Clarkey's Projects & Hobbies

Boo Club Complete

2012-01-28T23:14:00.000-06:00

Well I finally finished the Boo Club by Lizzie Kate. I started it last year or the year before. I can't remember now but I finished it. Whoo hoo!! I stitched on 28 count linen with DMC floss. I decided not to cross-stitch the white boxes between the black boxes. I love it even if I have a few boo boos.

As, for the Quaker Bat. I have completed one wing and am working on the other. This is my purse project. I usually only work on it when I am waiting somewhere but I think I am going to try to finish it in the next week or two.

On another note, I bought this owl fabric fleece last year and made a throw for my couch. You know the one; where you cut strips in the edges then tie knots in them. Well I had left overs and my mother made a pillowcase to match. Then I found the same pattern in cotton fabric. I asked my sister Bridget to make me a bag. It's a tulip bag that she and Jennifer took a class. Well she finished it and gave it to me Monday. I was so glad because I was about to buy a new purse. I can never find one with the right amount of depth that opened enough to find things. I was always emptying my purse just to find what I was looking for. Well, this bag is perfect. Just deep enough and the top is wide enough that I can find what I want. Thank you Bridget for my purse. I love it.

Well I want to go stitch and watch more of the "Leverage" and "CSI: NY" shows that I have recorded. Also, Patrick, my nephew, wants the laptop. So, thanks for dropping by. I hope you enjoyed the postings.

Sharon

Painting with a Twist: Rhianna

2012-01-21T00:02:00.001-06:00

Hey, well I just got in from participating at Painting with a Twist. My sisters, Jennifer & Bridget, and our friends Lisha and Theresa went to eat before at the Mellow Mushroom. The girls had Lemon drops with their meals. I, of course, had a taste and when not the DD I will have one of my own. We met my sister-in-law Mari at the place at 7pm. We had a great time painting. I had trouble with my chicken's waddle and his rear end. My sister Jennifer says that my chicken looks like has a fake comb; and I agree. I really like the tail it looks like a lot of feathers. I am really happy with the rooster and have decided to hang him in my kitchen. So I need to go buy a frame tomorrow. Afterwards we went to a wine bar called the Cork in town. They each got a different martini (well not me or Lisha). Which were all good. I've decided that I like the lemon drop and the grasshopper the best. We've decided that we want to do this again. I might actually take a painting class next fall at USM through continuing education, just for fun. Well I am off to bed. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Week 2 & 3 Art Journal attempts

2012-01-19T21:14:00.000-06:00

Welcome,I started my art journal a little late. So, I have been catching up. Week 2's question is "I am..." I tried my hand at decoupage. I used words cut out of magazines. I used words that I felt described me and a couple of words that I wanted to describe me. As usual, it didn't go like I planned it. I'll have to think about how to improve it. If I figure something out then I will post another picture.

Week 3's question was "Do you believe in fairies? So I went to the internet to find pictures of fairies and came across this 1970's looking fairy. So I decided I was going to color it with my crayons. But of course, I couldn't find my crayons. So I used my chalks from scrapbooking. I think she turned out great. I also planned on writing the words with a glitter pen but it came out goopy so I used my silver pen over regular black ink. Since the glitter pen didn't work, and I wanted glitter on it, I put glitter on the wings instead.

On the stitching frontier, I finished Monster on the Lizzie Kate Boo Club. I have also added the other ear to the Quaker bat. I will wait a little longer before I post pictures because it takes so long to load the pictures.

The weekend is coming up and I can't wait to do Painting with a Twist. I am ready to try something new. I hope it turns out ok. But if my art is ugly, that is okay because I tried. At least, I will enjoy spending time with my sisters and our friends.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I need to go stitch. Starting Monday I will be back on the grad student wheel. I WILL finish this year!

Thanks again,

Sharon

Art Journal & Boo Progress

2012-01-17T23:55:00.000-06:00

Welcome,

So I wrote in my previous blog that I wanted to start doing things that are not my normal activities. I said I was going to do an art journal where I got the questions from Em's blog. So here is my first attempt. The question on the back is "What do I wish for this year to bring?". Well I want to finish period. I want to finish my degree. I want to finish all of my WIPs. I want to actually relax and take a vacation. And of course, love and marriage. I think I did a good job on my first attempt. I made my own tassel but the rest are scrapbook cutouts. I didn't even think about the background paper. I just liked the colors, then I realized they were stars, wishing stars that is. I am a week late but I think I will continue this for a little while longer. Maybe even 51 more weeks.

To continue in this "stepping outside my comfort zone", my sisters and I have signed up at Painting with a Twist. We have signed up for Rhianna, The Metal Chicken. I think we are going to have fun. I will post a picture of my masterpiece (ha ha ha) this weekend.

On a different note, I have been working on Lizzie Kate's Boo Club. I have finished fright and brew. I am in the middle of monster. I have two more words, ghost and halloween, left to stitch and the border to finish. I may actually finish this project this month. I think this is turning out pretty.

Monday, I made October, November, and December into magnets. It took me all day because someone (Leif and Theron) kept wanting my attention. It is funny that when you are doing absolutely nothing they don't want anything to do with you. But, the minute you start working on something, they call your name constantly. Well, any way, I have completed the Monthly magnets. Hip Hip Hooray!

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I have to go to bed. Work in the morning.

Sharon

First Finishes for the Year

2012-01-08T22:30:00.002-06:00

Woo hoo!! I finished two projects this year. The first was the December pattern (Winter Village) that was a free pattern on Rainbow Gallery's site, designed by Erica Michaels. I should have finished this series in December of 2010 but my mother got sick in October and I fell behind. I am making the series into magnets. I still have 3 more to make into magnets. I like this one best.

Erica Michaels 2004 Cross Stitcher's Surprise Series from Rainbow Gallery

Here is a picture of all of the patterns. I stitched with DMC floss on Aida Fabric. I changed the color for December since the pattern was mostly in white. I use them as magnets to hold up my monthly calendar on the refrigerator.

The other finish was the afghan I was working on for my brother Ricky. It has been 2 years for me to finish it but I finally did. I stitched in Red Heart's Dark Orchid. Once I finished it, I noticed that I stitched the pattern wrong. between each 2 double crochets there is suppose to be a bubble but I did a chain 3 only. I misunderstood the pattern and only did a chain 3. Now I will be working on Hobbie's afghan.

Thank you for stopping by.

Sharon

WIPs to be completed this year

2012-01-04T18:51:00.000-06:00

So, I decided to take pictures of the WIP that I have planned to finish this year. I wanted to see the progress that I make as I work on each pattern.


Rose of Sharon - Mirabilia

The first pattern is the Rose of Sharon by Mirabilia. I bought this pattern back in 1992 or 1993 from Stitch and Frame in Lafayette, LA when I moved to town to go to college. I have wanted to stitch this for years but never got around to it. Well last year I started it but I don't remember when. So this year when I start a project, I am going to write the date down in my planner. I have stitched most of the girl but still have the archway and flowers to go. I wish I was the type of person who could modify the pattern because I would like to add beads to the dress like Nora Corbett did on her mermaid patterns. I am stitching it on a 28 ct. blue linen that I had leftover from when I stitched the Precious Moments Noah's Ark for my nephew approximately 16 years ago. I am using DMC floss.


Celtic Mystery Stitch-a-long - Ink Circle

The second pattern is the Celtic Mystery Stitch-a-long by Ink Circle. I have completed two of the monthly squares and part of two others. I am stitching it on Silkweaver's Karma - 28 ct. Jobelan with DMC floss. I started this in August 2008 but as usual got sidetracked when working on it. I hope to finish it in 2012.

Tiramisu - EGA GCC

The 3rd pattern is Tiramisu by Dakota Rogers. I have signed up twice for this EGA Group Correspondence Course but, as usual, I was sidetracked and missed the evaluation process. The pattern is being stitched on Silkweaver's Banana Splash - 28 ct. Lugana with shades of orange DMC floss. The pattern is "A reversible Spanish Stitch Sampler from 16th and 1th centuries Italy" blackwork. I love blackwork!!

Quaker Halloween Bat - Workbasket

The 4th pattern in the Quaker Halloween Bat by Workbasket. I am not really into Quaker Patterns but I did the Owl in this pattern last year and wanted to do the bat. I am stitching it on Silkweaver's Rock Quarry - 28 ct. Lugana. The thread I am using is Olde Willow Stitchery Hand-dyed Threads #110 - Dracula's Cape. The funny thing is that I had two different dye lots so the threads are really different. One is a silvery, purple color and the other is a silvery, gray color. So I an using one thread from each dye lot; it's looking kinda cool.

Wild West

The 5th pattern is a kit from Janlynn called Treasure Map. The pattern is on Aida and come with the thread. My sister Bridget volunteered me to stitch it for my sister-in-law Mari about 5 years ago. So I want to get it done before Theron gets too old to appreciate it. This one has two large pictures (one of which I have finished) then lots of little pictures and words.

Ricky's Afghan

The 6th project is Ricky's Afghan. I am crocheting the August pattern from "A Year of Afghans: Book 14" from Leisure Arts. The yarn that I am using is Red Heart's Dark Orchid. I am almost finished with it. I hope to finish it tonight. But probably not since I need another skein of yarn. My brother loves the color and the length since he is 6'2".

Hobbie's Afghan

Last but not least is the afghan for my brother-in-law, Hobbie. I am stitching June from "Birthstone Afghans" from Leisure Arts. I am using Red Heart's Zebra Yarn. This pattern is one row pattern repeated.

Well got to go. Thanks for looking at my projects. I will post updates more often this year.

Thanks
Sharon

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T19:41:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful time last night. My sister Bridget had a board game party at her house for New Years Eve. There were 8 people there (mostly family). We snacked and played about 7 games. Then today after church and lunch, my sisters, Jennifer and Bridget, with my brother-in-law Tim and I played SmartAlec (It goes by a different name) and Phase 10. We had a great time.

I had hoped to start my new year with a very clean house and all of my decorations put away. Well, I didn't quite make it there. On the other hand, I did complete a major feat. I completely cleaned my office (it looked like a hoarder lived there, had to step on things to get in). It is so clean, the floor is clear, my desk is actually a desk again, not a junk holder. My goal this year is to keep the house clean using the Fly Lady's cleaning system while trying to minimize my possessions.

Another of my goals this year is to be healthier. I plan on cooking breakfast every morning rather than getting a breakfast burrito meal from McDonald's. My boss gave me this pretty lunch bag for Christmas which I plan on using on regular basis by taking my lunch to work rather than not eating or going out (which is what I did last year). I also plan on starting to exercise. I borrowed Jennifer's Wii Fit and will start using it on Monday.

Finally, I want to enjoy life more. Reading for pleasure, stitch more, crochet more. I want to do something new each week that I have never done but wanted to do. I think I am going to do the art journal that Em will be starting soon. This will be a big deal to me because I don't think I am artistically inclined but I am going to spread my wings.

Thank you for stopping by. I will posted again during the week.

Sharon

Amigurumi again

2011-10-23T22:50:00.001-05:00

Hippo

Leif and his Hippo

Bunny for Jessica

Leif and I went shopping one afternoon. We were in Hobby Lobby looking at yarn when he choose the multicolored yarn. I tried to put it back on the shelf but he said "No! Hippo. Hippo for me." So I made him another Hippo. As you can see he loves it.

As for the bunny, my friend Vercher's daughter loves bunnies and is pregnant due this month. So I crocheted this bunny for her and her daughter-to-be. I decided not to do the nose and mouth. While I was making the bunny, my mother made a baby blanket with rick-rack for the fringe.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Isn't it Beautiful? Aren't They Cute?

2011-05-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

This is the Lollipop Quilt wall hanging that my sisters and our friend Lisha decided to work on as a group. I really like the idea of the project. But, I spent most of my time cursing the sewing machine or being very aggravated. Jennifer did the Halloween one and this one. Her's turned out beautifully. Mine looks good but I don't think I will do a big one like this again. I have two small wall hangs that are from the fall. I finished this one a couple of weeks ago but have only been able to post tonight.

Monkey & Hippo

Owl (my sister say Vulture) and a red Hippo

I have started crocheting animals (aka amigurumi). I have completed two hippos, one for Leif (the purple one) and one for Tyler (the red one), an alligator for Liz, and the owl/vulture for me. I am working on a pink hippo and a green walrus for my sisters Bridget and Jennifer respectively.

The other project that I have finished is the Turkey Dressing by Raise the Roof Designs. I have to put the buttons on it tomorrow. So, I will post a picture of it then. I am making progress in my 22 project challenge.

About a month ago, Jennifer and I went to Michael's and bought these beautiful storage boxes. I used mine to store most of my 22 projects. Well I went back and found another box that I loved that was bigger. So I got it; justifying the purchase as needing a place to store my finished stitching in until framing. I had to clean out my cabinets and my mother's drawers to find my finished projects. I just about filled it up with completed stitch projects. Now I'm having to decide how to finish these projects.

Well got to go. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Two Year Project!?!

2011-04-30T22:05:00.003-05:00

Side view of the Original Ottoman

top view

I bought this from a friend who was moving back in 2004 or 2005. I decided to recover it about a year later. So, I bought the fabric with a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby. Then I finally decided to recover it in March 2009. I took it apart with the plan of covering it the next weekend.

