz4fTI/AAAAAAAACy4/LUCowQubLXM/s1600/IMG_2365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TTHFCqz4fTI/AAAAAAAACy4/LUCowQubLXM/s320/IMG_2365.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bluebird"<br />
Reward of Merit Pincushion by Blackbird Designs<br />
Stitched on the recommended fabric with the reccommended overdyed floss. Finished using the background fabric for the backing and charms and buttons from my stash. </td></tr>
</tbody></table> I attempted tacking tan rick-rack around the Bluebird pincushion but after several rocky attempts, I decided it wasn't worth the battle and frogged it all out. Not sure if I'll have another go at it or not. What do you think, should I or shouldn't I?<br />
<br />
Thank you for stopping by today. And thank you for the comments regarding my last post. I've loved peaking at all the 2011 Challenge starts across blogland over the last couple of weeks and as a result, I'm just bursting to start some new projects myself. But so far I'm staying focused on a little set of winter themed needlework smalls that I'm designing and filling in on the CHS Alphabet.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Take care and hope you are enjoying your stitching as much as I am enjoying mine, which is A LOT! Hugs...</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-60098701435722515762011-01-04T22:29:00.000-05:002011-01-04T22:29:37.358-05:00TUSALHappy New Year! Here's wishing many blessings for you and yours in 2011!<br />
<br />
I joined <a href="http://itsdaffycat.blogspot.com/">Daffycat's</a> Totally Useless Stitch A Long and here is my first TUSAL picture. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TSPTcMkgZZI/AAAAAAAACrE/IR8XXuYSHVc/s1600/IMG_2340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TSPTcMkgZZI/AAAAAAAACrE/IR8XXuYSHVc/s320/IMG_2340.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I've been collecting orts for awhile so I can't place a timeframe on the collected orts in the big jar. I didn't think to start a new jar until today and I was too lazy to pick out the orts from the last few days. So everything was dumped unceremoniously into the big jar. I start filling a new jar tonight.<br />
<br />
I'm behind <em>(a lot)</em> due to several unanticipated events. First, my Mom's water heater died right after Christmas. I had to locate a plumber that had the right size water heater in stock AND who was available to install it the next day. I decided to spent the install day at my Mom's in case there were any problems. Luckily, everything went smoothly and my Mom and I had a nice day watching movies. I stitched and Mom helped my pick out buttons and charms for 'Blackbird Designs'' Bluebird pincushion. Then, the next day, my brother called stressing about the New Year's Day party he was planning. Long story short, being the big sister that I am, I volunteered to have the party at my house. Let's just say I was NOT prepared, and had to hustle my bustle to get the house and food together. Despite limited sleep, everything turned out well and everyone had a good time, including me. <br />
<br />
I planned to sit and stitch all day Sunday, but ended up sorting, straightening, and organizing my stash instead. I decided to avoid the 15-new project challenge and opted to be the cheerleader for all those that joined. Instead, this year, I plan to "finish finish" some of the things that have been lanquishing in my "stitched" box. I've kind of set a plan of framing one piece and finishing one unframed piece each month. If I stick to my plan, by year's end, I will have 12 framed samplers/pictures and 12 ornaments/smalls.<br />
<br />
I am finishing a few things that I'll share with you hopefully tomorrow, that is if all the appliances continue working and my siblings don't have any emergencies. :)<br />
<br />
I'm thankful that you stopped by my little corner of the world today. Take care, stay warm , or cool, depending on your location, and find time to do something you love.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-45119677950059003892010-12-21T14:32:00.002-05:002010-12-21T14:37:11.728-05:00And the Winner Is....I am thrilled to announce the winner of my <strong>"Merriest Christmas!" Giveaway.</strong> I used Random.org to generate the winning number and the winning number selected was #16. After counting comments and then then recounting to be sure, the giveaway winner is <a href="http://lisavslounge.blogspot.com/">Lisa V</a> of Perth, Australia! <br />
<br />
Congratulations Lisa! I'll be sending an email to you shortly to gather all the mailing details so that your <strong>Samplerbird Stitchery</strong> gifties can be on their way to you. I hope you have fun stitching it up for yourself or someone you love!<br />
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A big Thank You to all for taking time to comment on my last post and a hearty "Welcome" to my new followers! I can't tell you what a heart-warming and encouraging experience it has been to read through the comments. At a time when my self-confidence is struggling with the out-of-work blues, it means the world to me. Thank you for brightening my day!<br />
