Busy Bees Never Stop

I have been working on a few projects since last I posted. I would have posted sooner but my battery died in the camera. Well guess what, I couldn't find the battery charger until last night. So I've charged the battery and have downloaded the pictures.

First is the ornament I did for the Halloween Ornament exchange. I made it into a pillow ornament. I think it turned out cute.

The penguin stocking is almost finished. I have to back stitch the last 3 penguins in the bottom row, then stitch the last two penguins that are in the toe of the stocking.

I have also been working on the Bent Creek Red Thread round robin. I finished the February block on Lisha's. I think it turned out beautifully.

This weekend (October 20), the girls and I got together to make the haunted house that was a freebie project at Michaels. We had a great time trying to glue pots together to make them look like a house. Then, painting tissue paper on the pots to give it a textured look. If you look really close at mine you can see the chalk outline of a body at the doorstep with a tombstone. In the middle of building our houses we had to make a run to Bops (a frozen treats place here in Hattiesburg).

Oh yea, on Friday the 19th, Jennifer talked me into going to Theresa's shop. Of course, I had to buy something (it's awful having an addiction). I bought the Bent Creek Snapperville series. Actually I had the pumpkin farm and Jennifer had the homestead, so I only had to buy 4 more patterns. Theresa gave me the border pattern for free. I've started on this and am almost through with the homestead. See the picture below.

I also started on the Group 7 Round Robin from my yahoo group. The lady I'm stitching for choose kitchen towels with coffee mugs to be stitched. I, of course, choose to do the irish coffee (there is something to being the first to choose). It is coming along very well. I should be finished in a couple of days.

I really want to get my WIPs under control (21 and counting). I would like to have about 4 or 5 only. But, I am participating in at least 4 Group Correspondence courses with EGA, which means I will have a lot on my plate.

Well got to go. Thanks for stopping by.

Sharon

Result from the Retreat

I had a wonderful time at the Shakespeare's Peddler Retreat. I met some wonderful women who have the same hobbies as I do. Most of the women were from the Minnesota, but there were also people from Tennessee, Alabama, and Wisconsin. We had a great time and I spent all of my gift certificate in one trip.

I completed the stitching of my Halloween ornament. The pattern is an Wichelt Imports, Inc. freebie pattern. The pattern had hearts in shades of black and orange. I replaced them with candy corns. I also used Zweigart's Lincoln - 14 count Sage Green fabric which I received as a sample.

I finished beading my bag with the beads that I had. I need to do one more flower and finish the clusters. I will then be ready to finish the bag (put it together, add the fringe and the strap). I think that it looks beautiful.

I spent most of my time on the penguin stocking. I completed one more penguin and about half of the next 3 penguins. I plan to finish these three and stitch the last two before the weekend. I have been stitching on this stocking since 1998 (I think). Once I finish it I am going to make it into a stocking that may hang in my house year round. :}


Thanks for coming by.

Clarkey

Stitching Retreat (Day 2)

Friday and today, I had fun stitching and shopping. I spent my shopping allowance in one trip. But, I bought the Raise the Roof "Turkey Dressing" clothesline and threads, Trilogy Harvest Stack kit to match the Boo I did, and a Bent Creek to do for an exchange. I finished

• my Halloween ornament for my exchange,
  
• worked on my Christmas fairy,
  
• finished the word sunshine on the "scatter sunshine",
  
• worked until I ran out of beads on the beaded purse,
  
• and stitched on the dreaded penguin stocking.

I have 3 penguins half finished and two to go. I can't wait until tomorrow to continue stitching. I will post pictures of the things I have worked on this weekend to show completion or progress. Check back tomorrow evening late to see what I done.

Thanks for visiting,
Clarkey

What time of day are you?

I found this on "Rooted in Mississippi" Blog. Of course I had to try it. So what time of day am I? Well, of course, I am...

You Are Midnight

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits. Whether you're a nightowl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle. Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it. You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.

What Time Of Day Are You?

Why don't you try it yourself?

Stitching Retreat

I'm getting ready for a stitcher's retreat. Theresa at Shakespeare's Peddler is putting on a stitching retreat here in Hattiesburg. I have spent the evening going through all that I have to find any stitching that has been started. I left out a couple because they only have an x or two. But, if there was more work I packed it. What I've packed could very well last me a month. I know it is only a weekend but I don't want to forget anything. I am so excited. I will post what I have completed after the retreat.

