artisticneedle

It's the middle of the day in the middle of July in the middle of the U.S. and only 74 degrees. It's a beautiful day! I hope everybody else is enjoying the same.


Just in case there are others who get excited by fabric, Windham Fabrics has just released a line called Williamsburg Sampler. 2 of the prints are shown in the bottom of the collage below. The entire line can be seen here.


Thanks for visiting!

Labels: Garden, Stash

It's that time of year when the new Christmas fabric lines are hitting the stores. I've learned the hard way to get them while the gettin' is good. :) If you look real hard, you'll see my only stitching stash purchase since early in the year (at least I think it's been that long!). Can't pass up those Blackbird stockings, too cute!


This little set went to Diane as a welcome back home gift when she visited the U.S. last month. It was the first time I made one of the thread holders, it turned out okay but for some reason, really tested my patience. I used the tutorial from The Stitching Room.


All the heat and humidity has the garden in full bloom, it's a beautiful thing to wake up to.



Thanks for stopping by!

Labels: Garden, Gifts, Stash

What does a restless night and a link for a tutorial result in?



I don't sleep much so when my head hits the pillow I'm asleep. Dead asleep. Just ask anybody who's ever tried to wake me. And when I wake up, I'm wide awake.

Occasionally though, something goes haywire (we won't talk about the late night piece of chocolate in an otherwise caffeine free diet that could be the cause) and I just toss and turn until I finally fall asleep. This time I decided to do something productive, who cares if it was 3am? I mean, what's the use of all that tossing and turning anyway? It never helps. Nor does punching the pillow or flipping it over or tossing the covers off only to pull them back on again.

Most times, my brain takes off on a tangent during the tossing and turning phase which doesn't help matters any. Usually silly stuff that seems very important at the time. Very much on my mind this night was the need to replace a 5 year old pincushion that has definitely seen better days. Add that to an email sitting in my inbox from Debs with a tutorial for a biscornu made from fabric. I knew what fabric I wanted to use - Blackbird's Beach House line. So I flew out of bed, turned on my laptop and sewing machine, lugged my rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat out, I was on a mission.

All of this sounds like a brilliant use of time doesn't it? I thought so, until I actually sat down at the sewing machine and couldn't see what I was doing because I was yawning non-stop. I was determined to finish though, how hard could it be? I discovered that I have no patience when I'm tired. None. Which is why, after ripping seams twice just sewing the 4 patches together and attempting to sew them into a biscornu shape twice, I gave up and went to bed.

I woke with the intention to finish it and another idea already rattling around in my brain. I had all that lovely chenille trim that I hadn't played with yet. And wait, I also have that huge bag of crushed walnut shells. Why not make a square pincushion and trim it with the chenille? I'm really pleased with the outcome but learned a lesson, next time I'll just stay in bed and toss and turn. Or better yet, maybe I'll think twice about that piece of chocolate. :)

Not much else going on, I took advantage of a birthday discount and stocked up on some lovely colors of Weeks Dye Works wool and a pattern from Fig Tree Quilts.



And in the garden.....



Cathy L - Organizing can be over-rated, especially those times I can't find things I know I have but can't remember where I 'organized' them to!

Angela - The bone folder - I use it to crease paper and poster board but it's also handy to poke out fabrics corners.

Helen - I wish I had room for another shoe organizer on top of the first. It's set up in a closet and the shelf above has a bracket that's in the way. :(

To clear some confusion I caused in my last post - the Joann's order was the picture with the scissors etc. The ribbons were from 2 different online shops.

Thanks for visiting!

Labels: Garden, Other Crafts, Stash

I know I've mentioned organizing my work space far too many times in my posts. With a steady stream of stash and finishing supplies coming through the door it's a necessity, especially when dealing with limited space. Sometimes thinking waaaay outside the box is a good thing. Sometimes not. I thought the shoe organizer shown below was the perfect answer for my out of control fabric stash. Slowly but surely I've worked on ironing, refolding and stacking. With it already 75% full and 50% of my fabric still to do, I've come to the sad conclusion that there's not the slimmest chance it will all fit. Back to the drawing board.