Well this year with my mother and father's help, I finally finished it. Daddy and I finished it today. I think it turned out great. But next time I will just buy a new one. The cost of the supplies was almost as much as a brand new ottoman.

side view of the recovered ottoman

top view of the recovered ottoman

Well thanks for stopping by.

Sharon Clark

2011 - Goals

2011-03-04T11:25:00.001-06:00

Well I know I am starting late with posting. Every time I say "I am going to do ______". You can bet that it will not happen. I planned on posting each week this year but here we are in the 3rd month and this is the first post of the year.

Jennifer challenged us to complete 11 UFO's and 11 new projects this year. So I accepted the challenge. I have already posted the 22 projects to be completed this year. I have completed one of the projects. The second one I ran out of thread. I need to pick up some thread to finish it. I was hoping to be through with 4 projects by now. (See, I plan it but it didn't happen.) I really hope to finish all of them this year.

Also, I have been watching way too much "Hoarders". So, on January 1st I started cleaning out my house. I took every thing out of each room, furniture and all, then washed the room - walls, floor, curtains, etc. Then I only put back the bare essentials. I finished half the house in January, but work and other obligations has gotten in the way of finishing the living room and kitchen. My goal (which I shouldn't write) is to finish the cleaning today. I have packed up 3 to 4 boxes for the garage sale we are having this month.

I begin spring break today. I want to just relax (yeah right). Maybe I will.

The End of 2010....THANK GOD!

2011-03-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

I was on the phone with my friend Sharon tonight discussing what's happened in our life since we last talked (about a week). We both concluded that 2010 was the worst year ever and that 2011 will be much better. Between sick parents (and nearly losing one of them for both of us), nephews, daughters getting married (hers), no dating, very little stitching or reading, and a lot of work, 2010 was a rough year. But there were some good notes.

I finished the Seasons Series from Kick Back & Stitch. I started this series in 2007 and finished receiving the patterns in 2008. Well I finished the last of the series December 30th. It seemed like I would never finish Maple Trees before the end of the new year but I did it. I finally finished the 16th needlepoint patterns. I only gave two of them away Crocuses to my Mother and Frozen Pond to Michelle. The rest I have trimmed then I frame 4 on the wall then switch them out every few months.

I am so glad that October is basically over

2010-10-31T18:57:00.000-05:00

As you know I planned the math conference for the beginning of the month. What I didn't post is that my mother went in the hospital the day before. She stayed in for 12 days then came home. She has been convalescing until Friday morning when we had to rush her back to the hospital. Well she has been in ICU for the weekend but is now being moved to a room. Hopefully she will get to go home soon. Keep us in your prayers for a fast and full recovery.

On the stitching front. I finished one of the Geometric Needlepoint patterns while my mom was in the hospital earlier this month. I framed it for her and it hangs in her stitching room. This weekend I finished a fleece blanket with owls on it. You know the one - cut and tie knots. I also finished crocheting 4 Halloween trick or treat skull bags for the 4 youngest - and still trick or treating - boys. They are so cute. I already have request from the 7 and 5 year old for a pumpkin and a Frankenstein for next year.

I've been working on several things but it has been slow going. Hopefully I will be able to finish some stuff the month of November. When things slow down, I will post pictures of the Halloween bags and framed needlework for my mother.

Well I am exhausted. Trying to keep myself awake until it is a decent time to go to bed. I think I will go stitch for a while.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Yeah I survived

2010-10-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

I survived the conference. I planned and executed a regional mathematics conference for community college faculty by myself (for the most part). It had a bumpy start (I forgot to print extra forms and someone who was helping me started the conference early.) but it went smoothly after that.

We had a wonderful presenter, Elayn Martin Gay - textbook author. Her presentation was wonderful and useful on helping students to get organized to learn. Then she show everyone how to make a latern with Kirigami.

Afterward, we had 3 breakout sessions with 3 presenters per session. The continental breakfast by Spoondance Catering was great along with the pulled pork/ pulled chicken meal from Squealer's of Meridian. If nothing else, the attendees were well fed.

I am happy that it is over.

At the business meeting I was elected Mississippi Vice President and Chair of the Policies and Procedures committee.

Well got to go to work
Thanks for stopping by to read my ramblings.

Sharon

Hectic Week

2010-09-28T21:11:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone,

I have been planning a conference. I'm days away from the conference and think I'm about ready for the conference. The group is math instructors from local community colleges. We have a textbook author as our keynote speaker which is great. I'm so ready for this to be done. I hope that I will actually be able to visit with my friend and enjoy the conference. Well, got to go prepare the goodie bags

Sharon

2010-08-01T00:36:00.000-05:00

I finished a couple more projects yesterday and today. I finished the 13th block in the Kick Back and Stitch - Geometric Series that I have been working on for a very long time. I finished the "Frozen Lake." While I was working on it Liz's daughter Michelle asked if she could have it. Well since there are 16 of them I thought why not. She is going off to the university in a few weeks and her birthday is at the end of the month. So I finished it for her. Then I had to decide how to frame it . Well Friday, Liz and I were killing time before our movie "Charlie St. Cloud" (a three hankie movie) at Hobby Lobby and found these floating frames that were on sales. So I bought one to try for Michelle's gift. It worked wonderfully. See.

I like how it looked so much that I decided to frame my other ones the same way. The only difference is that I was going to frame 4 at a time. This solved my problem "What do I do with them when they are finished?" I think I am going to frame them seasonally this year.

The other project that I finished was the Erica Michael's freebie for August. I had the large flower and g-u-s-t finished Friday. On Saturday, Michelle asked me to ride with her to Paul's Pastry in Picayune, MS to pick up her birthday cake. I said yes. So, I stitched on August while she drove (it was 1 hr one way). I really like this one.

Now I am off to bed. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Finishes for Today

2010-07-29T15:13:00.000-05:00

Last night I finished two of the patterns that I have been working on this month. I finished the Quaker Owl and the July installment of Erica Michael's Rainbow Gallery Freebies for 2004. I used DMC floss for the red and blue then used Rainbow Gallery Hi-light for the red, white, blue, and gold sparkles. I hope to finish April through July as magnets this weekend.

The Quaker Owl was stitched on linen with Sampler Thread - Picnic Basket. I want to finish it as a stand up - kind of like a stuffed animal. I think it is beautiful. I am very happy with it. Now I plan on doing the Quaker Bat in Dracula's Cape on Silkweaver's Rock Quarry.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sharon

Quaker Owl

2010-07-26T09:59:00.000-05:00

Last week I worked exclusively on my Quaker Owl. As for the head of the owl, I have stitched that thing 3 times. The first time I was completely finished with the right part of the head, the eye and ear on that side. As I was finishing the beak I noticed that it wasn't centered on the circle that is the belly. Soooo, I ripped it out and stitched it again starting at the beak. Then when I was almost finished with the right side of the head I realized that it was one row up. Soooo, I ripped it out and stitched it again. Correctly this time. Why did I rip it? because it is a symmetrical pattern and the mistakes would be obvious. So now I have only the lower left side of the face and the left wing to finish. BUT, I ran out of thread which was a specialty thread. So, today I will go by Shakespeare's Peddler and pick up some of the floss. I wanted to finish it this weekend and complete some other projects but that didn't work. So I hope to finish everything this coming up weekend.

I'm in my last week of classes for summer school. The Lord has blessed me greatly this summer with two summer classes at two different community colleges - one in June and one in July. He has also blessed me this fall with two classes at each school - two on MW at one school and two on TR at the other, along with my tutoring job at Sylvan. I feel very happy and blessed today.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my ramblings. May your day be wonderful

Sharon

Going to the Movies

2010-07-01T10:54:00.001-05:00

Did you know that I have never seen the back of a movie theater in all of my life? Nope. Never. At least not until Tuesday night. My friend/cousin Liz's daughter Michelle wanted to go to the midnight showing of "Eclipse". We bought our tickets on Monday then got to the theater around 9:30 pm (the movie starts at 12:11 am). The line was already wrapped around to the back. We had to stand by the dumpster that is about the halfway mark for the building. When we went to the midnight showing of Transformers 2 it was nothing like this. Well, they started letting people in around 11. When we got to the front we could see the end of the line which was near the front doors. They only let people in on one side but not the other to avoid the end of the line turning around.

Anyway all 18 theaters had "Eclipse" running and every theater was sold out. It was an experience that I enjoyed. Everyone was nice and polite going in and during the movie. We were worried that the guy above us was going to heckle the movie the entire time but he quieted down when the movie started. I had a good time. The movie kept me interested which is hard at midnight (my usual bed time).

We got out of the theater around 2:30 am but sat in the parking lot until about 3. The traffic was awful. I didn't get home until 3:40 am. Thank goodness that I didn't have to work the next morning. BUT, I was up at 8:00 am. Oh well.

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Sharon

Afghans and Quilts

2010-06-17T13:39:00.002-05:00

My boss Brittany is having a baby girl! Yippee I get to work with something pink. Oh sorry. I got a little excited. I only ever get to work with boy colors for afghans. So I decided to give her about 3 blankets. One blanket will be fabric with rick-rack around the edges. The second one will be fabric with crochet around the edge. The third and final one I crocheted. It is sooo soft. I love it. I bought the yarn reduced for quick sale at Hobby Lobby. The pattern I used called for 4 balls but I only used two. It is a big baby afghan. Brittany loved it and has shown it to everyone. I hope to get the other two to her before she leaves at the end of June.

After I crocheted her baby blanket, my sister Jennifer made rag quilts for her boys as well as Theron & Tucker. They were so cute that I wanted one. So when I found out that Hancock Fabric had moved and was having a grand opening I went and bought some fabric. The making of the quilt was fairly simple. That is once I fixed the bobbin on my mother's sewing machine. (She had been fussing for months about it messing up. It really does help to read the manual when you have a problem. The bobbin was too loose but we fixed it.) The hardest part of the whole thing was the cutting. I had trouble with using the rotary cutter but finally figured it out. Then I pinched a nerve in both of my thumbs using regular (and brand new) scissors instead of the scissor specifically designed for this type of quilt. But, it turned out beautiful. My thumbs are still recovering (2 weeks later).

THE FRONT

THE BACK

My mother loves the back over the front. I love both sides. I can't wait to use it.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Erica Michaels' Rainbow Gallery Freebies 2004

2010-06-17T13:17:00.001-05:00

I am working on stitching Erica Michaels' Freebies from 2004. These are the ones I have completed so far. I changed the threads in order to use DMC floss. I started off doing well and finishing the magnet but I have been slacking. Maybe this weekend I can finish stitching July then make them all into magnets.

These are easy and fun to stitch. I probably should have chosen a smaller thread count. But it is easy to stitch.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon Clark

April Activities

2010-05-09T20:25:00.002-05:00

Well I haven't had internet for several weeks now. It has been torture, no emails, no blogging, no farming...I mean Facebook posting {; I have finished several things. I have pictures but not with me. I will post them tomorrow or Tuesday. The semester is drawing to a close. I have class on Monday and finals on Wednesday and Thursday. I hope to have a fun summer this year with not a lot of working like last year.

On to what I have finished. Crochet: two dishcloths and two glass-like containers. I have two afghans left from Christmas to crochet and a baby blanket for my boss Brittany. Needlepoint: I finished snow day. Cross-stitch: I finished the Lizzie Kate Flip It Blocks with Charms (12 patterns) and Bent Creek's Red Thread. I finished Erica Micheal's April Block.

I started stitching yesterday on the Quaker Halloweens - Owl and Erica Micheal's May block. I hope to stitch more for the next few weeks between classes.

I have also been spending a lot of time trying to de-stress due to being semi-retired (working part-time) with limited insurance. I hope and pray for a full-time or part-time with full benefits job for the fall. Keep me in your prayers for the job. I've started listening to relaxing music and walking early in the morning. I take my nephew Leif in the stroller on the walk and try to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells. It seems to be working some. I need to get a weekend away from everyone and everything and just relax but you know how that goes. The good thing is that I had this Saturday off and will have next Saturday off also. Yippee!!

Well got to go. I left my nephews in the other room playing on the Wii. They are 6 and 4 which means they need to be monitored.

Thanks for stopping by,

I will post again soon with pictures.

Sharon

March Activities

2010-03-21T19:45:00.005-05:00

I will be honest, I have been playing games on Facebook most nights rather than stitch. But, today I completed 3 projects that I have in my UFO. The first is a project that my local EGA group worked on during a business meeting 4 or 5 years ago. All I had left to do was to put the fabric on the top, the divider in the middle, and the hinge. I decided that I didn't want the hinge or the divider in the middle. So I finished it today.

The second project is not quite as old but it is at least 3 years old. This project was titled "Mini Birdhouse Needle Box" from Charted Imagery/Needleboxes, etc. My sisters and I bought these at Hobby Lobby years ago. Jennifer finished her the same year she bought it. Bridget was working on hers when I was finishing mine. All I had to complete on it was the roof and the thimble box. I had the fabric for the thimble box but didn't for the roof (at the time). I found some fabric in my fabric box today that worked wonderfully for the roof. When I finished it, I gave it to my mother. She loves it and is going to put it in her sewing room.

The last project that I completed today was my Erica Michaels 2004 Freebie March. I have had the stitching finished since the end of February but only just made it into a magnet. Now I need to finish the April stitching and magnet before the end of this month.

Yesterday I worked mostly on my Miriabilia Rose of Sharon. I have just about finished her head and upper body. I had to go to Hobby Lobby to get some thread to finish her arms but haven't stitched on her since last night. She is coming along beautifully.