In the past couple of weeks I have been trying to finish knitting the blanket I started for Theron. I'm getting closer but I am not finished. I hope to finish it soon.

I started today on a Halloween ornament exchange. I am almost finished. I changed the pattern a little. It had hearts on it but hearts just don't seem to go with Halloween. So I'm going to make them into candy corn instead. Once I finish stitching the candy corn, I will make it a pillow ornament (I think). I will post a picture of the blanket and Halloween ornament tomorrow. Well got to go to bed.

Thanks for stopping by,

Sharon

Red Thread Round Robin

I finished the Snowman Snapper Block of the Red Thread Series being published by Bent Creek. It really is a quick stitch. I choose to use DMC thread for all the patterns and overdyed thread for the "red thread". I can't wait to hand it off to the next person and work on someone else's fabric next.

Knitting

Well, after years of wondering I decide to try knitting. I started May 2006. The first thing I attempted was a scarf which my cat, Midnight, promptly pulled off the needles. I waited a month and then knitted a baby blanket for my nephew Tucker's 1st birthday. He loved it and uses it quite often. Then my nephew Theron decided he liked it and kept trying to take it. So, I decided to knit the same blanket for his 4th birthday. Well today is his birthday and I am halfway through. But the thing that I realized while working on his blanket is: I don't really like to knit. So, I gave my brother Pete's friend Katie all my knitting stuff. (There really isn't much there). I've decided to finish Theron's blanket then return to crocheting instead.

There is not many things in the world of crafting that I don't like, but I know that knitting is one of them. Well, I will post a picture of Tucker's and Theron's blankets when I finish Theron's.

Have you every tried to finish something....

Have you ever planned to finish a project then something comes up. Well, this weekend I planned on finishing my Penguin stocking that I've been working on for years, but everything keep cropping up. The pattern is by Design Works Craft and was published in 1994. My sister, Bridget, thinks I bought it in1998. Knowing me, I probably started it when I bought it. So I've been stitching on it since 1998. It has sixteen different penguins wearing hats and/or scarves, and skates. I have to complete only five and a half more. The problem is each penguin has at least 3 colors per penguin, 2 colors per hat and 4 colors per skate. I would like to finish this one this year!!!!

On the other hand, I received the new installment from Fireside Stitchery. I am so far behind with these (4 on the geometric) and a complete panel on the pudgy. I need a week of nothing but stitching to get caught back up. Especially, since I have two round robins and at least 3 group correspondences about to begin. I must be crazy because this doesn't include all the WIPs that I am working.

Well got to go stitch, stitch, stitch. I will probably post this weekend with some finished projects. See ya

Clarkey

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

Labor Day Weekend

Now for my monthly update:
Started back to work a couple of weeks ago. Still don't know if I am full time for the semester. I guess I'll have to wait until the end of September (when I get paid) to see. I'm teaching 5 math classes at JCJC. I just found out from Dr. Gifford that I am finally registered for school this semester. I hope to finish the majority of my dissertation this semester. (We will see.) I've been very busy with my house. I paint the back door and unusable heating unit the same color as the hall, as well as, the vanity the same color as the bedside table (dried fava).

This weekend I have spent stitching for my exchange group. I stitched "Spooky Time" and "Spooky Patch" both by Lizzie Kate. (They were freebies). I used DMC floss, but they turned out beautifully.


I haven't decided how I am going to finish them. Maybe ornaments or magnets for the refrigerator. I also stitched "October's 'Corn Treats' " by Erica Michaels. (Another freebie). I think I am going to make it into a treats bag for my Trick or Treat Exchange.


I have also started on the Bent Creek Round Robin that I mentioned in the last blog. I ordered my fabric (Purely Primitive, 32-count Belfast Linen) from Silkweavers. I think it will be beautiful. I also change the red thread color from Gentle Arts Weathered Barn to Rhubarb. Actually, my sister Jennifer made the recommendation. I can't wait to start this one.

I decide that I can't function with several projects going at once. Right now I have 6 active cross stitch projects, 3 active needlepoint projects, 2 afghans (one crochet and one knitting), and the beaded purse. I've decide to start with the oldest project and complete it first then move on. I think having three or 4 projects total will be manageable. So, I will work on the two round robins, one afghan, one needlepoint and one cross stitch project at this time. I have so many projects that I want to stitch but feel like I am never progressing. Hopeful, next month I will feel better about my projects. Also, I hope to post more often this month. We will see.