In this economy I find myself trying to be a smarter stash shopper. I don't know about everybody else but shipping charges are a huge consideration. I automatically pass by those shops that charge a flat rate based on the dollar amount spent. Instead of ordering 1 thing, I make lists and try to order as much as possible from 1 source. When possible, I try to stock up during sales. I lucked out with an order from Joanns, all I really needed/wanted was the pinking Olfa cutter and the bone folder. With a coupon for free shipping with a $25 purchase, I added the rest of the items, all on sale, for a grand total of $26.43.


Shots from the garden.....


Comments.....
As always, thanks for taking the time, I really appreciate it. :)

The chenille trim used in the Blackbird Designs comes from The Quilter's Station, lovely ladies to order from.

Games again.....
Up for grabs is Mystery Case Files: Ravenhearst - unopened CD and a gift certificate for Azada.

Stitching.....
Sadly, none for now but have 1 for sure and 1 I'm still thinking about exchange coming up along with a looming PIF deadline which surely means I have to find some time somehow or another. Woohoo!

Thanks for visiting!



Oops, before I go, please note that I've changed my email address if you hit the contact me link - I'm still having problems with Yahoo mail.

Labels: Blathering, Garden, Stash

is due to dear sweet Patti for RAKing me with a Drawn Thread kit from my wishlist. I've lusted wanted this kit for some time but never got around to ordering it. It was an unexpected and very much appreciated surprise.


RAK from Patti
I've been stash shopping again, a little fabric, a few lovely Gloriana silk ribbons and the chenille trim used on a few Blackbird Designs projects.



For those of you who might be interested - the Rhapsody In Red blog is open. There are a very limited number of finishing kits left, information can be found on the blog.

Thanks for visiting!

Labels: Finishing, Gifts, Stash

Stash


An award from sweet Patti


Patti also tagged me to name 5 addictions - the first four are ongoing long term addictions, the last is new and hopefully short lived. :)

1. Books
2. Organizing
3. Bonne Belle Lip Gloss
4. Udderly Smooth Udder Cream
5. Sweet & Salty Caramel Bugles


News

Quaker Motif Scissor Pocket - I think I've answered all the emails I've received requesting Barbara's email address. If by some chance I've missed you, please email again.

PJ - please add yahoo.com after artisticneedle to reach me.

I've been a little under the weather the past week and am still trying to catch up on email. For those waiting, it's coming soon, promise.

Lastly - a guilty pleasure - when I need a little down time I play the Mystery Case Files hidden object games from Big Fish Games. I have 2 gift certificates for the full version of Mystery Case Files: Madame Fate, if anybody is interested please drop me an email.

Until next time.....

Labels: Barbara Bernard, Blathering, Stash

Since it's been about a month since my last post I thought I'd let pictures do the talking again..... a little stash, a new sewing machine and a few delicious and wonderful gifts.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Labels: Gifts, Stash

I found this poor forgotten post in my drafts last night. :( Bad habit of mine, I hope I'm forgiven.

This surprise package arrived on my doorstep from Ms. Diane. Again I thought it was for another purpose and was surprised when she told me they were for me. :) Personally, I think she is trying to draw me over to her dark side, have you see her scissor collection? She's always accusing me of dragging her to the dark side of stitching smalls, maybe this is her way of getting even! If so, I'll gladly and quietly come along.


Also not to be forgotten, more fabric stash:

Labels: Gifts, Stash

Today was one of those mail days I love and my postal person doesn't. :) I "thought" one of the packages I received was for the HOE Needleroll exchange, instead I was surprised with Margaret's PIF package. She sent a gorgeous journal with a stitched piece from SALexandre attached to the front, a notepad, chocolate (alway yummy), a pen with a gold butterfly on the case, tea, a wonderful handmade card and wrapped it all in jelly bean paper. :) I can't stop touching and looking at the journal, my picture really doesn't do it justice.



Also in the mail today was a package of fabric. I'm sure that's not exciting to most of you but to me it is, I love fabric and stash is stash. This package held a special fabric that I thought I'd never find again, it's one I use quite a bit and goes especially nice with the Carriage House Samplings stockings. It was pure dumb luck that I stumbled across it again and to be sure, I ordered enough to last a while.



That's it for now, I'll be back with those exchange pictures soon and Ms. Queen in her final form.

