Saturday, July 31, 2010

Woohoo...Another Finish!

I started to title this post --- Woohoo...America's Finished! But, Homeland Security might not like that!

So without further ado ~

America
Blackbird Designs
14ct aida

I finished all the background without going comatose! Just several hours in front of the tv!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend - Smiles - Denise

Thursday, July 29, 2010

A Finish!


Bright Summer
Homespun Elegance
28ct cream Jobelan (I think)

The weather man has come through for DH! What a gift! Today's high is 80. Beautiful, wonderful, breezy day! The mail man brought DH's presents and all is wrapped waiting for him to come home.

All my big talk about going back to Grace - nope - finished this and went straight back to America. Give me a couple more days. ;0)

Smiles - Denise


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Pictures and Updates

I did get some stitching done. Not much - some. I had to pause on America. Stitching this background is beyond boring! It'll be a pretty piece when finished... if I ever get there. Sigh!

Here's America before ~


And now ~

Since I got bored - I picked up another of the 20 starts from June. And what I am finding --- is I am not an antiquey looking stitcher. I have been looking at all of your samplers and vintage looking pieces and thought "Oh, I like these. I should try a few." But, stitching them is another thing. Well at least I know this now. But what to do with 4-5 patterns I just bought. Do I do them and let them languish in the completed but not finished drawer or just sit the patterns back in the probably never gonna do them box. I could give them away but, DH knows I just bought them and would not be happy. Decisions, decisions!

Bright Summer before ~


And now ~

And now some pictures of the loft. I got new shelving for my books. I am warning you it is VERY utilitarian. Not the pretty hickory bookcases I had hoped for. But, the books are now off the floor. And DH did not have to build, sand, or finish them. I built them, put them in place and moved the books. DS helped this afternoon. He finished loading the shelves while I alphabetized and sorted.

Here's how it has looked for about 4 years ~

After the shelves were in place ~

The middle ~

Completed ~

And the few stragglers left over ~

Tomorrow DH turns 48. Poor thing has to work 12 hours and is having BLT's for dinner. On Sunday we are having cupcakes in the afternoon and then he wants steaks and baked potatoes for dinner. Hopefully, his things from Amazon show up before Sunday so he has something to unwrap.

Otherwise, you can find me stitching. But, I'm thinking about going back to Grace. I haven't had it in my hot little hands for 6 weeks. Way too long if I am going to finish it for DS birthday or Christmas!

Hope this finds you happy and cool - Smiles - Denise

Monday, July 26, 2010

What a day!

I'm tired and it's time to make dinner! Big Sigh!

This weekend started out (for the first few hours anyway) fine. And then BOOM!

DS wanted to go to New Phila to test his navigation skills and get some jeans and notebooks. I decided I would put getting groceries, buy DH a birthday present, and check on an herb garden in his trip. This was to happen Sunday. I pushed it to today and then thought about it and changed it to Saturday. DD and I would go to Akron and Cleveland today.

DD came to the house on Saturday and we talked and decided to go to Akron and Cleveland on Saturday. Pushing DS to Monday. Is all of this making sense? So, at 1:30 Saturday afternoon - off DD and I went to Blueberry Hill and Crafty Ewe. As if I need more stash! We get to Blueberry Hill and they are closed! Scheduling conflict. BOO!

DD had asked them to hold a few patterns for her and now she couldn't get them. And I wouldn't be back up on the 31st because they cancelled the Stitching Saturday that was planned. Another Boo!

So, we went to Crafty Ewe (I called before leaving Akron though) and they were open. DD found the same patterns and bought them. I got 2 pieces of Joblelan and 1 Lugana. May I ask what the difference is? I also got two skeins DMC 640. Turns out they are from different lots and are NOT the same color. It's okay though, I only needed one. And I got LHN's Frosty Flake?? The one with the snow man made from a snow flake and a Katydid's True to the Red, White and Blue. Too busy for photo. Sorry!