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.

Fireside Stitchery Package

Yesterday I got the 2nd installment for the Halloween Pudgy and the July installment of the Seasons Geometric Club. They are both beautiful. I can't wait to finish the 1st panel of the pudgy. The Seasons club has to wait until I finish the Meadow Grass kit for June. I really like having a stitch guide for the needlepoint I do. I'm not very creative in choosing stitches for effect on my needlepoint projects. I can't wait to finish the pudgy.

Bare Branches

I finished another Seasons Geometric from Fireside Stitchery. This was the May installment of the club. I have to finish the June installment soon because the July one will be here soon. This one was interesting. I liked doing the spider web in the middle. I chose to do the alternate pattern in Band C. I think it turned out beautifully.

I still haven't decided what I want to do with them. I like the idea of coasters but I need to research the available materials. Another possiblility is to bind them together somehow (like a quilt) and frame them. Well, if you have a suggestion, I am open.

Lizzie Kate January Flip It Blocks with charm

I started this project on June 25th (late at night) and finished it June 27th. I stitched it on 28ct Jazlyn Solo Fabric from Silkweaver's FOTM club. I used DMC floss that the pattern called for except DMC3777 it was too close to DMC 221 (they almost blended instead of standing out). So I used DMC 920 instead. It turned out great. My mom loves the winter scene. I love the sheep. It was a very quick stitch. I think I'll make a needle book out of it or maybe a magnet.

Celtic Cross

I finally finished the Celtic Cross on June 22nd. I've been looking for the cable to connect the camera to the computer since then. I used the thread called for in the pattern. The fabric that I used was a solo from Silkweaver's FOTM club. I think it turned out beautifully. I really don't know how I will finish it. Probably frame it.

Boo Trio Part Deaux

I loved the pattern so much that I stitched one for myself. I used the same threads (actually had to buy a couple to finish the project) but I used the cloth I bought for the Mirabillia Halloween Fairy. I think it turned out great. I finished it last night. I went to a scrapbook weekend at the Scrapbook Sisters in Hattiesburg and forgot my photos (so I thought). So, I finished the pattern. I used black beads on mine instead of trying and failing to do french knots. My friends say that the eyes are kind of buggy but cute.

I've been busy stitching

Well I've been working on several projects but I finally decided to drop the rotation, per say. I've decide to try to finish a few projects instead. So... I'm almost finished with beading of the purse. My EGA group started this as a weekend (or two) project. I have 3 rows of flowers left to do. But, I have to wait for my group to send the beads to do the "clusters" around the places where the green beads intersect. I really enjoyed doing the beading but I'm not very good with the beads. I end up popping them across the room. Thank goodness for little nephews (23 months and 3 -1/2 years) who can see the little beads from a mile away, well maybe not that far, but still they can find the beads when I'm in need.

I also got a new "club" project in the mail from Fireside Stitchery. I got the 1st installment for the Patti Mann Halloween Pudgy. I couldn't resist working on it immediately. I finished the moon and started on the cats. It is so cute, I can't wait to finish it.

I also got the July pattern from the Geometric club. It is gorgeous. The colors of the thread are lush greens. I can't wait to stitch it either but I still have bare branches to do first. I must stick to my guns and finish the bare branches first or I'll never finish it.


I worked on the Christmas Fairy for an evening. I'm almost finished with the dress. Since I've recently had a birthday, I've had to get reading glasses to see such a small thread count to stitch. I use to pick on my friends for needing readers to stitch and now I'm in the same boat. That's what I get for being mean to my friends. But the best part is that they aren't that strong only a 1. Back to the pattern, I'm liking working with the over-dyed thread. I like the shadowing that it makes.

As for my other projects, I have somehow lost the fabric for the rainbow birds that I was working on for my mother. I got it out of my bag to show my mother how far along I am. Now I can't find it. I'll find it soon; I hope. That stupid penguin stocking is moving slowly. I will be so glad when I finish it. I haven't worked on Mari's pattern in weeks. I really need to get busy on it. Sunday, I'm going to stitch for an hour or two on each project to see if I can get them moving or finished. I know that your not suppose to stitch on Sunday, but it is not work. Besides that is the one day that I am not running around doing something with my family or friends.

Finally, my sister Jennifer and I went to Shakespeares Peddler's to get the thread to finish the second version of Boo from Trilogy. I plan on finishing it today and posting it tomorrow.