As for my Red Thread I have the words "stretch and tangle but never breaks" to finish and then add the buttons. I am ready to finish some more projects. I plan on working on my stitching more this next month. We will see.

Well got to go grade papers. Thanks for stopping by,

Sharon

February Completions

2010-02-27T16:59:00.003-06:00

First let me just say that my brother Pete is AWESOME. He saved all my pictures that I deleted. Here is one of Leif and me. Isn't he adorable?Okay, on to the stitching. I haven't finished a whole lot but I did complete stitching the Erica Micheal's March Freebie from 2004. Now I need to make it into a magnet. I stitched it on 16 count Aida (trying to use it up) with DMC. I worked on my Red Thread border until I ran out of Dark Chocolate. I have about 1/6 of the top border to finish and the majority of the words. I will be working on it tonight. I have a day and a half to finish it this month.

I am working on finishing a couple of other projects while I work on the Rose of Sharon from Miriabillia. I want to finish them and get them out of my basket.

Well got to go. Leif is wanting my attention

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Pictures May be Saved

2010-02-17T13:48:00.001-06:00

I talked to my brother Pete last night. He said he might be able to save the pictures on my memory card. Woohoo!! I am so happy. The majority of the pictures were from my nephew Leif's first birthday party. I am happy.

Beware! Genius at work?!?

2010-02-16T08:14:00.006-06:00

I am so mad at myself right now. I was transferring my pictures from my camera to my laptop and lost over 70 pictures. Most of which were pictures of my nephew Leif's first birthday. Well it is not like the "Clarkarazzi" didn't take a bazillion pictures. But, I deleted all the pictures I took this month. With my mom's digital camera, you connect it to the computer with a wire then move the pictures to the computer then delete the pictures. With my camera, you take out the memory card and put it into the computer then move the pictures. Well I moved the pictures from one folder then deleted it. The problem is when I deleted that folder the computer deleted all the folders on the memory card. Darn it!!! I tried to undo and all it did was put the photos I moved back on the card. I'm waiting on my brother Pete to call me back to see if there is a way to restore the pictures.

On a lighter note, I completed a couple of things. The first one was the next installment in the Kick Back and Stitch Geometric Club. The name of it is Forest Glen. It didn't take long to finish it, but I didn't stitch much the last couple of weeks. I have 5 more to go but since it snowed I chose to start the Snow Day pattern next. (I skipped one pattern.) I will be glad to finish this club and start back on my Halloween Pudgy club. I have eight panels to stitch and have only stitched 1/2 of one. I hope to finish stitching and have it put together before Halloween this year.

The second thing I finished was a plastic canvas love bug. I finished it on the 13th right before Valentine's Day. I have two pattern books that are seasonal. The first one was given to me by my friend Lorrie. The patterns are suppose to be window hanging with suction cups on the front, but I put magnets on the back to hang them on the refrigerator. The second book is actually designed to be magnets. They are smaller and egg shaped. I had already completed the lovebug years ago. I designed the Mardi Gras egg based on the candy corn egg. But, as you can see my nephew Theron got a hold of it and made it pretty. Actually there were Mardi Gras coins glued to the egg where the garland is missing but he removed them to play with them. I have to fix it.

I have stitched the face and started the arms on the Rose of Sharon pattern. I ran out of "Dark Chocolate" before finishing the border on my Red Thread series. So I started stitching the words in Gentle Arts "Cranberry".

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

January Works

2010-02-02T08:53:00.005-06:00

Well I didn't do what I wanted to do in January. That is, blog once a week but this month will be better. Today I will show the projects that I finished in January and my progress on the ones I'm working on at the moment.

First up is the Mirabillia Christmas Fairy. I worked on this project ever since the pattern came out. I stitched it on Silkweaver, Rock-A-Bye, 32-ct Opalescent Lugana. I stitched the shoes and the dress, then I gave up. It got to the point where I could not see the holes in the fabric. So I asked my sister Jennifer to finish it for me. She agreed to finish it. Once she started she had trouble with the fabric also. The thread would split and it was hard to see the holes. But, she finished it anyway. It turned out beautifully. I think I am going to frame it for next Christmas.

The second finish was the Christmas Present Afghan for my brother-in-law Tim. I crocheted the March afghan from Leisure Arts "Birthstone Afghans by Carole Prior. The name of the afghan is Aquamarine. I started this in December after working on Dad's afghan. Dad's afghan had 8 rows that repeated. This one only had one row. You would think that I could have finished it before Christmas not a month later. I crocheted using Red Heart Soft Navy Blue that was in the super size (16 oz.). I am going to wash it (since I dog loved to rub against it), then give it to Tim today when I get off work.

The third and final finish are the Erica Michaels 2004 freebies for Rainbow Gallery. We as I posted earlier, I had finished cross-stitching them earlier in the month, but made them into magnets on Sunday. On Sunday, Jennifer showed me how to make them into magnets. She finished the February while I finished the January. I think that they turned out beautiful.

As for my active project, I have 4: Kick Back & Stitch's Forest Glen - needlepoint, BC's Walking in a Winter Snapperland, Miriabillia's Rose of Sharon and the border on BC's The Red Thread.

The first project is KB&S' Forest Glen. When we got together and stitched in January, I finished the squares/borders. Then Saturday while I was at Liz's watching Human Target, I stitched 1-1/2 of the 4 boxes. My goal is to finish it today. This pattern was part of a needlepoint club I joined a few years back. The club contained 18 patterns of which I have stitched 12 and am working on the 13th. When I finish this set then I plan on working on the other club that I joined at the same time. Then I have several needlepoint projects that I bought back in 2006 when I moved back home. There isn't a needlepoint store in the area.

The next project is BC's Winter Snapperland. I've decided that I will do the border with each square (even though there are only four). I don't want to have this pattern end up like my red thread project (all but the border done). I'm stitching it on Silkweaver's Winter Skye, 32-ct Opalescent Lugana with DMC floss. I have some colors that I need to buy to finish the project.

The third project is Mirabillia's Rose of Sharon. I'm stitching this on linen fabric that I bought about 15 years ago. When my nephew Patrick was born, I bought some linen to stitch the Precious Moments Noah's Ark for his birth gift. The plan was to make it a wall hanging. Well the project has been stitched but not made into a wall hanging. Do you think that a 15-year-old boy would want a Precious Moments Noah's Ark hanging on his wall? Well maybe he can use it for his baby when he get grown, a job, and a wife. Anyway, this fabric was leftover from the project. I have had the Rose of Sharon pattern since at least 1992 when I moved to Lafayette and bought it at Stitch n Frame. The girls I stitch with decided that each one of us will work on a major project that we have wanted to work on for a long time. So I picked this one. I have stitched from the shoulder down in the middle area of the dress. This is going to be a lot of work. When I finish this one I think I do the one with the American Flag. I bought it for next to nothing at Michael's and it included everything.

Finally, I am working on the border of BC's Red Thread. I'm stitching the border with Gentle Art's Dark Chocolate but I will run out before I get to the words. So, I've decided to stitch the words in a red different from the "Red Thread" in the pattern. I hope to finish this project this month.

Well, I think I have blogged about everything I'm stitching on this month. I plan on blogging every week instead of every couple of weeks like last month. Thank you so much for stopping by and looking at my work. I appreciate it very much.

Have a great day

Sharon

Projects completed this week

2010-01-14T14:30:00.002-06:00

I finished the Erica Michaels 2004 February at Jennifer's last weekend. I haven't stitched on any projects since then. I have been crocheting on Tim's afghan. I only have a few more rows to go then around it twice.

Christmas Ornaments Completed - Last year

2010-01-06T14:25:00.010-06:00

Jennifer & Mari's Trees

Bridget & Pete's Trees

Mine & Mama's Trees

Every year the ladies in my family make homemade ornaments and exchange them (in addition to presents). This year I gave Christmas trees. I got a pattern from Lily for the Christmas tree. I crocheted the smaller tree. Instead of plain buttons, I used seasonal buttons to make it look like a decoration. I think they turned out really cute. The girls (and my brother Pete) really enjoyed them. Note: since Pete isn't married I also give him an ornament for his tree.

Stitching Weekend and Finished Projects

2009-12-20T22:52:00.009-06:00

Well, I finished my dad's afghan at the end of November. The pattern had rows that repeated. It looks like it would not be warm but it is very warm. I think he will love it. I also bought him the movie "The Pathfinder" with Karl Urban. As far as the other afghans are going. I should finish Tim's afghan by Christmas, but Ricky and Hobbie's afghans will be boxes of yarn under the tree.

Now this weekend, Lisha, Teresa, Jennifer, Bridget, and I got together at a different home each day to stitch. Friday, the first day, we stitched at Jennifer's house. I crocheted on Tim's afghan for a couple of hours. Then I worked on my ornament for the ornament exchange we had today. I stitched "Gift" from Lizzie Kate, then I stitched on the border for Bent Creek's Red Thread Series. When I got home, my nephews Theron and Tucker wanted to spend the night. So I let them. I thought they would want to help decorate the tree. Well, they didn't rather they wanted to play Pikmin on the Wii.

Saturday we started at 1:00 at Teresa's. Again, I worked on the afghan and finished what you see above on the border. Now I have the right side of the border and the words. I decided to do the words in a dark red. Then I worked on another Round Robin that needed finishing. The pattern is "Victorian Bear Stocking" a part of Designs for the Needle's Christmas Tradition. The pattern was completed in the round robin but the back-stitching is the thing that needs to be finished. The pattern is hard to follow for the back-stitching because they use two very similar reds to show back-stitching with different color thread. I didn't stitch a lot of back-stitching.

When I got home, my brother Ricky asked me to keep Leif, his son. Leif is 10-months old and fighting the urge to sleep. He is adorable and we finally got to bed at 11:30.
Today, I worked on "Fall Crazy" by Lizzie Kate. I had already stitched the body of the turkey. I stitched on the is one a long time. Then I switched to the Celtic Mystery Stitch-a-long by Ink Circles. I worked on the border and one of the squares.

Fall Crazy

We did an ornament exchange. As I said, I stitched "Gifts" from Lizzie Kate. I got in the exchange the snowman. Which is perfect since snowmen are my favorite.

Jennifer stitched "Cookies" which Teresa got, Lisha stitched the snowman which I got, Teresa stitched the Noel which Bridget got, and Bridget brought the wreath of bells which Lisha got and Jennifer got my ornament.

Tonight I am home alone. No one is spending the night (other than the dog). I am ready for bed. My mother and I are going "combat" Christmas shopping in the morning.

Well thanks for stopping by,

Sharon

Giving up on Goals

2009-11-26T20:45:00.002-06:00

Well I have given up on making goals with deadlines. I have the border left to do on Daddy's afghan but I have completed nothing else. I lost my Thanksgiving Dressing for a whole week and found it today under a pile of picture frames. I'll try to finish my goals by the end of the month but I don't think I'll make it.

Well got to go

Sharon Clark

Goals Adjusted

2009-11-08T18:33:00.002-06:00

I had hoped to finish two afghans last month. One for my father and one for my brother-in-law for Christmas. Well I'm only halfway finished with the one for my dad. It has eight rows that repeat for a total of 125 rows. I should have been finished with it by now but you know how things go.

So I'm adjusting my goals. I want to finish the two afghans plus one more this month. I'll see if I can do it.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Goal 1 Complete

2009-10-25T23:25:00.004-05:00

Well I have accomplished my first goal. I finished the Spooky Row by Bent Creek. I stitched it with DMC thread. I have been meaning to stitch this for a while but have put it off. I had to restitch the vulture because it was way off from the pattern. (He would have been without feet if I left it). Well, I am very happy with the results. Now on to my other goals.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Afghans

2009-10-15T15:38:00.003-05:00

Hey. I know, I know. I've been slacking. I have no excuse. I have not been in the mood to stitch. So I've started crocheting. I crocheted Bouquet of Shells from Absolutely Gorgeous Sentimental Shells, designed by Terry Kimbrough published by Leisure Arts (pictured below). I made it for my cousin Liz for her birthday (back in February). I used Red Heart's Country Rose. Liz loved it. So I decided to work on afghans for awhile. I have 2 brothers, 2 sisters, 2 brother-in-law, 1 sister-in-law, my parents and 6 nephews. I have crocheted or knitted an afghan for my sister, my mother, my sister-in-law, one of my brothers and the 4 youngest nephews. So I decided to crochet for the rest of the family, my father, 1 brother, 2 brother-in-laws and the two oldest nephews. I will post pictures as I finish them.

On a different note, I bought Red Heart's Plum Heather worsted weight yarn a few years ago. Well last year I decided to crochet an afghan with it but ran out before I finished. My mom found a partial skein of it in her stock which I used but I still need to find a 6-oz skein of it. I have searched everywhere but haven't found it yet. But, I keep looking. The pattern that I used was Emerald Lace from One-Color Wonder Afghans published by Annie's Attic.

As far as stitching goes, I have been stitching on the same projects forever. So I have set up goals and recruited help. My Mirabilia Christmas Fairy I have asked my sister to finish. The count is too small and I can't see. My goals are:
1. Finish "Spooky Row" by Halloween (almost there)
2. Finish "Turkey Dressing" by Thanksgiving.
3. Finish the three other projects in my basket by January 1st.

