Knit or crochet?

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?

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

This weeks activities

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

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

HoE Halloween Exchange

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

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

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

Long time, no see

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

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

HoE Biscornu Exchange Received

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

HoE Freebie Exchange

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

HoE Biscornu Exchange

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

Exchanges Received

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

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.

It's Snowing!!

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

Finished Projects

Well, I finally finished the projects I stitched last week. Well to be honest, my sister, Jennifer, and my mother, Trecie, finished them for me. Jennifer finished the spooky patch while my mother finished the other two.

The LK Spooky Patch was finished as a small ornament (about 2 inches by 2 inches). We used a spider web fabric for the backing.

The LK Spooky Time was finished as a pillow. It was the easiest to finish. We used a ghostly, batty fabric to finish it.

The one that was the most difficult was the Rainbow Gallery October's "Corn Treats" bag. My mother did a wonderful job. We used white ribbon for the photo but I will be replacing the ribbon with either black or orange.


I have been inspired to start finishing my stitching projects. Let's hope that I will follow through because I have many stitched projects waiting to be finished.

Thanks for visiting.
Clarkey

Just Checking In

I have my blog as my home page and everyday I feel bad because I haven't posted in a while. So today I am posting what has been going on since last I wrote. Well, I taught one class this summer at night. (Now that is a bad choice 4-hours of College Algebra one night a week; no wonder I only finished with 3 students). I have been helping my mother keep my nephews 12, 8, 3-3/4, and 2 this summer. For the month of July the two oldest stayed at Grandma's but spent several nights a week with me (I live a stones throw from my mom & dad's). I really wasn't in the mood to stitch, because I've been playing video games with the nephews.

I stitched a simple teapot piece to send to my August Exchange person Debbie for Crazyforcsexchange. I also, sent her two patterns, a teapot kit, two skeins of DMC specialty thread with a book of patterns to use that thread.

Then I received a wonderful package from Debbie. It contained two ornaments, a pair of scissors, a towel, and 4 skeins of DMC Jewel Effects Metallics, and a sheep tape measure. My 3-3/4 year old nephew loves it.


Early this week, my sister, Jennifer, and her boys (Patrick-12 and Nicholas-8) went to Branson, MO for a short vacation. Jen & I are off between semester but the boys missed school on Tuesday & Wednesday. While on the trip I finished my part of my Round Robin.

My stitching group (Jen, Bridget (sisters), Mari (SIL), & Lisha) are planning to do a round robin with the Red Thread Snappers by Bent Creek. I can't wait to start this round robin (check out the patterns at bentcreek.com).

I have so much to do and hopefully will be working full-time this semester. I can't wait.