Tick Tick Tick Tock

I don't believe I will be finishing this tonight.  I am seriously into stitching burn out!  I have been working all day on this project.  There is so much back stitching.  I have the roof of the needlework shop, a lamp post and the pumpkin cart left to do.  There is still time but I really need to take a break.  

Jack made it outside today to run the snow blower.  It was cold.  We have almost two feet on the ground.  He was working on paths out the back to the shed and around the house.  I kept checking on him and snapped this photo while he was hard at work. 

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!  2012 has been a very strange year.  I am hoping for a better 2013. 

Time is running out - - year end is almost here.

I work and work and work -- It doesn't seem like I have much to show for all the hours.  There is a ton of back stitching on this project.  The school and back building on the right side are done, done, done.  I am working on the Grocery building.  We had another foot of snow today.  The weather guy says it is only 3 to 4 inches but he hasn't seen my back porch.  A good snow day makes for extra time to stitch.  I don't really feel like I have accomplished much.

A Snow Storm and some stitching

Yesterday we received a foot of snow in our area.  Today it looks really nice and pretty out there.  Yesterday I was so freaked out with having to go to the hospital during the storm.  I am still shaking.  I love a good snow storm but not when I have to be out in it.

I did get the base stitching done.  Then I tackled the list of special back stitching and that list is done.  Now the remaining back stitching and there is a lot of it, is one color.  So I am hoping to spend some time tomorrow and finish this up before the end of the year.  I am ready for some quiet down time - how about you?

I am a stranger to a needle.....

I haven't had much time to stitch.  The holidays were full of fun, family, presents, food and more food.   It was a good time.  I gave these two ornaments away this year.  One to my grand niece and one to my great grand baby.  Where does the time go?

 Great Grand Baby gave me a purple butterfly.  It won't stay here but will most likely live in my craft room but for now this is where it is.

I did pick up a needle today.  I started work on the verse and back stitching.  It is my hope to get this done by the new year.  We have a huge snow storm coming tonight.  I would be thrilled with visions of stitching dancing in my head but it is a chemo day tomorrow so we have to be up and driving early in the storm.  I hope it goes well.

Santa has been busy

My brother has been busy.  I asked him to make me a frame for a Christmas tree project that I did years ago.  Apparently he has it figured out!!  The picture is a bit of a blur.  I am excited about getting that frame one day.

Merry Christmas Everyone.  I have family and friends visiting over the next few days as the holiday approaches.  I am not sure when I will be able to post again.  I know that holding a needle has been nothing but a dream lately.  There is just too many things to do.  Soon the holiday will be upon us.  I hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday. 

I won an award?????

I have been been given the honor of the LIEBSTER AWARD, by a very lovely lady Suiseq. 
 
 

 
 
The intention behind the Award is to support and showcase blogs with less than 200 followers that you enjoy reading. In accepting the Liebster Blog Award you agree to:

I will say Thank you to Susieq.  She apparently follows my blog.  She is also better versedon how to post other blog links to her blog than I am.  I am also supposed to propose several other blogs that should have this award.  This would require my knowing or reading other blogs.  I have to admit that I don't read a lot of blogs.  I some times stumble on a blog and enjoy looking at them.  Many never post more than a couple of times and then they are done.  I don't have any blogs that I check on regularly. 


I have been remiss to post this.  I don't have any blogs to suggest but I will try to post a link to Susie's,  Sue's Blog.  (See, I am learning all the time.) 

A new Friend and a surprise!!!

Here is a picture of Ann and myself when she visited yesterday.  It always amazes me that stitchers that meet on the internet, when they meet in person pick up like they have known each other for years and years.  It was fun to have her here.  

Today I had a surprise arrive.  The FedEx guy brought this to my door.  No idea who sent it.  The return address is St.Louis so that narrows it down some.  For now I am calling it my Secret Santa present.  I love surprises.

O Christmas Tree

No stitching today. It was a busy shopping day and I wasn't able to get much stitching done.  Now I have a big day tomorrow to look forward to.  A friend, an internet person, and her husband are stopping by tomorrow.  I am a member of several cross stitch groups.  This one is a group of stitchers that like Victoria Sampler's Designs.  So she is traveling through our area and will be stopping by.  I am so excited.  I have to run - I have some things I want to get straightened up before the visit.  There is nothing like a visiting woman to make the housework all get done.  That's my story and I am sticking to it.

Basket full of coasters and some cross stitch

I did the sewing and final steps to make 10 sets of 4 coasters.  Each set is tied up with a ribbon.  These will be gifts given for visitors to my house. I was able to get all the 'sewing' things done so I could put away the sewing machine until after Christmas.  Whew!  It feels great to have those things done.  Now to more cooking, baking and wrapping.

Meanwhile I am working on the Autumn Village.  The main base stitching is now done side to side.  I am working on the border for the verse at the bottom.  It is stitched with an overdyed floss which is certainly interesting with an over one project. 