<br />
<strong>EMAIL:</strong> If anyone sent an email to me in the last week and I have not responded, please resend it to me. For some reason, AOL placed emails related to my blog in the Spam Folder and as I was sorting out the true spam, I accidentally clicked "delete all" instead of "delete" so I lost it all. Arrrgghhh! <br />
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<strong>Finishing:</strong> I've been trying to do some Christmas stitching finishing over the last couple of weeks. Here are a few pics:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDgzP2m1gI/AAAAAAAACpM/K03PhWtgMdo/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDgzP2m1gI/AAAAAAAACpM/K03PhWtgMdo/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace and Joy (front) - The Drawn Thread<br />
Stitched this year on 32 ct. raw linen over 1 and over 2. I substituted over-dyed cotton floss for the silk threads that I did not have and used beads and buttons from my stash for embellishment. Santa's beard and coat trim are stitched with Whisper. Finished using Cynthia's wonderful directions included with the pattern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDg26YjKmI/AAAAAAAACpQ/pQNVl04VRH0/s1600/IMG_2203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDg26YjKmI/AAAAAAAACpQ/pQNVl04VRH0/s320/IMG_2203.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Peace and Joy" (back) - The Drawn Thread</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDg8ULOKiI/AAAAAAAACpU/h466nE69z7w/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDg8ULOKiI/AAAAAAAACpU/h466nE69z7w/s320/IMG_2217.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Frosty" - Designer unknown. <br />
Stitched long, long ago on 18 ct Aida with DMC. One of those stitched designs that had been lanquishing away in my 'finished' box for years. Wanted to try the finish I've seen on so many blogs this year and pulled this out to experiment with. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDhEExQUFI/AAAAAAAACpY/CRpuUxm_DD0/s1600/IMG_2269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDhEExQUFI/AAAAAAAACpY/CRpuUxm_DD0/s320/IMG_2269.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Festive Redbird" - Homespun Elegance<br />
Stitched in 2009 on 28 ct. linen remnant from my stash using over-dyed floss. I substituted a brighter shade of red to match the beads that I wanted to use. Finished using Sandra's directions included with the patttern. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDhZnD5g0I/AAAAAAAACpc/pZdSPUX8Cxw/s1600/IMG_2295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDhZnD5g0I/AAAAAAAACpc/pZdSPUX8Cxw/s320/IMG_2295.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Angels Sent" - Susan Greening Davis (Still Stitching with Susan) from the 2010 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue. Stitched on 30 ct white evenweave from my stash using DMC 115. <br />
I had the pleasure of spending numeroues hours (and $$$) in Susan's Michigan shop when it was open and I couldn't resist stitching this up for me and one for a friend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Samplerbird Stitchery News:</strong> I'm busy stitching the model for the "Peace on Earth" ornament that I will be offering as a freebie before New Year's Eve (stay tuned for a sneak peak in a day or two) and I am working on a couple of new design ideas, the first is based on two things that I love, samplers and quilts, and the second is a set of smalls with a winter theme. Hope to have them ready by mid-to-late-January. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Several of the comments to my last post mentioned that it was nice to find a design that fits in a standard size frame. I wholeheartenly agree. In fact, that is one of the factors that I am taking into consideration as I design. It is frustrating when we stitch up a perfectly lovely design and then put off framing because a custom frame costs so much. I was lucky enough to grow up with a Dad who was a master-woodworker and he showed me how to do so many things (if only I had paid more attention). I did learn how to construct a frame and over the years I've accumulated the equipment to do so but I don't always want to make a frame, sometimes I just want to go to the store and pick out a ready-made frame and get on with the framing. So I will try as I move forward with my designing to accomodate those of us that prefer to use a standard size frame. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>An Anniversary:</strong> I'd also like to mention that this week marks the 4th anniversary since our little Birman twins, Zissou and Zoe, joined our family. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDnGMMnNdI/AAAAAAAACqc/ybO4ZE1Wvu0/s1600/100_1012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDnGMMnNdI/AAAAAAAACqc/ybO4ZE1Wvu0/s320/100_1012.