I hope to achieve these goals.. I hope to post more often also. Well got to go teach my night class.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon Clark

All Seasons Ornament Exchange

2009-08-23T16:30:00.002-05:00

I stitched the above Lizzie Kate Summer Basket for Terry. I backed it with daisy fabric and used ribbon attached with heart buttons for the hanger.

Terry sent me the above ornament. I think that they are sheep from Little House or Country Cottage Needlework. I love this ornament (fluffy sheep are so cute). For the backing she stitched my name. I really love it.

Well got to go. Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon

Needlepoint

2009-08-10T22:26:00.009-05:00

Fridays will be needlepoint for my rotation for awhile. I have been working on my Fireside Stitchery Seasonal Squares for a while. I started Early Blossom yesterday and finished it today. I have completed 10 out of 16. Once I finish the remaining six, I will work on my Halloween Pudgy then I will work on the sun canvas that I bought (and spent way too much money on it). The sun will be beautiful when I finish it. Of course, I have several more canvases to stitch on that I can't wait to work on them. Before I start on the sun, I need to get a really big set of stretcher bars and a frame to support it.

Gifts Received - PIF & ornament

2009-08-02T22:27:00.009-05:00

Jennifer and I were in an ornament exchange. I also signed up for a PIF on her blog this past year. Well, she delivered it to me last week. So I'm posting them for you to see. The ornament is the January block from Lizzie Kate Stamp series. It is really cute. I have hung it on my ornament board with all my other beautiful ornaments.

The PIF is a Halloween Pattern with buttons. She made it into a cube. I really like it and plan on displaying it during Halloween.

Well since I have receive a PIF, I must now open my own PIF Exchange. The best part of this exchange is the honor of sending 5 other individuals similar types of gifts. The first 5 individuals that leave a comment stating that she/he would like to join will receive a handmade item from me. Similar to Jennifer's guidelines, I can't promise an exact item or time, but promise that the gift will be top quality hand-made and that you will receive it in the next year. The other stipulation is that you post a similar exchange on your blog promising to send 5 individuals a gift. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? I think so. Just leave a comment and I will contact you via e-mail to get your mailing information. Good luck.

Thanks for stopping by,
Sharon

Looking for a pattern for a friend

2009-08-01T08:18:00.001-05:00

I'm looking for a pattern for a friend of mine. I stitched this pattern back in October 1994. The pattern was in a stitching magazine but I can't find it or remember which magazine (back then I barely remembered to write down the name of the pattern). The picture has a jack-o-lantern face in the upper right corner with a black mask in front of it. It also had a caramel apple, a green lollipop, and two pieces of taffy wrapped in purplish colored paper. If anyone could tell me the magazine and date I would greatly appreciate it.

One lady thinks it is from Cross Stitch and Country Crafts. If anyone has any information, I would appreciate all the help.

Thanks

Sharon

Photos

2009-07-31T22:07:00.005-05:00

I said I would post pictures of the projects that I have completed along with the gifts I received. So here they are. First is the ornament from my summer exchange. I think she did a wonderful job on the ornament. It is the word liberty with beautiful 4th of July fabric.

Second is the ornament that I stitched. It is from a Lizzie Kate Seasons pattern. I really loved stitching it. Once I finished it I was disappointed. I thought that I should have stuffed it more. I thought it was overstuffed but it wasn't. I wish that I would have redid the finishing before I mailed it. Next time I will follow my instincts.

The next picture is the first part of the Ink Circle Celtic Stitch Along that I finished. I really love this pattern. My sister Jennifer helped me pick out the colors.The next pattern finished is the block below the first one. It was quick and easy. The next block will take a little longer because I have to work on the border also.

Finally, the last pattern was the September Block - Indian Summer - from the Fireside Stitchery Seasons Geometric Series. My mother and my friend, Lisha, absolutely loves it. I like the colors. These are easy and fun to stitch.

Well thank you for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed it.

Sharon

I've been busy

2009-07-18T19:37:00.003-05:00

Really!! I have finished a couple of the blocks on the Ink Circle Celtic Mystery Stitch-a-long. I also finished the September 2007 block from the Seasons Club at Fireside Stitchery. I will have pictures to post soon. The reason I don't have any right now is that the dogs got the camera out of the car during the 4th of July holidays and carried it off. We found it in the rain. My sister Bridget took it home to dry it out. Now, I need to get the photos from her.

I also received my ornament from my sister from our ornament exchange and my PIF from her also. They are beautiful. Pictures to come when I get the camera back.

I've also joined a book swapping club. I have so many paperbacks that I need to read or have read. I have mailed off 4 so far and am waiting on another.

On top of all this I need to find a full time job. I found a posting for a job for which I would be PERFECT. I have filed my application and am waiting for a call. I really would like this job even though it is an hour and a half away.

Well my nephew Leif is crying and I've got to go.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Summer Exchange

2009-06-27T22:17:00.002-05:00

Well, my partner received her ornament, so here are our ornament. She stitched me this one below. I have it hanging on my bulletin board with all my other ornaments. I am very happy. Here is the one I stitched for her. It is a Lizzie Kate pattern. I loved the pattern but I should probably have stuffed it more. As I look at it now I really should have stuffed it more. I was thinking that it would look good thin but I don't know now. But it is a cute pattern.

I'm going to bed so thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

My Birthday

2009-06-15T23:23:00.004-05:00

Saturday, my family took me and my brother Ricky out to Red Lobster for our birthdays. Well, mine was in May and his was early June. We had a great time eating and visiting. My sister-in-law, Mari bought a ready-made cake and put the numbers 37 and 40 (near of which are my real ages but we celebrated my "40th'").

My sister Bridget paid for me to attend a scrapbook convention as my gift. As for my sister Jennifer, well she made this beautiful bag. I love it. I have been admiring the two that she made for herself, the one made for Momma, and the one she made for Bridget (CORRECTION: Our friend Lisha made one for Bridget). I am so happy that she made it for me. She also gave me a beaded scissor fob (pink). I feel very special.

The Bag

The inside of the bag (2 pockets)

On top of all of these gifts, I received in the mail last week my Secret Santa Christmas gift from one of my exchange groups. I was so happy and surprised. The gift included threads, kits, and tools for stitching.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Round Robin ABRR

2009-06-15T23:11:00.005-05:00

Well I have finished the last two round for my Round Robin. The first was a Lizzie Kate Christmas pattern for Merriwether. I had fun stitching it and had to outline the cup. The color of the cup was the same as the color of the fabric.

The last one, which I mailed today, was for Georgena. The patterns were the DMC hearts. I stitched on the Hearts of flowers pattern. It was an easy and quick stitch.

Now I am waiting for my RR to come home. I can't wait to see it. I think it will be beautiful.

Sharon

Update - Not stitching

2009-06-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

I am trying to get my life in order. I am suppose to be cleaning my house at the moment, the time when there is a lull in my activities. I have to be at work at 3:00 today. I've been hanging out with my friend/cousin Liz for the last few month instead of stitching, but I have several projects due this month. Right now I am working on a round robin and an ornament exchange. I'm about 3/4 of the way through the round robin and only a 1/4 of the way through the ornament but I plan on mailing both of them this weekend.

I received in the mail a wonderful surprise. I was in a Christmas gift exchange this last Christmas but did not receive a gift. Well, the person who was my Secret Santa found my gift wrapped and packaged waiting to be mailed. So, the wonderful woman went ahead and mailed it. It was a great Christmas gift with a couple of kits, some stitching tools, a notepad, and some specialty thread. I really like the gift.

I'm waiting on my round robin to come home. When it arrives I will have to do the back stitching and then put in beads (instead of french knots). It is a Christmas stocking kit that I have had for a while but haven't had time to work on it. I think it will be beautiful.

As far as a job or school, I'm still working part time this summer but I will be able to survive. I have enough money saved to make ends meet. I hope to have a full time job in the fall. School, on the other hand, is moving slowly as usual. I emailed my major professors, one is sick and the other is really busy. But, they said that I needed to send my proposal to them by July 1. Hopefully I will be able to defend the proposal in July or August. My goal is to graduate in December. If I do then it will be 20 years since I graduated with my Bachelors. Keep your fingers crossed that I finish because I am tired of being in school.

Well I have procrastinated long enough, I've got to go clean my house. Until next time...

Thanks for stopping by,
Sharon

Happy Birthday - - - - to me

2009-05-27T09:49:00.002-05:00

Well today is my birthday. What am I doing? I'm about to silk corn and snap green beans. Then this afternoon I have to go to work for a couple of hours. I hope to spend the afternoon stitching but I'll probably clean house.

I haven't really been stitching this last week but I want to get back to stitching and finish my present rotation. I want to start something new. Maybe the winter snapperland or the Hearts in Hand monthly sampler. I don't know but I want to start something new. But, I promised myself that I would not start anything new until I finished a couple of projects that are over a year in the making.

Well got to get back to silking corn. Have a great day

Sharon

Whoo Hoo! I Finished

2009-05-14T22:13:00.003-05:00

As of 1:00 am Mothers' Day, I finished the Rainbow Birds for my Mom. Now she is going to make it into a pillow. I gave her the stitched project and the 3rd season of "Barney Miller", one of her favorite tv shows.

Right now I am working to complete my parts of a round robin. I have one and a half more projects to finish. Then I will start on my stitching rotation.

Well got to go this getting up at 5:30 am is killing me.

Thanks for stopping by,
Sharon

Spring Ornament Exchange

2009-05-14T21:26:00.003-05:00

Yeah, I had a wonderful exchange this time for All Seasons Ornament Exchange with Karen from Australia. She stitched "Hello Spring" from Lizzie Kate on one side and "Spring" by Helga Mandl. I love the ornament. I have stitched the "Hello Spring" from Lizzie Kate twice for others.

As for the ornament that I stitched, I stitched, it was from The Cross-Eyed Cricket's The Cricket Collection - "Rabbits' Garden". I really enjoyed stitching this one for Karen. I whipped stitched it together on the sides like in other ornaments.

Violets

Sunnyside Up

Thanks for checking out my blog.
Sharon

Biscornu Exchange

2009-04-02T18:20:00.010-05:00

For my Biscornu Exchange, I had a hard time deciding on what I wanted to stitched. I finally settled on the following.

Pattern: Wichelt Imports Freebie
Stitched on Linen
Thread: DMC
Stitched for: Lynn B

I received a biscornu that I have been wanting for a long time. I am very happy with it. Thank you Ellen.

Pattern: Easter Biscornu
by Barbara Anna Designs
Stitched by: Ellen Sharp

Valentine Exchange

2009-04-02T15:46:00.006-05:00

Hey! You know what good intentions get you.... Well I have been trying to post pictures of my Valentine's Day Exchange for a while. Right now I am working 3 jobs (mind you one is only a couple of hours a day) and am exhausted every evening especially since I have to get up at five for the first one. Note: I am not an early riser by nature but rather a night owl. So, here we go.

Pattern: Be Mine Valentine by Lizzie Kate
Threads: DMC and "Love"
Fabric: Silkweaver's Pink Champagne
28 Count Opalescent Lugana

The person I sent to was Rita. I stitched it up and made it into a pinkeep. I used "Love" to stitch the heart. I sent some goodies and a pattern from her wish list. I really enjoyed stitching and gathering this exchange.

Pattern: French Country Love
by JEW Designs
Stitched by: Margie

Margie finished it as a beautiful box filled with lots of goodies. My nephews appreciated the Sweet Hearts. This was my first box and I love it. I have plans for the charms, buttons, and ribbons.

Thank you for stopping by.

Sharon

Knitting Projects completed since January

2009-03-22T13:54:00.008-05:00

So here are the projects that I have knitted. I knitted the same baby afghan twice for the two new nephews. Tyler got a baby green one while Leif got the Sunshine Print one. I will edit this post and put a picture of the green one when I find it.

For my friend, Vercher, I knitted a dish towel and crocheted a wash cloth. I really enjoyed doing this and plan to knit all the girls in the family at least one. Next, I want to knit everyone a pair of socks but I have to find yarn that is stretch but does not have any wool in it.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Sorry I Haven't Posted

2009-03-12T16:26:00.002-05:00

As you know, the satellite modem was down at my house. Well my brother Pete got the part and put it in the machine. Then..... nothing happened. So now we are waiting on a technician to come out to the country and check out the satellite link and everything. Right now I am using a friends computer to post.

So what is new? I found a temporary job teaching math in a high school (the one I posted about in my last post but it is only 1 hour away). I'm teaching 9th and 10th graders Algebra I. At present we are preparing for the state test (which they need!) I now remember why I went to work at a community college. But, the students are cute, somewhat well behaved (they love to talk), and are generally easy to work with (when they aren't whining). I like working with them. I am continuing to teach one night class at the community college, and working for Sylvan. I am still looking for and praying for a permenant job at one of the local universities.

Oh, Oh, Oh! I almost forgot----my sister-in-law had her baby boy 8 days after my sister had her little boy. The new nephew was 8lbs 110z and 21 inches long. The babies are so cute. Leif is so laid back and calm while Tyler provides his opinion whenever he wants. That makes 6 nephews. Too many boys!!! Another set to play trains, swords, and video games with.

As for stitching, I have completed several things. I don't have any pictures right now but I will tell you what I have completed:
Knitted: dishtowel and two baby blankets
crocheted: an afghan (almost finished) and a dishcloth
cross stitched: finished my portion of a round robin (waiting on the next installment) and a biscornu
needlepoint: Finished a geometric square from the club I joined a couple of years ago.