Stopped at Pat Catan's looking for pinwheels. None to be had. Although, I did get a plaque that says DREAM on it for the loft. Then I took DD home and picked up pizza for dinner. Home, ate, stitched a bit, and it was bedtime. 

Sunday came and we decided to go to Massilion and stop at Menard's. Never been to this home improvement store. OMG! This place has EVERYTHING UNDER THE SUN! It made me sad though, all the projects we need to do and seeing the cost.   :(

BUT, I found some shelving that would work for all my books (1300 of them - no comments please). And it was on sale! Couldn't get them because DH carries everything including the kitchen sink in his trunk. He took DS and DS's truck back up later and got them.

Managed to get them into the loft but, had to give blood in the process. Why is it you must give blood to every project?? Big pain in the ...

This morning I got up at 7:30 (vacation again - this time two weeks - again no booing) and went to work on the shelving. DS was NOT happy with my time frame! He wanted to sleep in. Opps! After finishing those, eating breakfast, and showering. Off we went on his trip.

Kent State first, Verizon for DH's present, Lowe's, JcPenney's for jeans, Wal-Mart for notebooks and back pack, McD's for DS's lunch, Giant Eagle, and then Yaggi's. Yaggi's is a cheesehouse and I needed to pick up beef sticks for DH's lunch. SIGH!

The groceries are away and I moved the book cases into place. Now, I need to get up there and get the books on the shelves. That will be a JOB! Oh, and make dinner. bleck!

Well, nothing is getting accomplished sitting here writing. And if you managed to read all of this - bless you. Pictures will follow later in week of any stitching I manage to do and maybe even one of the loft.

Until later - Smiles - Denise

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Promoting Some Giveaways ...

Hello to all in bloggerville - Is anyone else ready for Fall???? It's just too %$#&#$* hot! It's about to make me believe all this global warming stuff! (I digress)

I don't generally do this, but Sherry over at BlogIt is having giveaway. She is keeping it secret! Hmmm....I'm not a secret person. I unwrap Christmas gifts and re-wrap them.

Also, in case you have missed this one - Susan at Afford Your Passions is doing a month long giveaway. She is posting daily about what is in her goody box.

Well, I have done my part in the marketing department today.

Smiles - Denise

PS - Don't forget Parsley's recipe exchange! Can't wait to see what foody good things she has in store for us!

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A Welcome...

I just wanted to say hello to my new (and old) followers. And wanted to thank everyone for all of your kind comments and advice. I enjoy reading your comments and appreciate them very much. I would like to reply to you each individually, but I don't have Outlook on my computer and can not get your email addresses from your profile pages. If you happen to know a way around this - please let me know. ;0) I welcome any email from you - my address is on the sidebar. And for those of you who need a translator - I finally found one that works!

Hope this finds you happy and healthy!

Smiles - Denise

Monday, July 19, 2010

I did both...

I took your advice - sort of. I stitched Saturday and cleaned on Sunday.

Here's my progress on America for this week ~

If it looks like I hopped, jumped, and skipped around - I did, some. I had a doctor's appointment this week and didn't want to take the whole project with me. So, I did some background on the bottom right. Then Saturday, I wanted to get the word America on, but wanted the background in first. This is what I ended up with. It's almost embarrassing because I doubt anyone else would show something so...messy.

And here's what we got accomplished in the basement. I feel like I am showing my dirty laundry! ;0)

This part was a MAJOR yipee! DH put his things in 2 totes. Mine and DS's are here too. ~

                             

This stuff - all Christmas decorations. It was mostly done. Just had to move a few things around. ~
                             

And the last photo - just more things that need totes. The top shelf still has a ways to go. ~
                             

Didn't show you what still needs to be done. It is pathetic we have this much in storage! And the 'to go' pile is 6'x6'x4' deep!

Now, I have to ask. Do you have this much stuff in your basement? Do you feel overwhelmed with it all? How do you contain your things?