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe and Zissou settling into their new home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDhvexgUjI/AAAAAAAACpg/nNmKmjJxsDs/s1600/IMG_2092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDhvexgUjI/AAAAAAAACpg/nNmKmjJxsDs/s320/IMG_2092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zissou and Zoe, this year, supervising the annual "putting up the tree" event. Note: Zoe (right) is smaller than Zissou (left) although it doesn't look like it in this picture. Sorry, the flash hides their blue eyes. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, I neglected to acknowledge Zissou as the model in the <strong>"Merriest Christmas!"</strong> picture from my last post. He has been a little miffed at me so I promised that I would show his latest glamour shot today. Isn't he handsome!</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDkGFLfgcI/AAAAAAAACp0/BuUjJn7bkQg/s1600/IMG_2243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TRDkGFLfgcI/AAAAAAAACp0/BuUjJn7bkQg/s320/IMG_2243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks for stopping by today and a big CONGRATULATIONS to <strong>Lisa V</strong> for winning the "Merriest Christmas!" pattern pack, linen and threads. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Holidays!</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-84520983658964831332010-12-18T03:05:00.007-05:002010-12-18T03:46:50.165-05:00My 2010 Christmas Giveaway & My Newest DesignHappy Holidays! I’m so happy that you stopped by today! I must say, I was overwhelmed by the positive comments about my <strong><em>"Holiday Spirit"</em></strong> design. I can’t thank those of you that left a comment or sent an email enough for taking time to brighten my day and encourage my designing endeavor. {{{Hugs}}} to all of you!<br />
<br />
I have a new Samplerbird Stitchery design that I’m excited to tell you about. Let me introduce you to…<strong><em>Merriest Christmas!</em></strong><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TQxk9AzuyGI/AAAAAAAACno/YVU8l66gQQw/s320/IMG_2157.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>"Merriest Christmas!"</strong><br />
Designer: Samplerbird Stitchery<br />
Stitched on 32 ct. Rue Green Zweigart Belfast linen with overdyed floss: Weeks Dye Works Snowflake and Holly, and Crescent Colors Cupid. Framed using a standard 5 x 7 frame purchased at Hobby Lobby. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Three things inspired me to design this piece, the joyful feeling that this season brings to my heart, new fluffy snowflakes, and the look and feel of an old-fashioned type greeting card. After several transitional morphs, I found the “look” that I envisioned. I hope you like the results.<br />
<br />
I combined my thoughts for a Christmas giveaway and my new design introduction and arrived at my, <strong>“2010 ‘Merriest Christmas’ Giveaway.”</strong> <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TQxlG6boEVI/AAAAAAAACns/0xWtf1VlbGA/s320/IMG_2286.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Merriest Christmas Giveaway winner will receive:<br />
The “Merriest Christmas!” pattern.<br />
A 10 x 12 piece of 32 ct. Rue Green linen.<br />
And…three skeins of over-dyed floss to stitch this baby up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #cc0000;">The drawing will be conducted on <span style="color: #38761d;">Tuesday morning, December 21, 2010</span>, at approximately 9:00 a.m. EST</span>. To enter, simply comment on this post and tell me that you want to be included in the drawing. <u>Please include your email address, if it isn’t on your profile</u>, so I have some way to contact you for your address if your name is drawn. You must be a follower to win. The best of luck to all!<br />
<br />
A couple of things before I sign off. First, I’m setting up an Etsy shop to sell my Samplerbird Stitchery designs, including <strong><em>“Merriest Christmas!”</em></strong> and I’ll post more about that in a few days. Secondly, I’ll be publishing my next complimentary chart, <strong><em>“Peace on Earth”</em></strong> here on my blog prior to New Year’s Eve. Stay tuned!<br />
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Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world today. Take care, have some fun with needle and thread, and enjoy yourself!Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-17666210581922037142010-12-04T02:38:00.003-05:002011-01-08T02:37:42.435-05:00My October Gift and a Free Holiday Pattern for You!December greetings! I hope that everyone had a fun Halloween and a Happy Thanksgiving. I have missed spending time here. I am so behind posting, reading, and commenting, that I may never catch up. I guess I'll move forward and hopefully do a better job of keeping in touch. Thank you to all that commented on my last post about the pumpkins. I'd be glad to share how easy they were to make if anyone is interested. Let me know by commenting on this post or just send me an email. <br />
