artisticneedle

I don't know that I've ever gone this long without a post, time is flying by. I've been buried in work with a few short breaks in between. My brother came to visit at the end of August giving me time to finally stitch and finish my mom's ornament from last Christmas. So it's a little (okay, a lot) late, what's new?


Shepherd's Bush - Glad Tidings

It looks like we're going to having a very colorful fall, if we actually have fall this year. The temperatures have dropped and it feels more like winter. As much as I'm glad to see the heat and humidity gone, I'm not ready for it to be cold yet.



There are times when I don't leave my house for weeks (sometimes months) on end, especially when I'm busy working. The past month or so has been no exception but I finally got out last week to do some much needed shopping. Groceries, finishing supplies, ATM, printer cartridge, you name it, I needed it. I got no further than my first stop at Joanns when I had a kidney stone attack standing right at the cutting counter. Once I caught my breath after the first knife twisting pain, my brain kicked into bargaining mode - what do I "have" to have today, what can I leave until next time, how long until I can't stand the pain? Does anybody else do this?

In my 20's I would've soldiered on and taken care of everything I needed to. In my 30's I would've taken care of most everything. Now that I'm in my 40's it can all wait. I told myself to quit being stupid and to just get back home (or maybe it was because I was with my mom). To my bed, to my meds, to anything that would make me feel better. I'm still recuperating but feeling much better. All this has left me with a burning question though - am I becoming more of a wuss the older I get or am I just getting smarter?

Needless to say I am behind on email, I'm slowly but surely getting caught up. I'm also getting closer to getting all of my PIF's finished, I hope the wait is worth it.

'Til next time - I hope you all are well and warm....

Labels: Blathering, Finishing, Garden, PIF, Stitching

Valeri has finally received the Summer Sweetbag exchange package I sent.


Stitching and putting this package together was somewhat bittersweet. For reasons I don't want to voice here, it marked my retirement (for want of a better word) from participating in exchanges. I've enjoyed each and every exchange I've been in and have a display full of lovely gifts, I cherish them all.

Thanks for visiting!

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

Wendy Jo has received the Patriotic exchange package I sent, late as always. In one of those weird coincidences, I stitched the same design for her that she stitched for her partner. :)


Little House Needleworks - Liberty and Justice fob & floss tag
Pincushion made from Moda's Flag Day Farm charm pack

Patti - I use Picasa 3 software to create the collages.

I hope everybody has a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Thanks for stopping by - 'til next time.....

Labels: Exchanges, Other Crafts, Stitching

Sally has received the biscornu exchange package I sent.




I don't think it's any secret that I love creating these little tuffets. For some reason though, I had a very hard time deciding on what to stitch this time. I started several different designs with several different color combinations before I made up my mind. This one is a variation of Indigo Rose's Pretty In Pink. It's hard to tell in the photo but it's stitched on R&R 30ct Elizabethan Green linen with Gloriana and NPI silk. Instead of stitching a back, I opted for a dupioni silk and edged it with Miyuki metallic blue beads. Despite my indecision, I really love how this one turned out.

Still catching up on email - Patti, Angela, I haven't forgotten you, promise!

'Til next time.....

Labels: Biscornu, Exchanges, Stitching

That's right, pick your jaws up, a stitching finish that isn't exchange related. :) I've carried this with me for the past couple of weeks stitching a minute here and there and finally finished it late last night. I'm sure some of the eagle eyes out there will notice it doesn't look exactly like the cover photo. I decided to stitch this one over 1 making it measure just around 1 1/4". With it so tiny, the pale blue was washed out so I substituted a darker shade.


Shepherd's Bush 2009 Scissor Fob front


Shepherd's Bush 2009 Scissor Fob back

I'll be back tomorrow with some news and awards. In the meantime, I'll be chained to my computer for the rest of the day until I have all emails finally answered.

Thanks for stopping by!

Labels: Stitching

Ina sent a lovely package full of wonderful Valentine goodies. Aren't the little heart candles cute?



I heard from Carla that she had received my package.


Shepherd's Bush Happy Heart Pendant


I have a bit of catching up to do in the next couple of days, both here and email (what's new?).

