Bad Modem, Bad, Bad Modem!

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

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

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?

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

First Finish of the Year

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

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

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

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

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

Celtic Knot Biscornu

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

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

My First Round Robin

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

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

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

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!!

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