<br />
I missed posting my October finishes, but I just have to show the gift that <a href="http://juliannep.blogspot.com/">Julianne</a> (one of the sweetest and most generous stitchers around) sent to me. I received her little "just because" gift in October. Thank you again, dear Julianne. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPmxHO_LmdI/AAAAAAAACVo/6K7HNu3XjWg/s1600/IMG_2002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPmxHO_LmdI/AAAAAAAACVo/6K7HNu3XjWg/s320/IMG_2002.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovely surprise in lovely packaging from Julianne.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table> Don't you just love the rose embossed gold bag! And the "pear" card was perfect for October. Inside the bag was the sweetest ornament. Julianne stitched the robin design from Prairie Schooler's "Signs of Spring". I collect robins and I just love it!!! It is hanging from the lamp by my stitching chair so I can admire it whenever I sit down to stitch. (I plan to send a little something Julianne's way after the first of the year.) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPmw-B51HsI/AAAAAAAACVg/wv6sA9GyJC8/s1600/IMG_2003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPmw-B51HsI/AAAAAAAACVg/wv6sA9GyJC8/s320/IMG_2003.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Robin from PS "Signs of Spring"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here's a pic of Miss Zoe, my very own "Dora the Explorer" checking out the new gifties that came in the mail. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPmxCW6kUaI/AAAAAAAACVk/6nwEia9k7cA/s1600/IMG_2004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPmxCW6kUaI/AAAAAAAACVk/6nwEia9k7cA/s320/IMG_2004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><div align="center"><span style="font-size: small;">Zoe (doing her best Vanna Whiskers impression.)</span></div></td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Since I am "between employment" at the moment, I decided to pursue one of my long-time goals: designing. Back eons ago when my Mother and Aunts was collecting dollhouse miniatures (70's/80's?), I designed and stitched quite a few mini samplers and linens for their dollhouses and displays and I designed and stitched an extended family tree in honor of my grandparent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. All designed on graph paper with colored pencils. About five years ago I purchased charting software. Until now, I have only used it to customize little bits and pieces of charts that I was stitching, but haven't taken the time to start fresh and let the creative juices flow. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">So over the last several weeks, I have been charting and stitching, recharting, frogging, and restitching and today I put the finishing touches on my first original ornament design, "Holiday Spirit" from Samplerbird Stitchery (that's me). </div> <br />
I included words that evoke the spirit of the holidays for me. I wish I could stitch one for each and everyone of my blogging friends and the wonderful shop owners that have kept me supplied over the years. You are all very dear to me and make even the roughest days a bit brighter. Since I can't stitch that fast, it is my pleasure to gift the chart to you. I hope that you like it.<br />
<br />
If you stitch it, I would love to see how you choose to finish it. There are so many possibilities. The matching trim and ribbon that I used were purchased at Michaels (this year) to add lots of bling! I like bling at Christmas. It's a quick stitch, especially if you leave off the beads and just use a simple cross stitch. Enjoy!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPnsDL2GnHI/AAAAAAAACWA/mPif_Lh-92k/s1600/Holiday+Spirit+-+Complimentary+Chart+%25231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPnsDL2GnHI/AAAAAAAACWA/mPif_Lh-92k/s320/Holiday+Spirit+-+Complimentary+Chart+%25231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click on the picture to make it bigger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you have any questions, you are most welcome to email me at <a href="mailto:robinndlwk@aol.com">robinndlwk@aol.com</a>. Happy Holidays!<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world today! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPngVc7gR9I/AAAAAAAACV8/sgVDRgL2JJI/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPngVc7gR9I/AAAAAAAACV8/sgVDRgL2JJI/s320/IMG_2084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPm0eNLyzdI/AAAAAAAACV0/dnGvjxB0A3U/s1600/IMG_2083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TPm0eNLyzdI/AAAAAAAACV0/dnGvjxB0A3U/s320/IMG_2083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Holiday Spirit" </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Designer: Me! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Copyright: Samplerbird Stitchery 2010</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-56322946324745123762010-10-14T19:08:00.001-04:002010-10-14T19:10:42.480-04:00And We Have a Win-na!Thank you to each and every one of you that left comments on my last posting. I find it gratifying to know someone is interested in my projects and cares enough to leave a message. It reaffirms why I need to be more diligent about leaving comments on other blogs...it means so much to the receiver. Don't you agree?<br />