Labels: Gifts, PIF, Stash

as stitching stash is fabric stash. Oh who am I kidding, stash is stash, right? And I do dearly love getting a big fat envelope stuffed with fabrics -






Because I had to make room for the new fabric I took some time to revamp the pictures in my Backing Fabric Sale Album - I removed the Sold Out pieces and new have been added.

Isn't the little birdie pincushion cute? Couldn't pass that one by.

Labels: Stash

It's been so long since I've been stash shopping I'd almost forgotten how much fun it is to open the package and drool. I'd also forgotten just how quickly my fingers start itching and how hard it is to resist the urge to start one of them right that minute. Sorry about the pictures, still trying to get used to a new camera.




The butterflies have been playing out in the garden, I caught this one while trying to hunt down an elusive and unusual black and white striped beauty who appears to be camera shy.



Thanks everybody for the comments on the Little House Exchange piece, I really appreciate you stopping by!

I've updated my Stash Sale Blog with some new goodies - floss drops, rings and flower pins.

Til' next time.....

Labels: Garden, Stash

I've been tagged by Carol to share 7 weird or random facts about myself.

The rules:

Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you

Post the Rules on your blog

Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog

Tag 7 people and link them

Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged

To be perfectly honest, I'm just weird - period. I know it and accept it as do most people who know me. LOL That said, here are a few of the least weird or random facts about me:

I don't drink coffee, in fact, the smell turns my stomach

I sit on the floor when I'm stitching

I really dislike shopping at the mall

I hate wearing shoes and am barefoot whenever possible

I'm tagging (if they want to play):

• Debs
  
• Sonya
  
• Melissa
  
• Wawanna
  
• Chrissie
  
• Patti
  
• Katrina
  

Ugh, the flu. It ran through my family one by one and despite my telling everybody to stay away, I ended up with it. Almost everybody I talk to has either had it or knows somebody who's had it. It's been a slow recovery but I'm just about feeling human now. I hope you all are well and taking care.....

Being sick(er) forced me to relax in bed with the laptop which allowed time to finally finish a new template. I know it's quite different but I've really had fun putting it together.

I also got a start on the big move of my stitching albums, for the time being they are in the same place as my finishing album. I don't want to change the link in the sidebar with half in one album and half in the other but will once the move is completed.

I thought I'd take a minute to post about one of the latest changes on eBay - the new search page. If like me, you find it user UN-friendly, you can change back to the old search format. Simply scroll to the bottom of any search page, there should be a link to opt out of the new search format. Just my opinion but right now it's too difficult to navigate, especially when you want to search item descriptions in addition to titles.

I'll leave you with a picture of my Christmas cactus - I should quit calling them that. All this crazy weather has postponed the blooming season, they're almost Easter cactus at this point.....


and lastly, my one and only stitching stash addition since my last post. Not sure how I feel about the linen yet but the snowman is very cute.



Til next time.....

Labels: Blathering, Stash

to woohoo about I hardly know where to start! :)

Some of you will remember that both my stitching room television and lamp died at Christmas last year. Apparently that was the start of a tradition that I would very much like to put an end to - this year it was the hard drive on my laptop. After weeks of debating fix or replace, I finally replaced it last weekend. While I wasn't without a computer, the laptop has made my life much easier, less trips up and down the stairs I like to periodically fall down.

I finally finished my Christmas baking last week. I was feeling very bad that packages weren't sent in time for Christmas this year until a friend informed me I wasn't late but 11 months early. I like that kind of thinking!

This year's offerings:


I don't dare send a package without the Buckeyes and Peanut Blossom cookies, the rice crispy treats were an addition for my nephew. The center cookie is a Chewy Pecan recipe that didn't make the cut or, as my oh so tactful uncle likes to say - it was good but we don't need to have that again. LOL

I'm always amused by my sister's insistance that despite the fact that she is married, "ALL" the cookies are hers. Her husband used to let her get by with it but in the past couple of years has started protesting. This has provided some hilarious situations and this year was no different. She woke the day after the cookies arrived to find a message from her husband on the shower wall:


Do I really need to say that checking on "her" cookies won out over jumping in the shower?