Smiles - Denise

Friday, July 16, 2010

Cleaning the basement ...

I think I will clean the basement this weekend. I could be easily persuaded to abandon this endeavor.

The humidity in the basement has become insane. The cold water pipes are sweating and so are the cold air ducts! I think a dehumidifier is in order!

The basement is so unorganized it makes me cringe! I need to donate a ton of things! No family should have so many things stored away.

So, what do you think? Clean and organize the basement or stitch??

Stitching is much more interesting, cleaner, prettier, etc. Hmmm, not feeling that basement at all!

Smiles - Denise
(progress pictures to come on America in the next few days)

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Trying on a New Background

Well, folks - what do you think? I'm trying on a new background and went to three columns.

Didn't know I like sunflowers as much as I do! My buttons and now this background have them - and it wasn't planned.

Is 3 columns too much for the eye? Too many pics? What are your opinions? Just too much info period?

Two columns weren't enough to show all the blogs I watch and add two lists. Maybe I should remove the blogs but, I enjoy seeing who others follow and want to promote other stitchers. As for the lists - normally I wouldn't care what I have completed or what I have in progress but, after that last vacation and starting an insane number of projects - I need motivation! And the full box sitting beside me isn't the motivation I want.

Please comment and let me know your thoughts. I would like to hear if I am on the right page or do I need to edit some?

Smiles - Denise

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

I went shopping ...

If you call what I did last night sleeping - then I slept like I baby. But, somehow looking at the clock every 15 to 30 minutes is not sleeping. So, I am dead tired. But, I had plans with DD to go shopping.

What did I plan to get - 2 skeins DMC 640 and 2 buttons. That's all folks. But, what did I get?

Homespun Elegance ~ I Love Spring, Summer and Autumn with 28ct EW, some floss and 2 buttons. I ordered I Love Winter.


There was a Lizzie Kate Trunk Show - so, I got a couple patterns.
                            

 And my very first LHN ornament ~
                            

Then I found a pack of remnant linen ~
                            

I also got a couple buttons for my other Homespun Elegance patterns. And the DMC? They were out of 640!

DD and I went to Staples and got printer paper for 1 cent per ream after rebate! And we got DS his graphing calculator - managed to get 20% off!

We also went to my favorite clothing store - they were having a BOGO free. So, I splurged!

Now I am home and melting. I could be ready for bed in an hour. But, I will stay up because my luck - I would be up for the day at 1 am instead of 3!

I have gotten so much new stash in the 4-6 weeks - I need to STOP! If I am not careful there will be a new list on my sidebar... listing all of my WIP's! Then again, maybe I could start a list of all my finishes for the year...hmmm.

Smiles - Denise

Sunday, July 11, 2010

A Progress Report ...


Here's what I have been doing all week ~

I think I made a nice amount of progress. I want to get the flag done and then the vast amount of fill on the bottom. I'm saving the fill in the center for times I'm watching tv. It is going to be sooooo mindless!

DH got off work early Friday - rain. And he stopped and got me these ~


Isn't he sweet? He thought he would get me a hanging basket before Mother's Day. We have since found that I suck watering plants! I watch the cut flowers and  water them diligently but, actual in dirt flowers - suffer from lack of water. I have two houseplants that suffer the same fate.

Don't you love the vase? It's a McCoy in gold. I inherited it from my grandmother who tomorrow would have celebrated her 90th birthday.

I changed from the normal dashboard to the 'new' dashboard that has stats. It seems to have changed my ability to post.  I'm going to have to play with this now.

Smiles - Denise


Friday, July 9, 2010

I DON'T do Spiders!

Laugh at me all you want.

I DON'T do spiders or rodents or things with no legs!