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Before I get to the main topic of tonight's post, here's a pic of the little pumpkin pincushions that I put together this past weekend. I finally got around to using some of the crushed walnut shells that I purchased this past summer. I've got to make more of these, they are ADDICTING! You wouldn't believe the mess I made in my craft room/studio/office as I dug through boxes and drawers to fine all the components. Oh, what fun I had!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeDQWhc20I/AAAAAAAACTA/j4AFC6XLROo/s1600/IMG_1980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeDQWhc20I/AAAAAAAACTA/j4AFC6XLROo/s320/IMG_1980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And now for what many of you are waiting to read...the list of candidates has been tabulated, the winner's name selected by my DH...........BUT before I reveal the winner of Jenny Bean's Halloween Sampler chart and leftover threads, let's review the selection process, shall we?</div><br />
First, I listed the names of everyone that left a comment and stated they wanted to be apart of the drawing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeC4sToKFI/AAAAAAAACSw/tM_uYloGDJw/s1600/IMG_1983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeC4sToKFI/AAAAAAAACSw/tM_uYloGDJw/s200/IMG_1983.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I cut the names apart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeDAeHf07I/AAAAAAAACS0/tauQeG9hkqw/s1600/IMG_1984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeDAeHf07I/AAAAAAAACS0/tauQeG9hkqw/s200/IMG_1984.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I carefully folded each name and placed the little pieces of paper into my trusty candy corn tin (from JoAnn's). And my DH had the honor of selecting a name from the ever-so-cute tin. And the winner of Jenny Bean's Halloween Sampler chart and leftover threads is...............</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeDLTSRZUI/AAAAAAAACS8/rnfgvQ-CEU0/s1600/IMG_1988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TLeDLTSRZUI/AAAAAAAACS8/rnfgvQ-CEU0/s320/IMG_1988.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">BERIT!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">CONGRATULATIONS, BERIT! I hope you enjoy stitching the sampler even more than I did! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Please email your snail mail address to me and I'll send Jenny Bean off to you ASAP!</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks again to all that left comments. And to all that took time to just drop by for a visit. I'm glad that you stopped by my little corner of the world today! Hope your stitching adventures are always happy!</div>Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-67300612758698777692010-10-05T16:45:00.003-04:002010-10-06T15:27:24.715-04:00A Finish and My First Giveaway EverA couple of nights ago, I finished my favorite fall design from 2009, Shakespeare Peddlars "Jennny Bean Halloween Sampler". It was one of those sampler designs that I just fell in love with at first sight. It took about 3-4 weeks to stitch with a couple of breaks to stitch things for an exchange. Here's a pic of my Jenny Bean:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt7fKQkF9I/AAAAAAAACRw/EYyRJHLVIJ8/s1600/IMG_1976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt7fKQkF9I/AAAAAAAACRw/EYyRJHLVIJ8/s320/IMG_1976.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Stitched on 40 ct Sandstone linen with the Limited Edition The Gentle Art Sampler Threads. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And, because I enjoyed stitching Jenny's Halloween Sampler so much, I'm offering the pattern and the remaining 9 Limited Edition threads as my first ever giveaway. I think there will be enough of all the threads except for Nightmare (the black) to stitch this again, especially if it is stitched with one thread on 40 ct (or maybe even 36 ct.) linen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt7kxQrsbI/AAAAAAAACR0/ZH5geDrAvAQ/s1600/IMG_1979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt7kxQrsbI/AAAAAAAACR0/ZH5geDrAvAQ/s320/IMG_1979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Since this is my first giveaway, I'd like to keep it as simple as possible, so all you need to do is comment on this post and tell me if you are interested in going into the drawing. It is not necessary to be a follower, although you are most welcome to join me. :) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">On <strong>Thursday, October 14th</strong>, I'll draw a name from the comments to this post</span> and announce the winner's name. Please make sure that your email address is available so that I can contact you if your name is drawn. If you are a fast stitcher, you might be able to stitch this up before Halloween! Good luck to all!<br />