Last fall the very same sister asked if I could make her a baby cube for an expecting friend, of course I said sure, no problem, expecting to have it done by the due date. I kept putting it off, mostly due to my indecision on design and colors choices. I was told blue and chocolate brown and couldn't make her understand just how many blue and brown flosses there are. Then I found this too cute Bella Baby fabric and went from there.


Shepherd's Bush - Baby variation

Today's mail brought a package of lovely surprises, I hope you can see the detail on the gorgeous fob, stitched over one and teeny tiny, my initial is on the back side. I am truly blessed to have friends that put up with me and still spoil me rotten.



Also in the mail, the latest addition(s) to my every growing fabric stash. These charms are the perfect size for most finishing projects and I love them.


I think I'll quit here and save other woohoos for my next post but before I go - I've had many e-mails asking the designer/design name of the biscornu I stitched for the JAT Christmas exchange. The original design is in the 2004 Just Cross Stitch Ornament issue. The designer is Periwinkle Promises - Christmas Ornament 2004. I stitched the design as charted but added a row of couched ribbon in place of the four-sided stitch they have charted.

Thanks for the comments on Rhapsody In Red part 2, I truly appreciate your kind words!

Labels: Baking, Gifts, Stash, Stitching

This will be a long post, can't believe another month has passed. Somebody please let me know how you slow time down.

Stitching

My stitching day a week fell by the wayside, all I have to show for the past month is a Halloween fob from Shepherd's Bush:



Shepherd's Bush - Happy Halloween Scissor Fob

Baking

I did find some time to do a little baking, cupcakes based on a recipe in my local paper, they were supposed to be cherry limeade but since lemon is one of my favorites in cake and pies, I decided that was the way to go.



Paybacks

There are 14 years between by youngest sister and I, this has posed all kinds of interesting situations over the years. She is only 4 years older than my oldest child, it was not unusual for people to assume I was her mother also. She found all those lovely ways to embarrass me when she was young - out in public, talking as loud as possible, you know the questions kids ask that just leave you wishing the floor would open up and swallow you?

I had thought when she went away to college her ability to mortify me would end but found out during her second summer home that was not the case. Picture an evening out at a local pub, an evening of burgers, beer, pool playing and darts, me with a date. Newly legal to drink, she'd probably had a beer too many and was very goofy. :)

As it always happens, in that moment when there isn't another sound and again, talking as loud as she could, she informed my date and everybody else in the place that she'd seen me without a bra and my boobies sagged.

I should say that I was just bouncing back from a long illness and surgery that left me about 20lbs underweight, I'm not even sure I had enough boobies to sag at that point. LOL Regardless, I was so stunned by her remark I couldn't even speak.

I never said a word to her about it until last year, when at about the same age I was when this event took place, she had her first child and yes, is less than enamored with her own boobies now. :) She chose to whine to me about it and I finally reminded her of what she'd said to me. Her very loud intake of breath told me she had no clue what she'd said that night.

Out shopping for her birthday card last month, I had several in my hands when something drew me to this card from Red Tree Studios, never dreaming until I opened it just how perfect it was for her.




Stash Enhancement

But of course I had to have the 4 newest Shepherd's Bush kits, the Happy Halloween fob is one of them. I won't have to time to complete either of the other Halloween designs but am planning to make time to stitch the Family Sampler soon. Sure I am.



Just Cute

I just had to share these little cuties, found at Michaels, precut and scored, just a matter of folding and a dab of glue.




That's it for now, next time I'm back I'll have an exchange finish to show as well as the prestitching for a Merry Cox class.

Thanks for dropping by!

Labels: Baking, Stash, Stitching

It's hard to believe it's been 2 weeks since my last post. That's what happens when you spend a good portion of your day on the phone trying to get e-mail problems straightened out and dealing with a nasty sinus infection on top of it. I'm happy to say that I think (I'm knocking on wood, including my own head) both e-mail and sinus problems are behind me. I'm working on getting caught up on e-mails today and if you're expecting a phone call, I'll take care of that tomorrow - depending on how I sound, I don't want to scare anybody!

A little stitching:


Shepherd's Bush - Glad Heart


Shepherd's Bush - Soft Spring

A little stash enhancement:





Thanks to you all for stopping by and for your comments. The bunnies made it through the weather just fine and have already left the nest. :)

Labels: Stash, Stitching