Autumn Leaves

I finished the April installment in the Fireside Stitchery - Geometric Seasonals club. The pattern is called Autumn Leaves. It was a really quick stitch. I would have been finished sooner but I got Harvest Moon, Magical Melodies for my birthday. So, I've been playing on the Nintendo rather than stitching. Today I've been stitching on all my projects. I plan on posting updates on all of them tomorrow.

I also went through all of my patterns, kits, and canvases, I made a catalog of all of theses items. I wanted to be able to see all of my patterns when I needed to add a new project to my rotation. As I have told my friends and family, "My nerd-itis has reared it's ugly head." But, now I can see all of my stuff and chose a new project.

Boo Trio

I started this last weekend (5/19). I did the house and realized (as usual) that I added an extra column so I quit. I restarted it again yesterday. Between entertaining my four nephews (1, 3, 8 and 12 years of age) and taking care of regular household chores I just finished it. I bought this project at Shakespeare's Peddler's here in Hattiesburg. The kit contained the pattern and specialty threads. I really like it, especially the owl. For some reason, the last couple of years I have been attracted to stitching owls. I really enjoyed this one because it was a quick and easy stitch.

Summer Sands

Well, I finally finished a project this month. I received this project as the February installment in my Fireside Stitchery Seasons Club. I was halfway through it then got side tracked. Now I have two more projects to do. This project is called Summer Sands by Kick Back & Stitch. This was actually a very easy project to stitch. I started back on it Sunday around 6 and finished it at Midnight last night.

When I finish this club I will have 16 different pieces. I really have no clue what I'm going to do with them. I thought about making them into coasters but how do I protect the fibers? Well that is a problem for later. You can view the different projects at http://www.firesidestitchery.com/infoAlerts/Clubs/Seasons/export1.htm

The Lazy Stitcher

I have been really lacking in the stitching department this last month. I have tried to work on projects but have been easily distracted. Hopefully, now that I have two weeks off I will be able to do some stitching. I signed up with Fireside Stitchery to do the Halloween Pudgy. I had bought the canvas from Miriam's (Elegant Needle) in Baton Rouge but had no idea how I was going to stitch it. Thank God for Fireside Stitchery. They are going to send me a stitch guide and the threads to complete this project. Keep stitching (I'll try to myself).

Christmas Fairy

This is not a hard pattern. It's actually very easy to stitch if you're not me. I did the back and bodice of this fairy three times before I got it right. I had to put it down. I ordered fabric from Silkweaver's specifically for this pattern (It was rock-a-bye). I started this last Friday (March 30th). I worked on it for two days and only got as far as you see here. I had to put it down because I kept messing up. I actually want to finish this but right now I am too aggravated by it.

Celtic Cross by M Designs

I think this one is really beautiful. The hard part for me is to do each x individually. But I'm using Thread Gathers Silk 'n color thread Acorn Woods on some solo fabric from Silkweaver's (that I received from the FOTM club that I joined.) I really like it because you don't have to change the thread every few stitches but I have already made a boo-boo. I moved one stitch to the left and will have to compensate for it when I try to match up the stitched work with the unstitched work. I do not want to pull out all the work that has been done. Not because there has been a lot of work (moderate amount) but because I had to stitch each x individually. That would be a lot of work. Besides, like my mother always says "No project should be perfect, it should always have an error."

Wild West for Mari

My sister-in-law, Mari, saw this and liked it, but Mari is not a fast stitcher. Bridget, my baby sister, volunteered me to stitch it for Mari. Mari like it for Theron (her son). He has a cowboy room. It's should be a quick stitch I've completed half of one of the three large pieces (the other two are a stagecoach and a buffalo). It's not that hard to stitch.

Fireside Stitchery - Summer Sands

I'm about halfway finished with this one. I like the pattern; the colors are not that exciting but they work with the name. I hope to finish this one this weekend because the next one arrived today in the mail (It's called Autumn Leaves).

Fireside Stitchery - Spring Flowers

I really liked this one. It is beautiful. My mother and sister really like it. The stitching wasn't too difficult but the center flower took me several times to get it right. I really like these kits.

EGA Christmas Ornament

This is the Christmas ornament that I stitched for the EGA ornament exchange. I used very velvet for the back ground, yellow krenik for the star and string holding the star, beads for the holly berries, DMC floss for the face and leaves of the holly. For the hat I used two shades of red Flair, and the Fuzzy Stuff. The beard was two shades of wisper. When I finished stitching it Edie finished it for me. I need to send it to Susan soon.