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<strong>QUILT SHOW:</strong> On a side note, I attended a quilt show this past weekend and I was pleasantly surprised to find a Blackbird Designs quilt. Such a shame that pictures just don't have the same impact as seeing it in person! Beautiful!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt7_LHcx5I/AAAAAAAACR8/Nqgcc9PPtJI/s1600/IMG_1973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt7_LHcx5I/AAAAAAAACR8/Nqgcc9PPtJI/s320/IMG_1973.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
I happen to live next store to a quiltmaker-artisan extraordinaire, Pat. She is always creating something of beauty. Here she is with her Country Cupboard wallhanging. Again, the picture just doesn't do the quilt justice. The red, black and white border detail is jaw-dropping gorgeous! Check out <a href="http://quiltingcanbefun.blogspot.com/">Pat's blog</a> to see more of her quilting and crafting projects. She has lots of tutorials, too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt8Yu6RAhI/AAAAAAAACSA/nu7GtAVg-eY/s1600/IMG_1966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/TKt8Yu6RAhI/AAAAAAAACSA/nu7GtAVg-eY/s320/IMG_1966.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
Well, enough of my meandering for today. Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the world. I trully appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for making the blogging world such an enjoyable place to visit!Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3805750133647609823.post-41834979222410368602010-08-23T21:19:00.000-04:002010-08-23T21:19:44.324-04:00I Can Stitch...When Traveling @ 70 MPHI had pretty much given up trying to stitch while riding in the car. Then about a year and a half ago, I came across a little Bent Creek zipper kit in my stash and decided to take it along while my DH and I took a drive. And I discovered stitching with #5 Pearl Cotton on 18 ct Cork linen is Michigan roads friendly! What a relief, no more "pin the tail on the donkey" type stitching (that's where you struggle for about five minutes trying to get the needle in the right hole). I can now actually stitch and enjoy the drive, too.<br />
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Here's a pic of a couple of my first Cork projects: "Made in the USA" kit, Bent Creek (center), in the lower right corner, Trail Creek Farm's "USA" freebie. On the left is "Land That I Love" from Lizzie Kate which is stitched on 32 ct raw Belfast.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/THMOR_H2P3I/AAAAAAAACQ8/z7C4zWL517A/s1600/IMG_1934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/THMOR_H2P3I/AAAAAAAACQ8/z7C4zWL517A/s320/IMG_1934.JPG" /></a><br />
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We haven't been traveling much over the last year but I have managed to stitch or finish stitching the little grouping below:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/THMOb3zxIBI/AAAAAAAACRE/HAr5OwF15YY/s1600/IMG_1926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_67wDRzCRPCg/THMOb3zxIBI/AAAAAAAACRE/HAr5OwF15YY/s320/IMG_1926.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trail Creek Farm "Summer" freebie, Birds of a Feather "Halloween Costume" freebie, and The Gift Of Stitching, "Cupcake Doily" motifs with added buttons.</div><br />
So now I have a little travel case packed and ready to go with some #5 pearl cottons, 3 or 4 smaller cuts of Cork linen, a few smaller, Cork appropriate patterns, a package of #22 needles, and a pair of travel scissors that I clip to my seat belt. <br />
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And then this past weekend, I made another discovery. We took a little camping trip and on the way, I pulled out an exchange piece that I am stitching on a piece of mystery 28 ct linen and found it surprising easy to work on. That is until we hit a nasty, bumpy stretch of highway and then it was back to the Cork. So now I have another travel option. Let's see, what do I want to stitch on 28? I really wish I could share a picture of my stitchy progress on the exchange piece but I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'll just say that it is very cute and such a clever idea from one of my new to me favorite designers. I just wish I had enough of the linen left to make one for me too!<br />
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I'm ready for a road trip, how about you? <br />
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Happy stitching! Thanks for stopping by my little neck in the woods.Robinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02553206090066404906noreply@blogger.com12