Seaside!

Every year in November I attend a stitching retreat and workshop at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is sponsored by Meg Thompson Shinall of the Flower Thread Company and The Stitch & Frame Shop. The workshop is held from Friday evening through Sunday morning. But my friends Kiki and Jeannie and I decided to stay the following week to relax and stitch and enjoy the salt air and ocean sounds. So on Thursday evening Nov 12 Kiki arrived at my house. She spent the night here and we got up early Friday morning, packed up the car and headed out. The journey was uneventful. The weather was overcast but not raining and the temperature was comfortable. The drive takes about 4 and a half hours from my house to the condo where we were staying. We stopped a couple of times but waited until we hit the Grand Strand before we had lunch. We then checked into the condo and started getting our *nest* ready to go. As you know the most important thing was to get our stitching paraphernalia all set up and ready to stitch. Jeannie and Bob then arrived and we had a short while to talk with them before it was time to leave. This year the theme was The Hunter's Moon--the eleventh in the twelve Moon series. And so, of course, there must be dragons! In keeping with this year's theme, some of our group elected to go to the Medieval Times Dinner Theater that evening and one of our group has an inside man there--her husband! Diane and Randy made our evening even more special than it already was. They took care to make sure that I (and my chair) would be able to maneuver everywhere. And our group had front row seats! If you have never heard of or seen this performance you really should. There are Castles located in several cities across the US and the show if absolutely marvelous. Check it out here: Medieval Times First we had dinner and our meal was served by our serving wench. Our menu consisted of Dragon Blood ( Tomato Bisque), Dragon Wings and Dragon Tongue (potato wedges and garlic bread), and a main course of Baby Dragon which tasted just like chicken! Dragon Claws (apple turnovers) for dessert and Mead (Pepsi for me) to wash it all down with made a wonderful meal! And as you know in the eleventh century there were no such things as spoons and forks so everything was eaten with the hands! After our meal the games began. There was jousting among other games and then a fight to the death to rescue the prince from the evil Green Knight. We had so much fun and I was treated like a princess.

After the theater we returned to the hotel for our introductions and show and tell. There are so many talented stitchers in this group and it was truly wonderful to see all the projects that had been done. We adjourned and went back to the condo and stitched until 2 am! I took my Fairy Garden Mandela from Chatelaine with me to work on. The next morning we returned to the hotel where we had our first class. The sampler is a beautiful knight and dragon at the Hunters Moon. I will try to post a pic of it soon. It is using several specialty stitches so our morning progress piece was learning the hemstitch. This is a drawn thread stitch that I have been wanting to try for a long time so I was especially glad to have it taught here. At lunchtime we had our group photos taken and then a marvelous lunch served by the hotel. We had lots of time to talk, laugh, and better get to know each other. That afternoon we learned the H stitch which is another drawn thread technique. I was able to complete my bookmark using this stitch during the class. Then we had a bit of free time for dinner and shopping or stitching. Kiki and I met up with Jeannie and Angel at McAllisters for a delicious baked potato and soup and then stitched until class resumed. Saturday night was our Christmas ornament exchange and our fun time together. Nancy is a wonderful playwrite and she produced a play for us to perform. It was St George and the Dragon and we each had a part. This was hilarious and Diane was perfect as St George and Angel made a superb Dragon. I was the Princess, of course, who won St George's heart. This was the most fun I have had in quite a while! Saturday night Kiki and I stayed up late stitching again. Then on Sunday morning returned to the hotel for our last time together. We received a special project from Meg and our class *pins* then sadly we said goodbye to the rest of the group. After a quick lunch and a Walmart run, Kiki, Jeannie and I settled into the condo and began stitching to our hearts content. I made so much progress on my Fairy Garden--even though I am still working around some back-ordered fibers.

The rest of the week was so restful. We got lots of stitching done, ate lots of seafood, and enjoyed the wonderful salt and and sea breeze. On Friday we made a trip to Build-a-Bear where Kiki got a bear for her newest grand-daughter and Frosty for herself! And then to the Fudgery where I got some fudge and salt water taffy. I just isn't a trip to the beach without the taffy! then we headed home. The trip was uneventful but a bit tiring. We got to my house about 7 pm and unloaded everything and reloaded Kiki's car. She spent the night with me then headed home on Saturday morning. I must say that this was one of my best retreats ever. We are planning to spend some extra time at the beach again next year.

So now it is back to the real world....Till next time, Happy Stitching!