I finished listening to the Left Behind Series on CD and am now listening to DaVinci Code on CD. I finished reading the Hobbit and am reading The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.

Well I got to go. Thanks for stopping by. I hope to have internet access soon and will post pictures of all the things on which I have been working.

Bad Modem, Bad, Bad Modem!

2009-02-06T15:22:00.003-06:00

I have been without internet for two weeks. TWO WEEKS! No googling (or yahoo ing), no posting or reading blogs. I have been crazy without the internet. Right now I am using my sister's computer while waiting for my nephews to get home from school. By the way, we had a new addition to our family this week. My younger sister had her baby on Wednesday. They are getting ready to go home today. He was born at 1:02 pm. 7 lbs 11oz and 20.5 inches long. (He is so small with really long fingers and toes). He is cute. Back on topic, my brother Pete should be fixing the modem this weekend. I will have internet really soon.

As for work, I have been offered a teaching position for the rest of the school year. (The teacher is taking maternity leave). The only problem is that the job is an hour and half away with class starting at 7:30 am. I am not a morning person at all. But, I think I will take it so that I can have some steady income for a few months. I also got hired at Sylvan which I think I will enjoy and continue through the summer (if they need me).

Well the boys have arrived and want to go to MawMaw's and PawPaw's house. They are loading their bikes on the truck and rushing me. So, when I get internet again I will post pictures of the afghan that I have finished and the books that I have read.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sharon

Last night

2009-01-22T13:34:00.003-06:00

So, last night I started on my stitching rotation. Monday and Tuesday I was working on my exchanges and round robins. I spent two hours on Miriabilia's Christmas Fairy. All I finished were her boots. I have her wings, face, hands, and the Christmas Tree to go. Oh, and a little on her skirt. I really should be ashamed of myself that this is still a WIP. I started it March 30, 2007. It has been almost two years, but I have trouble seeing 32-count. And am refusing to by the magnifier (as of right now). I hope to finish this one soon.

I knitted on the baby blanket for Bridget, also. I completed one set of blocks and have 11 more sets to go. That is 110 stitches by 10 for each set of blocks. I hope to have it done by her C-section date of the 4th of February. I will be cutting it close. Then I have to work on the one for Mari, whose due date is the 21st of February, along with a round robin, my rotation schedule, and an exchange. When it comes to stitching, I will be busy for the next month.

As for my reading, I have read 3 of the 19 chapters of the Hobbit. I have been very bad and not reading. My sister Jen decide to read along with me. She started on January 1st or 2nd like we were suppose to be and is almost through with the book. I need to hurry up because we are reading The Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings.

Well got to go. My nephew needs help with Mario Party for the DS.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Stitching Rotation

2009-01-20T16:21:00.002-06:00

Well, I decided today to set up a stitching rotation. I have several projects that I need to get complete. Why? Because I have been working on them for y-e-a-r-s. Also, I am not letting myself start a new project until I finish at least one of them. I plan on knitting everyday, especially since one of the babies will be born on the 4th of February. Also, weekends will be for ornaments and whatever else I want to stitch. Also, I decided to join in with a group doing art and journaling to answer a question each week. This weekend I plan on getting caught up on everything.

Still haven't found a job but am optimistic. I applied for several full-time positions but also applied with Kelly Temporary Services. I think I will be working soon.

Well got to go finish a project. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Knit or crochet?

2009-01-16T11:16:00.003-06:00

As you know, I am knitting on two different baby blankets. Well, I decided to work on a quick lap afghan in the middle. I found a free pattern from Red Heart at Micheal's or Hobby Lobby. It called for 16 oz. of Claret. The funny thing was that I pulled my yarn from my shelf before I read the direction. The yarn that I pulled was the yarn recommended. Actually, you are suppose to use a jumbo pack of 16 oz. so that you only tie off at the end. I used 2 8-oz skeins instead. (That shows you how old the yarn is, they now come in 7-oz skeins). Well it took me two evening to finish it but it is beautiful.

Now I have two exchanges, a round robin, and two afghans left to do by February. Actually the two exchanges are due next week. I'm going to work on them this weekend.

Also, I finished reading Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. It was an easy read with an interesting topic. Now I want to go see the movie (if it is still at the theater). Next, The Hobbitt by J.R. Tolken. I have started it, but have only read the first chapter.

Well, thanks for dropping by. I hope to post more often.

Sharon

What's going on?

2009-01-14T14:47:00.006-06:00

Well, I took up knitting again. My sister and sister-in-law are both due in February. So, I decided to knit a baby blanket for each. Since it had been a while since I knitted the last blanket, I decided to knit a dishcloth. It was a good thing that I did it first. Got all the oops! out of the way (for the most part). Right now I have knitted the first 26 rows for both blankets. I have to repeat the last 20 rows until the blanket reaches 36 inches then 6 rows later of the knit stitch only and I will be finished. One is in honeydew green and the other is in sunshine print. I also started an crocheted lap throw that will be finished today (I'll post it tomorrow.) At the same time I have two exchanges due out next week: HoE Lizzie Kate and HoE Valentines.

But the worst part of the whole week was..... I have to find a job. Where I was working (a community college) they cut me back to one class this semester. I have been working as an instructor at community colleges and universities for the past 13-1/2 years. It is very hard to find a job outside of education. I have put in applications at the local hospitals and clinics, hobby shops, bookstores, temporary worker services, and banks. I have to go be fingerprinted to be considered for substitute at the local area schools. I am a little worried but the lord will provide. (In church this week the pastor's wife read a story about Mr. Buzzard and Mr. Hawk discussing breakfast and religion. And Mr. Buzzard's comment was the Lord will provide.) So I am trying to be optimistic.

Also I registered for classes at UNO. I hope to finish my degree this semester. I really need to finish it this semester. The amount of money that I have put out for this will never be recomped once I finished. I really don't know if it was financially worth it. I know for my self it has value but moneywise not really.

This week has been a rough week. After tomorrow night, I think I will just let it all go and stitch until I can't stitch anymore.

Well, sorry for complaining. I am going to be optimistic. Like Mr. Buzzard said "The Lord will provide." I must have patience.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon

First Finish of the Year

2009-01-03T11:35:00.003-06:00

Yeah, I finished one!!! This is Bent Creek's Thankful from the Red Thread Series. I started it before the new year but I had to get some thread from Bridget (the owner of this one) to finish it. As of the 1st of January I had stitched the box and the word thankful. On the 1st I finished the tablecloth and turkey plate. Last night, the 2nd, I finished stitching the turkey. Now all I have to do on my Red Thread is the border and the words. I will post a picture when I finish it (some time later).

Today I am going to work on the Rainbow Birds for my mother. I have been working on this one for about 3 years. I plan on finishing it next. My goal this year is to finish all started projects first. Then only work on 2 cross stitch projects and 1 needlepoint at a time.

Also, since my sister and my sister-in-law are pregnant and due at the beginning of February, I need to knit two baby blankets. I think I will go get the yarn today and start on them.

Well, thanks for stopping by

Sharon

2009 Goals

2009-01-01T19:35:00.004-06:00

Okay, so my family loves to pick on me about being a data collector (well I am a mathematician). I wrote down my 10 Goals for 2009. I also decided that I was going to read a book a month from the list of "100 books you must read before you die". So here are my goals for 2009

1. Defend dissertation proposal.
2. Defend dissertation.
3. Drop 2 dress sizes.
4. Get a full time job.
5. Be more sociable/ Go out more.
6. Bring lunch to work and eat healthy.
7. Start & stick to an exercise routine.
8. Clean and organize my house.
9. Stick to a budget & pay off debt.
10. Complete all started stitching projects.

As for the books I plan to read The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Ring Series during January through April.

I counted the number of patterns that I stitched last year (38). So my goal this year will be 40.

Well thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your interest.

Sharon

Finishes in More Ways than One

2008-12-20T20:11:00.011-06:00

Well, let's see, what has happened in the last month? Well..... We had Thanksgiving dinner at my Mom and Dad's. As usual, the food was totally edible, the company was comforting. Then the semester ended with a flurry of snow. We had finals from Tuesday through Friday but had to continue on Monday due to snow. On Thursday it snowed until noon and laid on the ground for two days (very unusual). My nephew Theron and I played in the snow and made a snowman, then went in to eat breakfast. When we came back out you could not tell that we had been in the snow. We had a great time.

During final exam week, I wanted to finish a project a day. Well, I did good for the first two days but the rest of the week I crocheted on an afghan but ran out of yarn. Mind you, it is yarn you can no longer buy in the store, Plum Heather by Red Heart. I need about two skeins to finish and make the fringe. Well, I will keep looking for it. As for the project they are:

The Wreath from Red Thread. I stitched it on Mari's fabric. She changed the colors to go with her fabric, of course. She is very good at choosing colors. Now I have to finish the Thanksgiving one on Bridget's. I plan on working on it tomorrow when I go to Jennifer's to stitch at 2:30. As for my Red Thread, the boxes are complete but I still have to stitch the border and words.

The second thing that I finished last week was the ABRR Group 10 Round 3. It was for Casey Carroll. Her round robin was Valerie Pfeiffer's Chorus Line. I stitched the last little birdie on the right side. It was so quick and so cute. I hope she likes it.

Today, Jennifer and I finished stockings. Actually, Jennifer finished both stockings. For my stocking she stitched the liner to the stocking at the top first. She then stitched the stocking and liners together leaving a hole at the toe in the liner section. She turned the stocking inside out and instead of hand stitching the liner toe shut, she stitched the toe shut. I really thought it was a good idea since no one would be looking at the toe of the liner. I really didn't want to hand stitch the toe shut. I am very happy with my stocking that has been in the stitching phase for at least 14 years. As soon as I got home, I hung my wonderful stocking. I am so happy.

Right now I have 3 round robins to work on, One is the Red Thread, the other is a horse and rider, and the last one is Woodland Babes. The last two are both for Rhonda. I hope to finish the horses soon. The Woodland Babes aren't due to be finished until January.

Well, I'm off to stitch. I hope to post a completed project soon. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Exchanges Sent and Received

2008-11-24T16:11:00.011-06:00

Harvest Ornament Exchange

Terry has received her Harvest Ornament Exchange. The pattern I used was Trail Creek Farm's "Awesome In My Autumn". I use stitched the leaves and the pumpkin. I put seed beads around the edge and used them to make the hanger. Terry really liked the ornament. I really liked the pattern and can't wait to stitch it for myself.

Christmas Ornament Exchange for Hooked on Exchange

My Partner has received her exchange. I stitched a snowman from Sisters and Best Friends "Buddies" on Silkweaver Fabric. I received my exchange today. Shelleen used an unusual tin to frame the stitched project. I think it is really cute.

Floss Tag Exchange

Cathy Boyd received her exchange from me on the 11th. She liked it. I stitched the pattern "My Street" from Floss Box. I stitched it on silkweaver fabric.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

This weeks activities

2008-11-08T10:25:00.008-06:00

This week has been a very busy week. First Monday was Bunko night. I was the hostess but since my place is very small, Theresa (a member of the group) offered her home to me. I brought my cousin Liz along to fill in a place. Well, she filled in a spot but she also knows how I cook (not so well). So, she cooked the shrimp ettoufee (I cut up all the vegetables and cooked the rice). I made "Cajun Caviar", a wonderful dip, for an appetizer and "Pig Pickin' Cake" for desert. (I think the "Pig Pickin' Cake" may also be called mandarian orange cake??). Well the food was a success and everyone had fun. Then of course Tuesday was election day. I did my civic duty.

Now I posted previously that I had "lost" my floss tag exchange. Well, my mother found it on the dining table in some papers on Friday afternoon. I finished it last night and mailed it today. When the new owner receives the package, I will post a picture of it.

I received my Floss Tag exchange from Shay T. I think the floss tag is beautiful. At first, I did not notice the daisy. All I saw was the S which is wonderful. I was pleasantly surprised when I was showing it to my sister and mother to find the daisy. I loved all the goodies that came with the floss tag, sunflower facbric, linen, silk threads, buttons beads and Just Nan's - Blitzen Glistens! ornament. Everything was wonderful. The threads, beads, and buttons are perfect together. I will have to find a project to used them. Thank you Shay for such a wonderful exchange.

I also received my Harvest Ornament from Terry P in the All Seasons Ornament Exchange. She did beautiful work. She must have wonderful eyes because it was stitched on 40 count. It is wonderful. When I mail mine to her and find out she has received it, then I will post a picture.

Well got to go. I am organizing the fall festival at my church and have to get things ready.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Group 10 Round Robin 2nd Mailing

2008-11-06T21:48:00.005-06:00

I've finished stitching on Diane's Round Robin. It was pretty easy once I realized that it called for 3 threads instead of 2. So I had to frog my part and re-stitch it. I think it is really cute. I would have done the backstitching but did not have the color chart to do so. I will be mailing it on to Georgena tomorrow afternoon.

On a different note, I have an exchange that was suppose to go out on Monday. But, my nephew whose 5 has either hidden it or I have lost it. He said he put it in Maw Maw's basket but we can't find it. I have everything ready to go but the exchange piece. I hope to find it tomorrow or restitch it tomorrow. That will teach me to leave my stitching just laying around.

Well got to go. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Celtic Knot Biscornu

2008-10-25T17:41:00.008-05:00

I found a Celtic knot pattern that I stitched in 2002. I had stitched it white on green and then green on white. I had planned on framing them and putting them in my hallway. But, I never could find frames that looked good with them.

