XS Afghan Block #11

Block Number 11.  I have started working on the house.  I have most of the border done for this block.  I hope to get some serious time on this one soon and perhaps finish this block and move on to something else.  I do want to make a note to all those stitchers that follow me.  For the first time ever I have had a chart (copied on my home printer) leave ink on the fabric.  I use the magnet you see in the middle to hold my chart as I work.  (It is one of my speed secrets - if your chart is right there, you can check it and keep on stitching without a pause.)  This problem happened for a friend of mine and I had never seen it happen before.  (perhaps the printer inks are different now?)  She (and now I) used a miracle eraser to rub off the ink.  It works rather well.  I do plan to not let this happen again.  I can fold the chart or place something behind it to protect the fabric.  I am just curious if others have found this to be a problem. 

Another One Finished!!

Today I finished up the border and buried all the little ends.  It is done!  It is done!  I love the colors. 

Chop Chop Woman - Finished Jack In A Box

It is done.......

This is the top of Jack's box.  He asked to see the box that my son was making to hold his ashes.  When his sister saw him carrying the box, she asked what he had.  He answered "Jack in a Box!".  He thought the top of the box looked plain while the sides had fancy panels.  I said that I planned to stitch a top for it.  He told me "Chop Chop Woman - I don't have all day."  I told him that I couldn't do it because he had yet to give me the dates to put on it.  Now the one year anniversary is looming over my head.  I finished this piece today.  I will frame the Love Is .. Sampler that this is based on.  I want to display the sampler near the box.  I was puzzled as to how to do this.  I wanted a small, very tall, light colored wood table to set the box on.  Guess what?  I have it!!  It is called a bar stool.  (Quite fitting.)  This particular bar stool is too high for me (or most people to sit on).  It is perfect to set the box on.  It is a sad day but I am glad to have this done.

Flowers on a snowy day.

I put together some spring looking flowers today while the snow was falling.  At times it looked like a blizzard out there.  At least this brings a bit of spring to mind.

Tonight the snow has all but hidden the lights in the bench out back.  Will I ever see my deck again?

Gingerbread Cupcake complete!!!

 Here it is!!!  I finished the stitching and added the buttons and beads.  I just love that it is so cheerful and happy.  Of course the next thing to do is to finish it up.

I cut a circle, stuffed and gathered the linen.  This was after putting on the hanger (cording thru the top) and some tie threads through the cardboard circle so I could tie them on the bottom of the silicone baking cup.  Very pretty.

Very early this morning, my new headboard was delivered.  I am so happy with this.  It looks very similar to my old one but it is queen size, more solid and much more creative with some hidden storage areas.  My son made this one.  I very happy with it.  BTW the quilt was made by Cheryl Haynes of PG Peddler.  I need to hang some more pictures but the bedroom is almost done!!!

Working on a couple of things - -

 Today I spent some time in my craft room.  That place needs some serious cleaning.  I have been getting a lot of things done but the mess is getting a bit overwhelming.  I did some cleaning and did a lot of drooling over new projects.  I picked up this little project.  It is Victoria Samler's Christmas cupcake ornament  It is ready for a stitch in the middle and lots of buttons and beads.  Then it all goes in a cupcake liner.

I have also been working on the Christmas afghan.  It is hard to tell because so much of the border is all the same thing, over and over.  I am working on block number 11.  It is fun to work on and with snow in the forecast, I am thinking I will be getting a lot more done.

Something New (to me)!

Meet Mr. Snowman!  Applique quilting is a new challenge for me.  He is glued.  The quilt will be hand stitched.  Machine stitching will go around all the larger pieces.  Black beads for eyes,  small button or two from his suit and some sparkles on the trees.  I do have to say thank you to a dear friend for helping to talk me through it.  Oh - don't forget beads on the hat laurel.  I am thinking this and perhaps two more might make my winter coffee table scarf.