Christmas is coming and a bit of progress

I worked a bit on the village,.  This wagon of pumpkins is the last item to the left of the picture.  There is still a lot of work but having most of the base stitching done is call for a happy dance.  That tree caused me a bit of trouble.  I seem to be a bit distracted with holiday projects and that means that I forget where I was on a my current cross stitch project.  Hopefully I will be able to set aside all the Christmas projects soon and then I can return to my usual programming.

Today I put together the pieces for 9 more sets of 4 coasters.  They are ready for the sewing machine.  I also finished up the paper clip project.  We now have 31 paper clips ready for thank you notes and lottery tickets.  It was nice to work in my room and watch the snow coming down.  Christmas is coming. Fa La La La.

Christmas presents & a mail art surprise

I have been wanting to take some time and make some coasters for the holiday.  I just love the colors I used in these.  I will bundle four coasters and tie with a ribbon.

Here are the coasters with one turned over so you can see the back.  These might have to stay at my house.  I do have to thank Sandy Felt for the idea.  I received some Halloween coasters from her and I used the same idea for these.

 Yesterday I received a mail art.  I belong to a wonderful group of ladies around the world that stitch and mail envelopes to each other.  This is the one I received from Susanne from Germany for my birthday.  I just covered my address.

This is the back.  There is a quote from John Lennon, her address and some peace pins.  Very cool. 

On to the tree, lamp post & wagon

The Needlework shop is done and I can move on to the tree, the lamp post and a wagon.  I was able to put together some time to stitch today and it felt good.  It is 'that time of year' with so many things to do.  Some how it will all get done.  I hope everyone else is having a good season.

Needlework Shop is taking shape

I spent hours working on the scarecrow in front of this shop.  The size is about the same size as my thumb nail and it took HOURS!  Amazing.  Now I am on the roof and then the last of the stitching on the left side of the piece.  Dare I think ahead?  Lots of back stitching and the blocked verse/saying to be done after this base stitching.

Progress is being made

I did get a bit of the needle work shop done.  I am currently working on the scarecrow and pumpkins in front.  Tiny little stitches.  I am finding that I need the magnifier to see the chart.  This could take some time.  

Meanwhile the mail art piece is ready for the post man.  I did the specialty stitches as shown on a previous post.  I made the inside a floss tote.  One flap is the address part and this other flap now has a pocket and needle page.  I am quite pleased with it.  I am especially happy to have this project ready to go out the door.  Now that it is done, it is time for more Christmas.

Deadline is looming - -

I think I have one side of the envelope/mail art done.  I just did specialty stitches and tried to fill the area.  I  will do the addresses on one flap and perhaps a pic of a stitcher.  I am thinking the other flap might need some felt for a needle book and a pocket for scissors.  The inside will be a floss tote.  I would love to get this in the mail this week.  ARGH!!!  There is still so much to do.

Busy with gifts and a visit from Santa!!!

I am busy making Yo Yo Christmas paper clips.  I am scheduled to make 31 and I have made 20 today.  Whew!!  These will be attached to lottery tickets and given as a small token for the many people that have helped us through our journey.  

Oh My Gosh!!  I received this photo today.  I had to look twice.  That is my big brother Butch with one of his dogs.  He looks like Santa to me.  Butch was always there for me and still is.  I love this photo.  He is also the one that does my wooden needle threaders.  He told me not to laugh but I just had to laugh when I saw this.

Play Date?

Onward and upward on the mail art.  I didn't get a lot of time to stitch today but I did make a bit of progress on this one.  Free form seems to be easy but it is really difficult to figure out what stitch, in what color to do next.

Needlework Shop progress

I did stitch a little bit.  Today was Christmas shopping.  It amazes me how worn out I feel after even a little bit of shopping.  I find the stores busy with not enough checkers most of the time.  I have the majority of my shopping done and that is a good thing.  I have just a few more stops to make and then it is time to stay home, decorate, wrap and prepare to enjoy the holidays.

Hornbook solution and another start

I started this today.  I am running behind on an obligation.  I need to get a mail art ready to go quickly.  I am going to use specialty stitches on this one and build it into a floss tote.  Wish me luck because I am climbing out on a limb with this one.  So far it looks good.

Today this frame arrived.  I have been looking for a hornbook frame for this little over one stitched Little House Needleworks. It fits perfectly. 

Big Red Tree

I did the two trees over the barber shop.  Now I am working on the Needlework Shop.  It has a big front door so you can carry those large bags out when you shop.  I am enjoying this and can see the end of it.  The needlework shop is the last one towards the left side.  There is a lot of back stitching with this project.  I would have preferred to stitch it as a go but the chart has a long list of back stitching instructions with everything else being one color.  I found that too difficult to figure out what color to use where so I decided to wait. 

Barber Shoppe

I have been working on the Village.  I believe the current building is a barber shop.  I have yet to stitch the pole.  Most of the building is done.  There is a lot of trees with leaves over that top of that building.

Boo litmore Boo nus

It is done!!!  A Halloween ornament for next year.  I was able to get it done today.  Chemo went well.  Our December schedule is now set for the doctor and appointments.  Jack is beginning to have some sensation in his fingers and is very pleased with that idea.  Other than that, things are going pretty well.  Thank you all for your concerns and prayers.