Well in May, my EGA group (Stitching Magnolias) wanted me to bring some projects to the meeting to show people how to finish their projects. At the same time they were finishing up a biscornu. So, I decided to finish these as a biscornu.

I haven't decided what buttons to use. My sister, Jennifer, says to use gold buttons. I think she is right. Now I have to find some gold buttons. I am really happy that I have found a way to make these patterns useful. I'm also thinking of putting beads around the edge. Well, I will let you know when I decide.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

HoE Halloween Exchange

2008-10-25T17:37:00.002-05:00

I received my exchange on Thursday of this week. It came all the way from Malaysia. My exchange partner was Lillie. I really loved everything that I got in my package. I was so excited to see it in the mail. It was well worth the wait since it traveled a long way.

I got a Halloween floss tag. The pattern is a Barbara Ana Design. Also in the package were some purple ribbon, my favorite color, some DMC floss, and a yellow pillow pin cushion. Lillie also sent an S charm, a ghost paper clip, a postcard, and a Lizzie Kate Pattern - Bless Our home.

But the cutest things, besides the floss tag were the owl buttons. I like owls and these buttons were soooo cute. Very wise owls. I am very happy.

Thank you for stopping by my blog. I hope to start posting regularly again soon.

Sharon

Halloween Exchange Received

2008-10-08T19:52:00.006-05:00

My exchange partner, Terry, received her package. I stitched the witch off Prairie School's Harvest Time. I used DMC 3371 for the witch and Golden Star for the moon and stars. I finished it as a needlebook. I tried to put a pocket inside but I made it too small. I had a great time stitching this. Terry enjoyed her package. I sent a pair of scissors that were Autumn colored, needles, two quarters of Halloween Fabric, and 4 skeins of thread that are Halloween named (R.I.P. Purple, Drop Dead Red, Frankenstein, and Enchanted Pumpkin) from Olde Willow Stitchery.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Group 10 Round Robin Round 1

2008-10-05T19:21:00.004-05:00

I choose to do a Christmas pattern for this go around. I decided to do the Victorian Bear Stocking by Designs for the Needle. Since our group contains 6 people, I cut the pattern into six pieces. The person who does the upper left corner will probably stitch the most. I had to change the color of the border because the pattern called for 498 but there wasn't enough and way too much 221. So for the stocking all the stitch colors will remain the same but the border will be done in 221.

Right now I have two round robins I am working on, besides the one that I sent out with round 8, and am expecting another.

I joined a new exchange group. I decide to join the All Seasons Ornament Exchange for a little more fun. I am participating in the Harvest Ornament Exchange. I already have an idea of what I want to stitch. I can't wait to finish it.

Right now I am working on getting my dissertation proposal ready for submission. I am so tired of working on it, but I need to finish it.

Well got to go and fill out the attendance audit sheets for work and send chapter 1 of the proposal to Dr. G.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

My First Round Robin

2008-09-14T20:16:00.004-05:00

This is the first project that I stitched in a round robin. It was a 1994 kit from Carousel Crafts. The kit is called "All Season" by Patsy Moore. The group started out as a group of six but two people dropped out. So, I stitched two pieces of the pattern. The project was stitched on the blue Aida fabric that was provided in the kit using DMC floss. I chose not to stitch the words on the pattern. I plan on making it a cube otherwise I will frame it.

I appreciate all the work that the ladies did on this project.

Red Thread - County Fair

2008-08-09T10:32:00.007-05:00

Last night I started on this. I should have finished it weeks ago but I've been really busy working on my dissertation proposal. As you can see I changed the pattern a bit. I replaced the pig with a sheep. I like sheep better. This is a sheep from one of the Little House Needlework patterns. I think I did a good job considering I was watching Supernatural and stitching at two in the morning. We only have 3 squares left to stitch. Most everyone else has already completed the border but I haven't. I've done about a fourth of it, maybe.

Right now I want to start a new project so bad but I have a goal of finishing at least 3 of my WIPs before I can start another one. Right now I am working on the Rainbow Birds for my mother. I have made some progress. I decided to do the backstitching as I go. So I went back and backstitched the butterfly and flowers. After which, I stitched the bird. I'm about halfway through. I have a few more flowers near the bird, another butterfly, and a whole lot of flowers plus another bird at the bottom. My mother loves it and plans on making it into a pillow. Once I finish this one, I am moving on to the Wild West for Mari, my SIL, actually it's for my nephew Theron's room.

Well thanks for stopping by to read my blog. Come back soon.

Sharon

Recent Finishes

2008-08-05T11:04:00.010-05:00

First up, I am a member of a Round Robin that started out with 6 people and ended up with 4. My sister Jennifer is a member of this RR. She chose to do the LK Flip It Blocks on 32 ct Linen. Well, one of the remaining members of the group could not see to stitch the project. So only one person had stitched on it before me. Well, being the nice sister that I am, I stitched 3 blocks instead of 2. I stitched the January, May, and September blocks. I stitched the January because it was already started. I stitched the May block because that is the month I was born. And finally, I stitched the September block because I am a teacher. I think I did a good job.

Next, On July 10th, Jennifer and I finished the above two projects. I had finished Cherry Hill by Country Cottage earlier this year. I went out and bought the stuff to finish it the weekend after I finished stitching it. I finally made the box and put it on the shelf in my living room. The patriotic one is a pattern that I picked up at Stitch N Frame out of Lafayette, LA. I used to live in Lafayette before Katrina and shopped at Stitch N Frame often. I saw the pattern and bought it to stitch immediately. I've had it finished for years, but finally "finished" it this year. I think it turned out beautifully. Jennifer is the one who decided to group the pins they way they are.

Right now, I am working on my WIPs trying to get them finished. I want to start on two or three projects (Mirabilia's Rose of Sharon, Raise the Roof's Turkey Dressing, and Barbara Ana Design's My Wool). I also have a few other projects that are going but I'm not in a hurry to finish. They are Ink Circle's Celtic Mystery Sampler, EGA's Tiramisu, and Lizzie Kate's Flip It Block Series.

Also, I decided that each night I will read a chapter out of a book. I have not been reading for pleasure in a long time. Mainly, I feel guilty about reading for pleasure when I should be researching for my dissertation. But, I need to read for fun.

Well got to go. Thanks you for stopping by

Sharon

Sorry for not blogging lately

2008-07-23T17:16:00.002-05:00

I've been really busy with medical issues, Vacation Bible School, and deadlines for submitting papers for my graduate program. I have been stitching and have finished a few things. I hope to be able to post pictures this weekend. So, check back later.

Thanks for visiting my blog

Sharon

I'm going to be an Aunt (again) twice!!

2008-07-10T14:39:00.004-05:00

My baby sister Bridget announced that she was pregnant at our family's 4th of July get together. It was kind of sweet how she did it. She put her son, Tucker, in a t-shirt that said "I'm the big BROTHER." Fun though, in a house full of smart people, it took a minute or two to realize what the shirt means.

Well, last night my baby brother, Ricky, and his wife announced they were having a baby also. The sent their son, Theron, in to my Mom's house wearing a t-shirt that said "No, I AM the Big Brother". On the back it said, "If Tucker gets one then I want one."

We are so excited. I can't wait. I wasn't in the state for the previous 4 births but will be for these two. They are due about a week apart in February.

The funny thing about this is a few weeks back I dreamed that my Mom (who keeps the children) was having to keep six little babies and Tucker. The three oldest were in school. Well, we are heading in that direction. Two babies and Tucker for the year 2009-2010. We are hoping for at least one girl since right now we have 4 boys.

Well, thanks for reading my gushing. Come by again soon; I should have some stitching to post soon.

Sharon Clark

LHN Exchanges received (My partner & I)

2008-07-07T17:05:00.003-05:00

I received my LHN Exchange. I think it is great. I now have a floss tag. It came all the way from Australia.

Long time, no see

2008-06-30T12:13:00.004-05:00

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I've been working on my dissertation proposal and my general exam portfolio. I meet with my major professor a couple of weeks back. He asked me to update my general exam portfolio for final approval. Well, I came home and pulled it up on the computer. To my shock and surprise, I could not find the latest version. I found the original version which had been almost completely rewritten. Thank goodness I had a hard copy of the latest version. So I have spent the better part of two weeks retyping and updating the document. I sent it to my major professor on Friday. So, now I wait for his thoughts and comments. But, on to stitching.

I completed my LHN exchange for HoE. I will post a picture of it when my exchange partner receives it. I also decided to work on another "quickie" project before the 4th. It is "Liberty!" by Nessy Lynn's. I used plain aida in a platinum color, DMC floss, and a gold Kreinik. It was pretty quick. The designer did a great job at using floss to show shading. My sister, Jen, and I are going to make it into a cube.

I also made a decision this weekend while talking to my friend, Sharon. I have basically been punishing myself these last couple of years. I'm working on my dissertation and feel guilty about reading books for pleasure. You must realize that I used to read two or three books a week. Some were just trashy romances but I also read some larger books. But recently I have only read the Harry Potter Books or the Stephanie Plum Books but nothing else. So, my decision is to read like when I was a kid. Every night I will read one to two chapters in a book. I have a shelf full of books I want to read. I don't want the books to get out of hand like the stitching projects. So every night, I will read for pleasure. I'll let you know how that goes. I will list the books I read along the side of my blog.

Well, got to go shell peas. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Sharon

HoE Freebie Exchange Received

2008-06-10T13:09:00.004-05:00

My Freebie exchange recipient, Laura M, has received her package. So here is a picture of the Needlebook and goodies I sent her. The pattern is the Freebie "Tooth Fairy Day" Pattern from Just Another Button Company.
I changed the colors of the entire pattern. I used Cobbled Peach, Bejeweled, Sunshine Girl, Tropical Ocean, Cloud, and a DMC variation (for her hair). I used beads instead of the thread Morning Glory because I could not find a thread that matched. The beads I used were Mill Hill Beads that matched the dress.

Laura was very happy with the package. I am happy she liked it. I knew from her blog that she liked fairies; so I searched and searched for just the right pattern. I'm glad that I found this pattern.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Burgundy Flower Ornament Completed

2008-06-10T12:10:00.004-05:00

Last night I completed the Burgundy Flower Ornament from Just Nan. The pattern is on the back of the Burgundy Bouquet Leaflet (JN051). While stitching the pattern I didn't think that it looked like a flower. Well, it isn't a flower rather it is 3 flowers. I didn't realize this until I was looking at the picture I took of the project. I used the threads called for by the pattern (DMC) and regular linen 28 count. I think it is very pretty.

I will try to finish the rainbow birds for my Mother this week (month). My WIPs list is getting shorter (yippee!) Once I have reduced my WIPs list to one (Lavender Myst will be awhile), I plan on starting "The Rose of Sharon" from Miriabilia. I have had the pattern since 1992 and really want to do it. Then I will be working on GCC Tiramisu, Rose of Sharon, and probably Hang Ten from Raise the Roof. I only want to work on 2 - 3 projects at a time.

Well got to go stitch. Thanks for dropping by.

Sharon

Stitching Retreat

2008-06-09T10:44:00.020-05:00

This weekend I attended a stitching retreat here in Hattiesburg. The retreat started at about 1:30 on Friday and went to late on Sunday. Well first of all on Friday, Jennifer and I finished our pins and needles exchange items. I started earlier in the week looking for a freebie pattern that would be cute of a seahorse or mermaid. Well, I couldn't find a pattern of either and ended up doing the "Hello Spring" pattern from Lizzie Kate. I made a few changes to the pattern. I changed the word Spring to Sunshine. I hade to use three patterns to find the letters to complete the word Sunshine. I also added a butterfly bead. After I finished stitching the pattern, I completed it as a needlebook. While sewing it together I didn't catch the ribbon on the back, so I had to add a button to the back for a closure. It turned out cute (I almost didn't want to give it away.) In the exchange on Friday, Theresa got my needlebook. I received a pinkeep from Terri. I really like it. I don't know who the designer is but I like my first pinkeep.

We also had a gift exchange on Saturday afternoon. Each exchange was numbered, then each stitcher picked a number. We only got the package that matched our chosen number. I got an excellent gift. Polly put together an awesome gift. It contained threads, notebooks, beads, some fabric, stitcher supplies, candleholder, wind chimes, a Just Nan Whimzy pattern and frame and some Altoid mins. I was extremely happy with my gift.

A little later in the evening we got door prizes. I was 11th out of 15 to choose my door prize. I chose a package from Sisters and Best Friends which contained about 6 patterns with some bead packages. We also received several freebies as a group. See the picture to the left. Two of the stitching ladies Lisa and Polly gave everyone a gift as well (see right). Each gift included a skein of DMC floss and box of Mill Hill beads with candy. I really appreciated the thought. Lisa and Polly did a terrific job of creating a goodie bag. Thank you.