I'll be back soon, stay warm.....

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

I heard from Sharon that she had received my floss tag exchange package. For some reason this exchange caused me more anxiety than any other, maybe because it's the last exchange I'm participating in this year. I changed my mind several times on the stitched portion but ended up going back to the first design I picked, a sweet little fall design from Merry Cox.






CarolG & Coco - thanks for your help on the PS design.

CarolR & Tammie - I'd love to swap but I doubt you'd like to now, our silly weather has changed yet again with highs in the 40's forecast for the entire week.

Joann - let me know if you haven't found the Amy Butler pattern.

Until next time, whenever that might be.

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

I had a lot of fun making this year's bag even though I made a few mistakes along the way. It was a huge learning curve, the original pattern for the bag was much larger than I needed and had to be reduced to just the right size. Fun stuff when there's a pleat involved. :)


I used part of the sampler from The Prairie Schooler's When Witches Go Riding leaflet for the front band. The back band used the lettering and bird from the same sampler.




I sure hope my partner liked it!

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

After what seems like a 100 pictures, here she is at last, at least this was the best of the lot. I used silk ribbon on both the ruffles and the curly ribbon at the top. Hidden in the folds of the ruffles are tiny crystal pins matching the yellow-ish stripes in the sheep.


Shepherd's Bush - Queen Sheep

I've had a few e-mails asking why I changed the saying over in my profile (how observant some of my readers are!) - seems the insanity one was popular. :) I'm not saying it won't be back but for now, the new one is more appropriate for some things I'm going through.

There's so much nasty weather every where you look right now, please everybody be safe.

As always, thanks for visiting!

Labels: Finishing, Stitching

I was glad to hear my HOE Needleroll exchange package arrived today. It traveled to Alison in Australia and as always I was worried until I heard she'd received it.




I used a design from Keepsake Stitches called Bunnies In The Berry Patch. Instead of a normal needleroll, I stitched a front and back so it is joined on both sides instead of just down the back. Both the lace and little bunny were from my stash, there's a reason I pick up odds and ends, just never know when they will come in handy. :)

I tried taking pictures of Queen this afternoon but the lighting was terrible so I guess I'll be back again tomorrow.

'Til next time.....

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

and a little of that this post.

New floss drops with tiny little heart flowers in pinks and reds, much cuter than the picture, hard to get a good picture when it's gray and overcast.


The latest little sheep kit from Shepherd's Bush, I really wasn't sure I liked this one but it didn't take very long at all for it to grow on me.


Shepherd's Bush - Queen's Sheep
This unexpected gift came from Wawanna at Dazzling Ornaments. My picture does it no justice, the workmanship is just outstanding.



I also finished my needleroll for the HOE exchange, on time too, can you believe it!?! I'll be back soon with photos.

My thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by the hurricane(s) and tropicals storms. Be safe please.

'til next time, thanks for stopping by.....

Labels: Exchanges, Gifts, Other Crafts, Stitching

My itchy fingers didn't have to wait long - I decided to spend some time with the Mermaid Sampler kit while company was here last week. It's stitched over one with a few design details changed because of the size and every stitch was a pleasure. Then I decided such a special design needed special thread drops. I played around with some metallic colors but ended up designing something in my photo software. It's hard to see in the photo but the drops have little dots of colors taken from the stitched design.


Shepherd's Bush - Mermaid Sampler variation
Speaking of the metallic thread drops, I've added them to my Stash Sale as well as new fabric choices.

I hope everybody is finding a way to stay cool, I'm counting the days until fall arrives.....

Labels: Stitching

My partner for the Little House Needleworks exchange on the HOE blog finally received her package (I don't need to tell you I was late sending again do I?).

This one went all the way to Margaret in New Zealand, I have to confess I was very worried that it would take forever to reach her despite traveling via priority mail.



Little House Needleworks - Garden Pleasures
Sweet Bag and Floss Tag


I really had a lot of fun putting this package together. I had made the decision early on to try and make as many of the goodies as possible. The floss drops were no problem, I'd already experimented with those. I hadn't finished a floss tag yet but figured it couldn't be too much different than the tag I made for Valeri's Halloween bag last year. The flower pins were a little more challenging but I was pleased with the final result.