Sleepless Nights can be productive

I had trouble falling asleep last night so I worked on this project.  I knew I had a mistake somewhere.  I found it, fixed it and now I only have the outside border to do.  Then a button and I am done.  This has been my travel project.  I should get a few moments to work on it tomorrow at chemo.

Village update and a stash holiday

I have completed the right side of the village.  There are a few leaves to stitch but I will wait until I do the back stitching. It is now time to march to the left and finish this one up.

We came home to packages galore on the front porch.  Four packages were there today.  (I have 13 deliveries due.)  Today my package came from Drema with Sue Hillis charts, Just Nan mouse, a yard (yeah a whole yard!!) on 25 count evenweave and the Winter Fairy kit from the latest CS & Needlework magazine.  There is also a Nantucket letter box.  That box has been back ordered from forever.  I have another Sue HIllis project to work up for that box.  I am thrilled. 

Side Trip to something new

Pretty Paper Clips.  I made these today!!  Quick and easy.  I am thinking of using Christmas fabric, green (or red) paper clips and making gifts for the holidays.  I want one for my hair dresser to give her tip with a pretty attached.  We are also thinking of a few lottery ticket gifts and I would put a paper clip on it.  So easy and quick.  Very pretty.

School House is under way

I have been working on the school.  The bell is done with Glisten Gloss blending filament.  I did not know if I had it but I was sure I could find some silver stuff to use.  Guess what?  I had the exact stuff that was called for.  Now that doesn't happen every day! 

The holiday was a success.  It was the first time in many, many years that I didn't cook the turkey.  Wow - it was very strange to just make a few things, show up and eat.  Amazing.  People were out and about.  Cars were on the roads.  Some stores were even open.  Can you tell it has been a long time since I left the house on turkey day?  It was strange.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my followers.  I do enjoy your comments.  I find it hard to believe that Christmas will be right around the corner.  Are you ready yet?  I am not.

The Red School House has been started

I finished the back building and started the school house.  The good news is that the school is the last building on this side of the project.  I am almost half way there!! 

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.  I will be counting my many blessings.  We will travel to Mom's for dinner and to be with family.  I hope everyone has safe travels and has a great day.

Little progress on the Village and a new Vehicle

Well, I haven't had much time to work on the village.  I might get some done tomorrow.  I am not sure.  I did work on the little back building beside the Grocery.  

DH and I picked up the new 4 Runner today.  He has been dreaming of a new truck/car since he retired almost three years ago.  So it was time.  Now he has a lot of studying to do to figure out how all the computers work in the thing. 

Village Grocery is done

I was beginning to think this one building would never be done.  I continue to be very busy with floss totes.  I have the three to ship out tomorrow.  Today I started work on five more.  I had a few interesting comments from previous purchasers.  They are still using the floss totes (20 years later?) and one gal said that I made them too good since they are still going strong.  I am pleased to hear that many are still being used. 

DH and I have been busy with a purchase of a new vehicle for him.  We pick it up tomorrow.  It is exciting to look forward to that new car smell. 

Craft Room Work Day

Today I did the final part for this needle roll.  I have so many things just sitting and waiting for some attention.  This one is now ready to go.

I also spent some time making floss totes.  These three are sold.  I need to make up some more. 

Progress is being made -

I spent some time this morning putting together these Lizzie Kate scissors fobs.  Fun fabrics are all on the backs.  I am glad to have them done.   Meanwhile I have more orders for floss totes so I will have to take a bit of time to get those done and out of here.  I have made many totes over the years and most stitchers are still using them.  It pleases me to hear from stitchers that have appreciated my organizers.

When I get a moment or two I am working on the village project.  Today my son helped to get the Christmas lights hung up (warm weather now - instead of cold later.) and then he and DH went to look at new vehicles for DH.  I think we have another trip tomorrow to look at what he picked out.  New car smell - there is nothing like it.  Busy days around my house.

Catch Up Time

I have been working on this project during wait times at the doctor's office or other medical type appointments.  It is slow going lately and I celebrate that thought.  Today I went to the doctor for a 3 month check up and it just amazes me how much better the health care seems to be here in the boonies compared to metropolitan St. Louis.  Perhaps I just got lucky with my health care choices here.  I don't know but I do appreciate that it is quick and easy to communicate with my doctors and to get attention when needed.

 There has been some progress on the village.  I wish there was more.  I do have a good excuse and that explanation is coming up.  I have started work on the grocery store.  There are just not enough hours in the day!

This little guy, Landon has his second birthday yesterday.  Gigi (me) and Jack gave him a Red Flyer wagon.  Grandparents (my son) gave him the motorized car.  Landon had so much fun going for walks.  All of us adults got to walk up and down and up and down.  He is a joy and a treat in life.  There should have been a video going while Jack and I tried to put together the wagon.  It is funny to look back on the process but at the time it was just crazy trying to figure out what to do, how to do it and who was to do what.....  We need to practice more if we are to qualify as Santa's elves.......