Now what did I stitch on at the retreat? I worked on the Something Special "Rainbow Birds" for my Mom, the Just Nan "Burgundy Flower Ornament" for myself, The Miriabilia "Christmas Fairy" for myself , and the Little House Needlework "Acorns and Pines" for HoE LHN exchange. . On the Rainbow birds, I had to pull out several stems and the bird because I used the wrong brown. I spent half a day getting back to where I was in the beginning. I made some progress but not much. As for the Christmas Fairy, I finish the bottom of the skirt and started her boots. On the Acorns and Pines, I did a little bit of work - the door, doorframe, and part of the house up to the top of the the door. Finally, I completed the most on the Burgundy Flower Ornament. I have two greens left to do in the leaves and the border. I plan on finishing it today. Also, I completed work on three of the Red threads from my Red Thread Round Robin. I had to put the pull trailer on Bridget's Road Trip, finish stitching on Lisha's Picnic (I forgot to cross back over about seven stitches), and I finished Ocean Voyage on Jennifer's. The Red Thread projects I completed on Friday night.

Oh yea, as part of the fee each stitch got a $75 gift certificate to the LNS. I got Heart in Hands "Monthly Markings Border" and the first 4 block patterns, The Cross-Eyed Crickets "Soft Boiled" and Little House Needlworks "Night and Day" and Praire Schoolers "Harvest Time".
I had a great time at the retreat and will do it again next year.

Thanks for stopping by.
Sharon "Clarkey"

HoE Biscornu Exchange Received

2008-06-08T15:33:00.001-05:00

My partner for HoE Biscornu dropped out. So, I was assigned Marianela Mas y Rubi (Nela) from Venezulela. I sent it back in April and she received it this month. It was Summer Breeze by The Cat's Whiskers. The pattern was stitched with Dinky Dyes Thread on Silkweaver Fabric. I think it turned out cute.

Top View
Bottom View
Side view (her initial)
Date & Exchange Name
pattern used on the biscornu

Housework Never Killed....

2008-06-04T20:31:00.000-05:00

I bought this Lizzie Kate thinking that it would be quick and easy. Well, it is quick and easy if you don't lose the thread. I bought Baby Spinach twice and lost it twice. My sister Jen finally found it in her stuff. The fabric I used was Silkweaver's solo. I thought I would never use the fabric but Jen kept telling me that the perfect project would turn up; it did. I used the specialty threads as well. My sister Bridget says that I should finish it as a pillow but a pillow that looks incomplete. I think I will try it. I am not a housekeeper. My little nephews are always telling me I need to clean up (Little do they realize that most of the mess comes from the visits they make).

Thanks for stopping by.

HoE Freebie Exchange

2008-06-03T13:15:00.004-05:00

Today I received my freebie exchange from Paula Crossen. It is so cute. The pattern is Lizzie Kate's "Count Your Blessings"finished as a needlebook. Paula also included in the book some pins and a counting needle set. Additional items were a set of Mary Arden needles and the Lizzie Kate "Love Crazy" Pattern. I am so happy with my exchange. Thank you Paula C for such a lovely exchange.

I have also sent my Freebie exchange (yesterday). I will post pictures when my exchange partner has received it.

Sharon Clark

Snapperville - 100% complete

2008-05-19T14:59:00.003-05:00

Well, I finally finished the border last night about 1 am. I am very pleased with the results. I made some changes to the threads. I changed the color for several things. I used: Old Oak tree for the swirls at the top, Gold Leaf for Schneckley, Black Coffe for Onyx, Cinnamon for Rust, Black Hills for Seaweed, Dark Chocolate for Swamp Water, Whitewash for Toasted Marshmallow, Dried Thyme for Kudzu, and Virginia Beech for Shaker White (and in the last square for Harvest Basket). I think I made some more changes because I really don't like to use WDW thread; I'm sure I found replacements for all of them in the project. I think I started this project back in October of 2007. I don't know the specific date but I do know that I had finished the 2nd square in early November and I started it after the retreat in early October (the fabric is from the retreat). I am very happy with the results and can't wait to frame it. I will post a picture when it is framed.

Blogging Meme

2008-05-16T13:34:00.003-05:00

I found this at The Floss Box and grabbed it.

Why did you start your blog?

I was moving back to Mississippi and my friend Carole suggested that I start blogging. All of my stitching friends agreed because they wanted to see what I was stitching.

How did you come up with your blog name?
Since my stitching friends called me Clarkey, I used it to make it easy for them. (They call me Clarkey because there were two Sharons in the group.)

Do your friends and family know about your blog and if so, what do they think of it?

Yes. The whole idea behind me blogging is for my friends and family. They all like it. They enjoy seeing the projects that I complete.

How do you write posts?
Generally speaking, I finish a project or do a lot of work on it. Stop take a picture. Then go to the computer and blog. I don't pre-write the blog (which sometimes I should).

Have you ever had a troll or had someone leave unkind comments?

Nope. I have it set up that people can't leave anonymous posts.

Do you check your stats?

Yep, from time to time.

Do you care how many people read your blog?

Not really. For a time there I didn't think anyone but my family and friends read my blog. Then I got a map that tracks the number of hits. I am really surprise at how many people visit. I'm happy that they visit. But, if no one but my family and friends visited my feelings would not be hurt.

What kind of blogs/posts interest you?

Most of the blogs that I visit are ones that involve stitching or ones that discuss activities that use needle, yarn, and fabric. I like to read about the project and the people who create the blogs. Sometimes I look at the blog and realize "Hey, I like that project".

What do you like and dislike about blogging?

Mainly, I dislike that what you see in the preview version of the blog is not what you see on the actual page. I don't do anything fancy on my blog; everything is straight forward. The blogging area could be a little wider; there is so much wasted space on the sides. Also I have alot of trouble moving pictures around. I wished they would allow you to move the pictures around more like a word processor.

I like to make lists. Blogging allows me to create and post lots of lists. I also like letting my friends know what I have been stitching.

Well thanks for stopping by

Sharon

My Favorite Bracelet

2008-05-15T11:59:00.002-05:00

I signed up for this GCC through EGA's Cyberstitchers. I thought it would be fun (which it was). I have had the foundation part of the bracelet completed for awhile. I keep freaking myself out about adding the embellishment beads. At first I was confused with all the beads but then I looked at the beads and the supply list to get them straight. Well, today the weather was very bad and I thought, I'll try the bracelet again. I started on it around 2 pm and finished it at midnight. Of course I didn't work the whole time, I had to stop to eat and watch the season finale of Supernatural and Smallville. I am proud of myself. I plan on submitting it for evaluation. This was the first GCC that I have completed (and only the second one I've attempted). Well got to get some sleep.

Thanks for stopping by

Sharon

My Crafting Wall

2008-05-10T22:00:00.002-05:00

Well I finally did it, Target had the cubicles on sale so I got a second one. My Dad came over and attached them to the wall. Then I started sorting all of my crafting supplies. I have almost all of my stuff in the cubicles. But, as you probably know, I really need more space. But considering I live in a trailer where my home office and craft room are the same room, I don't have the room. But I'm working on getting rid of some stuff. I also started an afghan that is worked in purple heather. The pattern is "Emerald Lace". I'll try to post pictures of it later.

May Flowers and Final Exams

2008-05-06T14:02:00.010-05:00

I have three projects to post today. First, I have a friend who loves Scottish Terriers. I sent her a birthday gift (3 months late) but I sent it. In the package were several items but the most important thing was a Scottie scissor fob with scissors. I found the pattern in an old cross-stitch book of dogs. I heard from her and she loves it. I want to make her a Scottie dog Biscornu but the patterns I have are way too big for the Biscornu. I guess I'll have to keep looking. I'll let you know if I find one.

Second, I started the Ink Circles Mystery stitch along. (By the way, they released the second square in the pattern today). While stitching, I get bored with the yellow (but not the black?) So, I use up one cut of floss then stitch on something else in the pattern. I think I am gong to like it when it is finished. My sister, Jennifer, and I picked out the recommended colors. I used DMC because I will use alot of floss. I am using Silkweavers 28ct. Jobelan - Karma. I can't wait to finish this corner and start on the new piece.

The third and final project, I started last night. I wanted to do something simple and quick. So, I went digging through my many patterns and kits looking for a specific pattern from Lizzie Kate when I came across the May Blooms for the All Tied Up series from Pine Mountain. I thought it would be quick (which it was). So I stitched on it last night. I finished it this morning, but now I have to buy a 12 by 12 pillow form to put in it. I have several 14 by 14's but not the one I need (of course).

Today I go give the last 2 final exams. One at 6pm and the other at 8pm. I can't wait for the semester to be over. But, then I have to finish doing work on my home, write on my dissertation proposal, and look for a job (maybe). I am thinking about taking the summer off, but I don't know if I can afford to do this. We'll see. I'll let you know.

Thanks for stopping by. I have to go give the exams.

Sharon

A finish and A "I give up"

2008-04-30T18:49:00.005-05:00

I finished this on 4/20/2008 but haven't had time to post it. I had to stitch it backwards because it wasn't mine. My friend, Lisha, crosses her x's backwards from me. I had to concentrate really hard to stitch in the correct direction for her. Next, the Ocean Voyage on my sister Jennifer's Round Robin.

I also attempted to complete the Meadowsweet Group Correspondence Course project from EGA. I was the group coordinator for Cyberstitchers. Only 4 people sent their project in to be evaluate. But, mine wasn't one of them. I have also signed up for "My Favorite Bracelet" which I have completed about half of it, "Tiramisu" which I know I will love because it is blacwork but haven't started, and "Florentine Ornaments" which I need to get my sister-in-law, Mari, to paint the canvas first.

I will post pictures this weekend of several things that I am working on. Also, I bought a laptop last weekend. At present, I am tied to one room until my brother, Pete, can activate the wireless. It is a Toshiba which I like so far. It is much faster than my older one (which took an hour to load a word document). Now all I have to do is get all my stitching stuff on it.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Ladybug, Ladybug

2008-04-15T15:31:00.006-05:00

I started this on Friday and just finished it. It is Ladybug, Ladybug by Little House Needleworks. I stitched it using the recommended DMC floss on Solo Mini - 28ct Lugana from Silkweaver. I bought this awhile back from Shakespeare's Peddler. I love ladybugs and thought this would be a quick stitch. Other than the fact that I miss counted on the border (counted 72 instead of 78), I didn't have to frog many stitches. I think I'm going to finish it as a flat fold. I have gone to Vonna's blog to get the tutorial. I will try it this weekend.

Glutton for Punishment

2008-04-09T12:00:00.002-05:00

As if I don't have enough to do, I found a new project. I was surfing the web for biscornu patterns for my local EGA chapter. (We are doing a biscornu for our April and May meeting.) When I went to Ink Circles web page. As usual I was looking around their website. Well, lo and behold they are doing a Celtic Mystery Stitch Along. Man I love a good mystery, stitching, and celtic things. So, I decided to participate. Now I need to gather my materials. Presently, they have the carpet page (the border) posted. On April 15th, they will post then next installment in the pattern. I will keep you posted on my progress (which will probably be very slow).

Christmas Ornament Exchange

2008-03-29T18:10:00.000-05:00

I finished my March exchange Christmas Ornament. It is a variation of the O Tannenbaum pattern by Jane Timmers of Fancy Work in the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornament Edition.

I used the two large trees from the pattern but I used thread from DMC, Kreinik. and Wildflowers by Caron. I think it turned out cute. I didn't have all of the thread called for in the pattern so I improvised. I hope that Gina likes it. Since our group (crazy for cross stitch C4C) will terminate at the end of the month. It will be hard to complete an ornament a month but I will continue to try. I have 5 ornaments that need to be completed by Christmas. So that leaves me 4 ornaments to do just because. You see I joined a sub group of the EGA Cyberstitchers that stitch an ornament a month. With my exchange I was also in the ornament a month group. Since the C4CS group had a deadline I thought I could use them both to make my goals. Now, I don't have deadlines. I don't work well without deadlines, but we will see.

WIPs from Bag One

2008-03-29T09:05:00.012-05:00

Well the other day I decided to organize my WIPs that are not in a container. I separated them into cross-stitching, needlepoint, and crochet. I have about 3 needlepoint projects with multiple canvases. The first is the Fabrege style eggs (2), the seasons geometrics (8), and the Halloween pudgy. As far as crochet goes, I have 1 afghan I am working on. But, this post will be about the cross-stitch projects that I have actually stitched on.

The first is the beaded purse. The purse is an educational project from my primary EGA group, Stitching Magnolias. We started this last year when we met at Billie's house and began beading the pin tucks. Since then I have finished the flowers, in the middle of the diamonds, and the clusters, where the pintucks meet. We were suppose to meet in February and then in March to finish the purse. I don't have a copy of the book (it was on back order) to continue working on it. I know that it will have a beaded fringe and a beaded handle but I don't know what to do next.

The next project is one that I have had for a long time, Lavender Myst. I bought this at Stitch 'n Frame in Lafayette, LA when I lived there. I think I bought in 1997 and started on it. I guess that it intimidates me because of the thread cutting part. Maybe I can get someone to do that part for me when I finish stitching it. The other thing is that in the border there is a lot of color change. The directions say to do the border completely first, but I am always making a mess. So I am going to work the border as I go. I finally put it on a scroll frame to keep it tight. Several of the rows require the fabric to be in a hoop or frame. I will be surprised if I complete this one.

The third project is the love birds that I am doing for my mother. This one is taking so long because there is a lot of color change with the leaves and flowers but I'm about finished. My mother has decided that she will finish it as a pillow. So, I need to hurry up and finish it.

The fourth project is a kit I am doing for my sister-in-law Mari. This has a few big pieces, like the miner, and a lot of half stitches. The half stitches are used to make a map of the California coast. Then it has a border around it. I thought it would be a really quick stitch but it is not turning out that way. Right now I am backstitching the miner, then I will work on the words "Wild West" and the gun that is below the miner.

