Skating Penguin Stocking Finished Finally!

I have finally finished the penguin stocking. The copyright date is 1993 but my sister Bridget thinks I bought it in 1998. Knowing me I started it then. So it is estimated that I have been working on this project 10 years. I'm not really sure when I started it because I didn't date it like I do now. You ask why did it take so long? Well, each penguin body has 4 colors, each hat and scarf or headphone has at least two colors, the beaks have 2 colors, and the skates have 5 colors. I would get tired of changing colors and put it away for later. Last night at midnight I was showing it to my mother after I had washed and pressed it dry. Now I just have to make it into a stocking. I wonder how long that will take.


Thanks for visiting

Sharon

Pumpkin Farm

I finished the Pumpkin farm part of the Snapperville. I am almost finished with the barn part. I only have to stitch the barn. When I was stitching the tree that is part of the border, I changed the color used for the trunk. On the border pattern the trunk is suppose to be bark, but in the squares they are chestnut. So, I used chestnut.

When I was sitting outside stitching while watching my nephews play, I noticed that I had made a mistake. I had used seaweed for the border of the box of the pumpkin farm instead of bark. So, I had to pull out the box and the grass because I had switched the colors. Once, I fixed it the piece is looking good.

I just spent Friday night scrapbooking at the local store. I finally finished my spring break trip of 2003. I went to Hot Springs, Arkansas with my Mother and my then 4-1/2 year old nephew Nicholas. We had a blast. Now that I have finished that trip, I need to start on the Branson trip we took this summer.

Tonight, I plan on finishing the penguin stocking. I have 1-1/2 penguins left to stitch. I can't wait to finish this one. I am so tired of it. I then need to stitch on the Red Thread Round Robin that I am participating in. I am doing March.

Well, thanks for stopping by

Sharon

Diane's Round Robin

I joined the America's Best Round Robin Yahoo Group. I started my pattern for the round robin then passed it on. I received Diane's round robin which is the coffee towels. I choose the Irish coffee. I liked the colors. Here it is and it turned out wonderfully. It is stitched with DMC floss on a Charles Craft towel. I hope that Diane likes it.

On the other hand, I'm working on my Snapperville but had to pull out some so I'm taking a break and playing Nintendo, Zelda - the Phantom Hourglass. I love it.

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.