Rainbow Birds

I started this one before Christmas for my Mother. I haven't gotten very far but I have put it into my rotation. It is a kit that Moma bought years ago and found while moving. I hope to finish it this month.

Another Fabrege Egg

This egg I thought was a geometric of cubes. Boy was I wrong. I keep trying to figure out which part was the top of the box. The egg is really covered by two different sets of pinwheels. One is a purple and green pinwheel while the other is the red and blue. I stitched it using contential stitch for the pinwheels. The thread used for the pinwheels was Kreinik metallics. The background was done in a bargello using DMC Black (310). I enjoyed doing this egg; it was a quick stitch.

Seasons from Fireside Stitchery

Fireside Stitchery has a stitching club that I joined. Each month they send a needlepoint pattern with all the materials needed to finish the project. The first one was in January and was titled Winter Snowflake. I started it in January and finished it this weekend (February 10th). I really like working on this one. I can't wait to start the February one (Spring Flowers). The project used canvas, Kreinik metallics, Neon Rays, Watercolour, Wildflowers, DMC, and beads.

EGA Sampler

Well I have posted about this sampler before, so now here it is. Each band of the sampler is in alphabetical order. Thanks to Brigette Wallace and Edie Wellemeyer for creating the project for our group. I still have two bands left the Stumpwork and Z band.

Present Projects

One of my New Year's Resolutions was to complete a project in the same year that I started it. Well I first have to finish the projects that are so old I forget when I started it. Truly, there are not that many maybe 3 or 4. (I have an compultion to complete what I start.) My sister, Jennifer, has shown me a way to stitch and not get bored. She calls it her stitching rotation. So I've decided to start one. You can see to right what my rotation is right now. In this blog I have some of the projects that are in progress.

First is the penguin stocking. I started this a least two years ago and I'm halfway through.
Second is the Rainbow birds that I started for my mother in December.
Third is a plastic canvas Owl noteholder that I started last weekend. I'm almost finished with it. (I would have been finished last weekend but I ran out of thread).

update

Since the last time I blogged I have moved again. My internet is not up so I haven't been able to post. I have completed several project and will post them soon. Keep looking

Halloween Fairy Finally Finished

Well after many distractions and a couple of trips out of town. I have finally finished the fairy. I will be submitting it to Silkweaver for their showcase contest. (Since the fabric is one I ordered from silkweavers.) I really enjoyed stitching this fairy and can't wait to start on the Christmas fairy. But it has to wait for me to complete the EGA sampler and the ornaments for the exchange parties. I haven't picked out a cloth yet, but it will be from the ones I get from the Fabric of the Month Club (FOTM) at Silkweaver.com. It is amazing how using different cloth makes the fairy look different. My sister, Jennifer, also did the Halloween fairy. Her fairy looks different that mine. It has a pink tone to it. She used a different hand-dyed fabric. You can see her's at her blog. Just click on her link to the right.

Halloween Fairy

Check out my finished works. She's finished finally.Well after many distractions and a couple of trips out of town. I have finally finished the fairy. I will be submitting it to Silkweaver for their showcase contest. (Since the fabric is one I ordered from silkweavers.) I really enjoyed stitching this fairy and can't wait to start on the Christmas fairy. But it has to wait for me to complete the EGA sampler and the ornaments for the exchange parties. I haven't picked out a cloth yet, but it will be from the ones I get from the Fabric of the Month Club (FOTM) at Silkweaver.com. It is amazing how using different cloth makes the fairy look different. My sister, Jennifer, also did the Halloween fairy. Her fairy looks different that mine. It has a pink tone to it. She used a different hand-dyed fabric. You can see her's at her blog. Just click on her link to the right.

Spooky Tree

I started this project back in May or June. I finished the tree pretty quickly but it took me a while to decide what to do the white border as. I finally decided that the one that would work was contential. I tried several stitches, laced chain, plaid, etc. but they didn't look right. The white border is a DMC glow-in-the-dark E 940. I think it turned out cute.

Fairy Near Completion

Since I got two new classes, I haven't been able to stitch as much as I want, but I did this weekend. She's coming along nicely. Next time I post, she should be on my finished projects page. I had a difficult time with the green in the center of her wings. I took it out three times before I got it right. I even had to get Jennifer, my sister, to find my mistake once. But I finally got it right.