Afghan Discussion

Several times in the last few weeks I have been asked about afghans, what fabric to use, why and when.   In the past afghans were often designed to be stitched on Hearthside (do I have that right?) where there are distinctive separations between the blocks.  I did such as afghan when I did Nature's Home, which I finished in 2006. 

 As you can see, I have it on display in my craft room.  (Pardon the mess!)  I think this looks great but I found it difficult to 'match up' the squares/blocks.  I stitched this over several years.  Each time I had to remember how it worked.  Where blocks have stitching that goes across the divide, it is hard to do the match up and have it look right.  I am told that finding this particular fabric/afghan is getting more and more difficult.  If anyone has one that they would like to get rid of, let me know.

My current afghan is also a Stoney Creek.  This one calls for a plain fabric.  I believe I am using Lugana.  The blocks will be matched up stitch by stitch and side by side.  No separation between the blocks to confuse the stitcher.  I actually also have another afghan in construction.  Hummingbird Trellis on an afghan fabric.  If I had my way, I would do all afghans on the plain fabrics.  I just think it is easier to work on and to match up each block. 

I hope I have answered all the questions.  If not, let me know and the discussion can continue.

Christmas Village Block #1 done

 Here it is!!!  Block number one is complete.  The question then becomes what block next?  Or perhaps work on something else?  So many questions.

I decided to move down the right side of the afghan.  Block number six I believe.  It snowed again today so I was stuck at home.  Oh Gee Darn!  I did go out and shovel and I took a walk to the mail box  I saw four deer in the back yard as they traveled through.  They stopped and watched me watching them. 

Merry Christmas Progress and some purple things.....

Old John Wayne movies and some stitching filled my day.  I am oh so close to having block number one completed.  I keep thinking - each and every day - that today is the day that I will have block number one done  I am close.

Purple is my color and now many people know that.  Today I received a bunch of purple treasures.  The bear, pen, note pad, note cards, windows decoration and hand warmers are all in purple and are from family members.  I think I have everyone now convinced that I love, love, love purple.  The teddy is just adorable.

I had two gifts from fellow stitchers.  On the right is a package from Lee.  I love the little towel.  So pretty and I promise to use it.  Also a purple flashlight, purple flosses and a purple thing....  It is a tool for what I am not sure.  On the left is from my Secret Santa Nancy.  Notepad, box with stitching kit to go on top, a kit for a needlebook all purple and greens, a felt and floss kit with a heart shaped pin cushion/sachet.  These are all wonderful choices for me and all quite the surprise when I opened them. 

I had a good Christmas although I was feeling ill for part of it.  I am better tonight and hopefully on the right path.  (Mostly I think I have to ignore the doctor's advice....)  It was my first Christmas without my love and I do miss him.  Trust me when I say he gave a few very nice gifts this year.  I even found a bag that he wrote my name on and I intend to fill it every year with my present from him.  Most of my usual traditions have been packed away and won't be visited again.  I need to make some new traditions.  The weather guy is calling for snow tomorrow?  I might be snowed in?  Gee Darn.  I might have to stitch even more than I did today.  I hope everyone had a wonderful day.  Christmas should be a time to count our blessings, share with family and do what makes us happy.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my blog friends.  I hope everyone is safe, warm and enjoying their family.  It is a special night and I like to think of all of you having a special night.  I have been working on the afghan but I haven't made much progress  I keep saying "I will have this block done soon."  But it hasn't happened.  LOL..

Last night this surprise gift arrived.  Never mind what is in the boxes - - I want the boxes.  I feel like a two year old.  Gold shiny boxes that fit inside each other?  What can I store in them?  Where can I display them?  Life does go full circle - - I want the boxes...... 

Ice Storm Stitching

Our temperatures are just above freezing.  I haven't actually stepped outside but it looks quite icy out there.  I hope it gets better over night.  I have an appointment tomorrow.  I will cancel without a thought before I will attempt to drive on ice! 

Meanwhile I have been a busy girl today.  First I picked up the afghan and got all the colors on so I can see how it will look.  I love it.  I hope to keep working on it but there are so many other things to do.

I did receive the missing floss so I was able to finish the red tulip mat.  I hope to do the finishing part on it soon.  I want to use iron on fleece to seal and protect the back and do some fraying on the edges.

Meanwhile I continue to work on the cross stitch Christmas Village afghan.  This is all quite the list for one day!!  I hope everyone is safe and happy as this wonderful holiday approaches.  

Backstitching always helps

I am making progress.  I did some backstitching as it helps to make sure the other parts are going where they belong.  I am approaching the end of block number one.  I do believe I have hit all four walls at this point.  There is still a lot to do.  I don't know why I enjoy this so much but I do. 

Today the floss showed up for the little mat project.  I should take a few moments and finish that up and then do the finishing on it.  Christmas is ready except for perhaps a cake and some cooking.  I am not planning on many visitors or much by way of special things happening.  It will be a quiet day for me.  I plan to do some stitching.  I suppose I am as ready as I will ever be for the big day at this point.  I am starting to look at year end and plans for next year.  More to follow.....

One flower done.....

One flower almost done!!  I have been working on my project.  I had to give up on the lap stand and I am just working with the Qsnaps at this point.  I think it is coming along well.  Perhaps this weekend, I will have chart number one done.

I have been contemplating (and discussing with a friend) the idea of cross stitch afghans.  I have done them on afghan fabric with squares defined by colored threads for even just a change in the way the fabric is woven.  Personally - - I like this idea of cashel fabric with no divisions between the charts/blocks.  I think it will look even better.  There will be no question as to how the squares go together.  Just a thought......