The last project in the bag is the Christmas fairy. It is about halfway finished. I am following the pattern and using the specified threads. All I have left are her feet, wings, head, and the tree.

I hope to finish all of these patterns because, as you may know, I have a whole bunch more that I have kitted and want to work on.

Also I have 4 Group Correspondence Courses that are due at the end of April, May, and June. The fourth, I don't know its due date. The one due at the end of April I haven't even started yet. I really need to get busy but I don't know where the time goes. Well I am going to the living room and start stitching.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

HoE Biscornu Exchange

2008-03-26T12:34:00.005-05:00

I received my Hooked on Exchanges (HoE) exchange yesterday. It was a wonderful selection for such short notice. My partner had to drop out so the lady who runs the exchange put one together for me.

I am very pleased with my biscornu and goodies. The exchange contained Silkweaver fabric (purple - my favorite), 2 skeins of DMC variation floss, a spring notepad, LK April Flip It pattern, two candle melts (Blue Raspberrytini and Sweet Lilies from old Virginia Candle Company) and a bottle of hand lotion (Moonlight Path from Bath and Body Works).

The biscornu was stitched on 32-count Silkweaver solo Lugana using Cresent Color floss. The pattern is Twilight Biscornu by Indigo Rose. It is beautiful. The lady who sent it was surprised how small it turned out. But, I like it and think it is so cute.

Since the lady who was suppose to send to me was the lady to which I would send, I am holding onto my exchange in case someone gets left out. I think my exchange partner (whoever it turns out to be) will be happy. I won't post a picture until I have sent it.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Sharon

Needlepoint Bookmark

2008-03-24T17:35:00.002-05:00

I got this bookmark at one of my EGA Stitching Magnolia's meeting. It was either a business meeting or a Christmas Party. Well I finally pulled it out on Saturday and stitched it. I used Krienik Antique Purple and Gold thread. I wanted to use an emerald green background but though it would be too "Mardi Gras"ish. So I choose a light blue background. Now all I need to do is stitch around the top to finish the bookmark.

I also completed a scissor fob for my friend, Vercher. I know that she will love it. I'm not posting a picture until she receives it. It wasn't hard to stitch but it was hard to find a pattern that worked. Now I think I am going to make something else to go in with it but I don't know what yet. Her birthday was in January. So, I am very late in getting her gift to her. I hope to mail it this weekend.

Finally, I finished the ornament for the March Ornament exchange for Crazy4CrossStitch exchange group (which is now closing). Once my partner receives the ornament I will post pictures of it. I think it turned out cute.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Scatter Sunshine and Joy

2008-03-22T18:23:00.003-05:00

I started the Sheperd's Bush "Scatter Sunshine" freebie pattern when it first came out. I decided to do it with DMC floss on a book mark. I just finished it. It is really cute. Now, I have to decide how to back it so that the threads won't pull lose. Mama also said I need to turn the ends down so they won't unravel. I am really happy with this one. It has been in my bag of WIPs for a while. I am working to empty that bag. My goal is to work on two cross stitch patterns and one needlepoint pattern at all times. But, first I have to get my WIPs down to two cross stitch patterns. Of course this plan excludes all the round robins and exchanges that I am in. I also need to find a bee charm that will fit on the bookmark.

Well got to go stitch. I only stopped long enough to post because I haven't posted in 10 days.
Thanks for stopping by.

Clarkey

Cherry Hill Finished!!!

2008-03-11T19:40:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, the girls got together for a scrapbooking day but ended up having a stitching day. I worked on the border for my Lizzie Kate Round Robin. I finished the box border. I also finished stitching the Cherry Hill pattern. It is so cute!!! I really love it. I hope to get my sister, Jennifer, to help me finish it as a stand-up cube. Tonight I hope to finish the Round Robin that I was suppose to finish yesterday. Once I finish the round robin then I have a biscornu to finish. My goal this week (spring break) is to finish a project a day. I have several that are near finishing.

I've been tagged

2008-03-01T11:50:00.003-06:00

Lisha tagged me to name 7 weird or random facts about myself. So, here goes... But first the rules...

The Rules:
1 Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.
2 Post the Rules on your blog.
3 Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.
4 Tag 7 people and link them.
5 Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

7 weird or random facts about me:

1. I am the education coordinator for my primary EGA group which is in Louisiana. (I am in Mississippi).
2. I love to eat crawfish and shrimp, but am allergic to them. (Carry Benadryl with me at all times).
3. I have been to Alaska during the spring.
4. Saw a report about a train wreck in the town where I worked while sitting in an airport in Chicago (on my way home from Alaska; worked was to start back up the next week).
5. My favorite snack is either dark chocolate or Cheetos.
6. I'm not a good housekeeper (I hate to clean).
7. I enjoy doing walk-a-thons but hate to exercise.

Now for the tags:

Well, since Lisha tagged the only other person that I know personally who has a blog, my tag will be you. Since you're reading this blog you are tagged. If you don't have a blog, then post your seven facts as a comment to this blog.

Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Busy Week

2008-03-01T10:22:00.010-06:00

My goodness what a week it has been. I gave a test Thursday night and had to have midterm grades posted to PeopleSoft by 4 pm Friday. But, it wasn't the test that I gave Thursday that held me up. It was having to read all 150 discussion board replies for the Orientation class that took forever. I submitted all my grades by 3:59 pm with a few seconds to spare.

As far as stitching went, I finished the ornament for my ornament exchange. Again I got my sister Jennifer as a my exchange person. I stitched the Victorian Lace Snowflake by Karen Kluba of Rosewood Manor. I got the pattern out of the JCS Christmas Edition 2007 Magazine. I loved working on this one because I worked it like reversible blackwork. Before I put on the beads you couldn't tell which side was the front without really looking. After I added the beads, you could. Not just because of the beads but because of the thread. When I stitch this for myself, I am going to put the beads on as I go instead of last. Jennifer loved it. But, I didn't finish it because she said she would. I'm not big on the finishing. I love to stitch but finishing... I'm learning but it's not so easy.

As far as my Snapperville goes. I have completed the squares. I finished the Town hall on Thursday. I changed the thread used for the building. It called for Harvest Basket. But, Harvest Basket was the same color as the fabric. So instead I used Virginia Beech (which was my substitute for Shaker White). I think it turned out pretty good. It took longer to complete this one because I wasn't concentrating when I started stitching the building. I got my windows out of whack. So, as usual, I had to re-stitch the house.

I started the Stockyard yesterday about 6 pm. I finished it about 1:30 am last night. This is one of the squares that caused me to buy the whole set. I think it is the cutest one of the set. My sister Jennifer already had the one with the cat on the fence and I had the pumpkin patch. When I went to buy the stockyard, Jennifer reminded me that we had the other two. So, I decided why not get the set and stitch them all. Now, all I have to do is stitch the border. Which, Jennifer and I think is what makes the set adorable.

For this set I 26 specialty threads but replace 12 of them with thread I had on hand. For example the borders called for Bark, I used English Ivy. The following are the other 10 exchanges I used (substitute, pattern): Freedom for Deep Sea, Dried Thyme for Kudzu, Arizona Petrified Wood (limited edition) for Barn Grey, Flax for Harvest Basket, Black Coffee for Onyx, Cinnamon for Rust, Gold Leaf for Schneckley, Black Hills for Seaweed, Dark Chocolate for Swamp Water, and Toasted Marshmallow for White Wash.

Now I have the winter snapperland to stitch. I love the chalet and the villa. Also Theresa for Raise the Roof designs is creating an "other side of the tracks" street that I can't wait to stitch. I think it is hilarious.

Today I am going to work and and try to complete the Cherry Hill from Country Cottage Needleworks. Here I also used thread I had on hand. So, I substituted Bramble Bush for Roasted Chestnut, Evergreen for Weeping Willow, and Willow Leaves (limited edition) for Cherry Tomato. The fabric is "Rock-a-Bye" from Silkweaver. (The same fabric I am using for my Christmas fairy.) I thought this was a cute pattern when I bought it. But, the more I stitched it the more I fell in love with the pattern. It is not hard to stitch and the sheep are so cute. I am almost through with it. I had to stop because I ran out of Dandelion Stem for the grass and leaves on the tree. When I finish this one, I am going to get Jen to help me make it into a square. I'm going to put it in my display shelf with my spring decorations. It is so cute.

Well got to go. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Sweet Sister

2008-02-22T16:59:00.006-06:00

My sister Bridget got all the ladies in our Red Thread Round Robin a little happy. It consisted of a tin, 2 fat quarters of fabric, a pack of Mary Arden needles, skeins of specialty floss and some Valentine's Candy. Each box contain fabric and floss that matched the personality of the receiver. I got Gentle Arts Blackboard, Ohio Lemon Pie, and Purple Iris. The needles are my favorites. I now only buy Mary Arden needles.

Bridget got us all a gift because she likes to do things like that. She said she did it because she was holding up the round robin but I think she would have done it anyway because it was valentines. So thank you to my sister. I love it.

Sharon

Exchanges Received

2008-02-06T09:39:00.002-06:00

This week I received several of my exchanges. I am a member of the Crazy for Cross Stitch Exchange and the Hooked on Exchanges group. In the Crazy for Cross Stitch Exchange I have joined the Secret Sister Exchange, the Christmas Ornament Exchange, the Postcard Exchange, and the Birthday Floss Exchange.

Right now, the Secret Sister Exchange is behind a couple of months to me. I received my February Exchange for Kathy and I liked everything in the package. The tuck wall hanger is really cute. I also love Lizzie Kate and Bent Creek patterns. I have yet to receive for December and January. I need to check on those again.

I received my February Christmas Ornament Exchange also from Kathy. I really like it. So does my sisters. They were very impressed with the way it was finished. I can't wait to hang it on my tree.

From Hooked on Exchanges, we had a scissor fob exchange. I have previously posted, the one that I sent. So, here is the one that Paula sent to me. Isn't he so cute; I love snowmen. I'm going to start using him today. Because I alway lose my scissors when I'm stitching. I stand up to look for them and boom they fall on the floor. So, now I won't lose them. I also received some goodies from Paula. The chocolate covered mints are divine.

I really enjoy doing the exchanges because I love getting packages in the mail. I now have to go and buy for my person for the February Exchange. It's funny, my sister Jen was my January SS Exchange and now she is my February Christmas Ornament Exchange. I need to go shopping to finish the two exchanges. Soon the Hooked on Exchanges group will be starting a biscornu exchange. I can't wait for that. Of course I have to get busy.

Also, I am a member of Cyberstitchers . The president's challenge is the Artist's Way training. We started this week. We'll see how it goes.

Sharon

Semi-busy weekend

2008-01-29T10:57:00.003-06:00

Well I finished the fob. My sister, Jennifer made the cording for the string to attach the fob to the scissors. For the back, I stitched the recipient's first initial. I used Weeks Dye Work "Calypso" to stitch it but for the cording I found matching DMC floss. I enjoyed working on this project. I will be mailing it out later today or tomorrow.

The second thing I finished was the "Maypole" for the Red Thread Round Robin that I am working on. I stitched on Mari's this month. She changed some of the colors but it turned out beautifully.

The third thing I finished (which was earlier in the week) was the backpack. It turned out cute. Now I have to do another one for Theron. I may even do one for me except bigger. Tucker loves it. But, I have to find some Velcro to match for the shoulder strap. His mom is suppose to look today, otherwise I will use white Velcro on the strap.

Backpack, Backpack!

2008-01-23T12:34:00.001-06:00

My nephews, Theron and Tucker, love Diego and Dora. Theron has a backpack that Tucker likes to play with. As kids are, the two of them argue over the backpack. So I offered to crochet one for Tucker. I have worked on this all weekend. As my usual pattern, I have probably crochet this thing two or three times. I have been using two "freebie" patterns from Lions Brand yarn plus a pattern that my mother uses for her kitchen towels. I hope that my sister and her son will like it. I have to make the drawstring, finish the flap and make the straps but I should finish it today. I think I did a pretty good job. Such a good job, that I think I'll make my self one but a little bigger and in a different color.

Thanks for stopping by.

It's Snowing!!

2008-01-19T13:32:00.001-06:00

Look what I woke up to this morning. Snow! Now for some people in this country, snow is a normal part of winter, but here in south Mississippi it is not. The last time we had snow was in 2000 or 2001. Isn't it beautiful? I love living in the country where there are a lot of trees to catch the snow. Now, at 2:00 pm, it's starting to melt but the woods still look beautiful. {Sunday, we still had snow in the shade. I actually had to clean it off the windshield of my car to go to church.}

My nephew, Theron, had fun playing in the snow. He and his mom threw snowballs, made a snowman, and made snow angels. They played outside for several hours. Of course, he's only 4 years old and this was his first time in the snow. He loved it.

I also, finished stitching a flower for one of my exchange groups. It was a freebie pattern from My Aunt's Attic. The thread that I used was named Calypso. I'm going to make it into a scissor fob.
Today since I'm not leaving the house, I have several things I want to work on.
1. finish the fob
2. Stitch the border for the new round robin
3. Stitch on the red thread round robin
4. Crochet a backpack for Tucker. (Deigo's Backpack)
5. Stitch on the "Rainbow birds" for my mother.

I'll let you know what I finish this weekend on tomorrow or Monday.
Thanks for stopping by

Sharon