Til next time - please don't forget there's still time to sign up for my PIF! :)

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

I'm very late posting pictures of the beautiful pinkeep exchange package I received from Yuko.

Also included was a package of lovely trim, cute buttons, fabric and a package of cherry blossom scented bath goodies.

Yuko has more pictures of the pinkeep on her blog that show the lovely pins she made. If you look closely, you can see that she incorporated both our initials in the design, very clever.

Pinkeep Exchange Package from Yuko
Pinkeep from Yuko

I sent to Veronica and had a great time putting her package together. If you get a minute, visit her blog and take a peek at the lovely pinkeep she made for this exchange.

Pinkeep exchange package to Veronica
Pinkeep to Veronica
Pinkeep to Veronica - back

In other news - I'm happy to say that the big Photo Album move is finally over and the link has been changed both here and on my website.

Thanks for visiting!

Edited to fix the link to the Photo Album - sigh......

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

I participated in the biscornu exchange over on the Hooked On Exchanging blog, you know I can't pass up making a biscornu! :)

I received a beautiful biscornu from Sonda along with ribbon, fabric, Silk Weaver linen, Carrie's Creations floss and a lovely chart from Crown & Thistle titled Witches Pocket - all Halloween related.



My package was a couple of days late but flew to my partner Becky arriving in just 2 days.





I was really happy to hear it arrived, I always end up with butterflies in my stomach worrying that my partner won't like what I've stitched or will dislike the goodies I've enclosed. Does this happen to anybody else or is it just me?

Thanks for the kind comments on my new blog look - I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed programming and it's been lots of fun. So much fun that I offered to do one for a friend but she informed me that she wasn't ready for a change until summer! LOL

Labels: Exchanges, Stitching

croak, croak, cough, cough. I've got another cold and is it any wonder with the crazy weather we've had the past week? The high last Wednesday afternoon was 73, less than 6 hours later the tempurature had dropped to 14, the wind was howling bringing sleet and snow along with it. By Friday morning we had 9" of snow on the ground. Monday brought another high in the 70's, today we are hovering around freezing and have had a mix of rain and snow on and off all day. This is nothing compared to the devastating weather to the east of me last night and my heart goes out to those affected.


I received some very unfortunate news last week that Epson is closing the Photo Album portion of their website on April 30th. While disappointed, I was very happy that they were giving everybody plenty of notice, or so I thought. The albums will be open until April 30th but new photos couldn't be added after Feb. 1st. This news put me in full out panic mode. With almost 900 photos to move and not a clue where to move them, I spent almost an entire day checking out all the available choices. Not really finding anything that fit my needs, I decided to at least find a home for my finishing album and get started on that. All the photos have been moved and at least half have captions, I'll catch up with the rest as I can. I'm also exploring adding a photo album on my website - that involved upgrading which means I have my own little piece of the internet now. :) The link for my new website as well as the new finishing album are listed over on the right. Once I decide where to move my stitching albums I will update that link both here and on my website.

In between the sniffling and researching and moving photos I did find a little stiching time:



Shepherd's Bush - 2008 Scissor Fob
Remember when I said I was spoiled? It was absolutely confirmed when I received this too-gorgeous-for-words box all the way from Thailand. Diane had mentioned it was on the way but to be honest, I thought it was for one of the many "future" projects we've talked about, I never dreamed it was all for me. I truly don't know what I've ever done to deserve such warm, caring and generous friends but am thankful each and every day to have them in my life.





Til next time.....

Oops! I knew there was something more. I'll gladly share cookies with all of you as long as you promise to put up with the recipes that don't quite work, you promise not to give me grief when your Christmas cookies arrive just in time for Valentine's Day and lastly, you must promise to share! Um, I think a disclaimer is in order here - you promise not to hold me responsible should my little sister decide to hunt you down for taking "her" cookies.

Cathy - long time, I need to send you an e-mail, mom was thrilled to see you in AZ.

Carol, those e-mails are coming soon, I promise! :)

Petra, thanks for stopping by!

Labels: Gifts, Stitching

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