I am so pathetic. Last night as I'm turning down the bed, flip on the ceiling fan, and adjusting my pillows - I happen to look up and there is a spider over my head about 6" off the ceiling. I promise I did not panic. I just pulled on my robe and wrapped it tightly around myself and walked to the living room. There I informed DH to get a shoe or the fly swatter and come. He must be well trained ;0) because without a word he got up. He picked up a shoe at which I told him to NOT mark the ceiling. I pointed to where the fly swatter was. ~~ Now if I had a problem with the dang shoe - why did I even mention it? ~~ Anyway, he trucks into the bedroom and I point to the offending area and say, "Do Not get that on the bed!" He proceeds to kill the spider and assured me it was on the fly swatter and leaves.

No the story is not funny but, when did it become his job to kill spiders for me? Am I not capable of doing this myself?

Then as I lie there trying to sleep I start to think about rodents. I actually categorized them - gerbils, hamsters, and pet mice are okay. But, 'wild' mice, rats, and ferrets are not!

So, this made me grind on 'things with no legs'. I do NOT do snakes, worms, maggots, eels or anything else like that. I recently heard a story about maggots falling from a ceiling of a plane onto the passengers. Oh hell no!

As I sit here and write this I am twitching. Where did these phobias come from? I don't remember anyone torturing me with icky animals. And what makes these animals icky?

Just something I am grinding on today. I am thankful I had no dreams last night!

It's the weekend and I ought to go do something worth while!

Smiles - Denise

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Issues with Blogger

I seem to be having an issue with Blogger. I go to moderate your comments and they disappear. If you have left a comment and it has not shown up... could you please try again?

Monday, July 5, 2010

Opps...Now Moosie is complete

Well, I should have said the stitching was complete. I completely forgot the buttons! In cleaning up the mess from this weekend - I found the bag in which Moosie had been living and there sat the buttons! The buttons?!?! So, I pulled Moosie from his new home and added buttons. Now he is complete ~



While I was away I had hoped to make great progress on several projects. Didn't do as well as I had hoped. There were other things to do! Gasp!! This is all I managed to complete on Blackbird Designs ~



Here's the before picture ~



Well, I'm off to do more laundry and stitch!

Smiles -Denise

Sunday, July 4, 2010

We'll Start with a Finish and go from there...

Up first is my finish...
Moosie by Twisted Threads, on a hand-dyed 14ct aida with recommended threads.

Remember when I told you I had plans for the weekend but, would not tell you what I what I was doing? Why? Because I am practicing what I preach. Ask Courtney! I keep telling her NOT to put on the Internet what your plans are. Talk about what you did - not what you are going to do.

So, this is what we did - we went to Salt Fork State Park and rented a cabin. I have been to SFSP since I was a kid and never have I stayed in a cabin - so, this was a first!

This is the view from "my" backyard ~

And Saturday morning DH caught me stitching outside enjoying the view ~

After we were all up and moving we decided to explore a bit and went to the Kennedy Stone House ~


A group decided to refurbish the house and have made a museum. I found the following stitchy items to be of interest and snapped a few pics I thought someone might enjoy seeing ~





Last night we built our last campfire and had smores - yummy - and watched the sun go down ~

Now, we are home and tired. But, there are fireworks some where tonight and we are thinking about going to go celebrate the holiday.

Hope this finds you all safe this weekend.

Smiles - Denise

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Here's to Canadians & Americans!

It seems that my neighbors to the North are celebrating Canada Day today!

Happy 143rd birthday, Canada!

And to America - Happy 4th of July!

I guess *we* are 234.

Please be safe in your travels and celebrations!

See you next week - Smiles - Denise

It's Fixed!

Thank-you Pumpkin and Jane!

Your suggestion worked. I will confess I was a bit lazy and instead of getting my butt out of the chair in pulling a DMC color - I sat there at went through the hand dyed boxes I had sitting beside me. I used one strand of a Pewter (I think) and one strand whitewash to get this effect

.

Much happier with this. Couldn't (Wouldn't) have done this without your input! And once again I apologize for the crappy pic. This one was taken at night on the dining room table with a flash. Someday I will learn how to take a good picture.

Smiles - and thanks - Denise