Another Adventure

The day after the seatbelt battle, Bunny and I decided to go to Rock Hill for stitch night at our favorite needlework shop--The Stitch & Frame Shop. It is about an hour and a half drive so I can't get there often but with Bunny visiting I knew it would be fun.. Again Bunny wanted to drive so I carefully *pretended* to fasten my seatbelt but there was no way I was giving that car another chance to attack--or so I thought! When we got to Rock Hill we decided to have a bite to eat first and then go to the shop. So when we got to the restaurant, the battle was on again. The car decided that it would not let me out of the car this time! I could not for the life of me get my leg out. Now remember that I am usually driving and exit with my left leg first but as a passenger I had to get out with my right leg first and I couldn't manage it. Finally after twisting and turning and generally performing a contortionist act I manged to get the right leg out and with Bunny's help pull the rest of me out also. I swear that car is a demon in disguise! We finally got to the shop and I managed to get out a bit more gracefully this time. There were about 10 of us there and it was so much fun to see everyone and meet a couple of new people. We got back home about 10:00 pm and I was finally back in my house safe and sound--Kathy 2, Car 0!

Barely Escaped!

Wow, it has been super busy around here. After my birthday get-together my friend Bunny visited with me for a couple of weeks longer and we got lots of stitching and catching up done. I miss her now that she has moved to Virginia. But we had lots of fun and she kept me out of trouble for the most part! However, her car tried to kill me! On the Monday of my birthday (Nov 2nd) we went out running a few errands. She wanted to take her car so we did. Like a good girl I had my seatbelt fastened and everything was okay until we stopped at Michaels. She ran in but I decided to wait in the car as I didn't think I could do that much walking. So while I was waiting every time I moved or even breathed my seatbelt kept getting tighter and tighter. I tried to unfasten it but couldn't find the release button. I thought maybe it was an automatic release if I opened the car door but that just set off the security alarm. So there I sat in a screaming car unable to breathe. I kept trying to loosen it and even tried to get to my purse to get my scissors--yes I carry scissors in my purse--but I couldn't reach it. I would have screamed by this point but I didn't have the breath. I think I must have been turning blue. Just then Bunny showed up and grabbed the release button. Needless to say, I did not re-fasten that seatbelt! I know that it sounds really funny now and I can even laugh about it but at the time is was very frightening! So for now--Kathy 1, Car 0! More adventures to follow so be sure to come back.

Christmas Tin Exchange

I am participating in a Christmas Tin Exchange this year and the only rule was that it had to be a Tin of some sort. So....

I received a wonderful surprise yesterday. I spent the day with a friend and when I got home I had a package waiting for me. When I saw who it was from I knew that it was my tin. I was planning to wait till closer to Christmas to open it but since it arrived on my birthday I decided it was an omen and I opened it! I cannot tell you how surprised and pleased I am. My partner was David from France and he did an absolutely marvelous job with his choices. You would think he knew me personally and frankly if he weren't already taken I might have to make a play for him. After all a man who stitches AND buys wonderful gifts!

I am so happy! (and I think I am the first to receive my tin!)

David sent me the most wonderful selection of things. In the lovely tin you will find a wonderful sampler (rolled up and presented beautifully), a bag of Earl Gray Tea and a lovely bar of Dark Chocolate! Two kits which I love, three wonderful books--Bleu, Blanc, and Rouge which have wonderful charts and information in them, a lovely piece of chocolate colored linen with a matching ric rac trim and two skeins of silk. (Sorry, the pic cut off one of the skeins) And last but certainly not least--The most beautiful pair of Sajou Scissors!!! I have lusted after some of these scissors and didn't think I would ever have any but here I am with an antique bronze looking pair. David wanted me to experience France and I certainly have! Again David, thank you so very much!













And a close up of the scissors!

My Birthday Party

On Saturday we had a Stitching Birthday Party get together for Angel and me. There were 8 of us present including our honorary member of the Sisterhood, Jason. There was Kiki, Angel, Tracy, Angela, Bunny, Vilma, and myself along with Jason who tried to hide and stay out of the way but we kept needing him to move things, carry things and, of course, have birthday cake with us. He really should know that a good looking man can't get too far away from a bunch of women! Kiki prepared a wonderful meal of beef tips over rice and green beans. Angel provided fresh cantelope, apple slices, grapes, and cheese and Vilma brought the most delicious birthday cake. Vilma brought the cake as she has a fabulous bakery nearby who still makes the genuine
buttercream frosting! It was sinfully good and we all enjoyed it--even though we shouldn't have. We then had presents and lots and lots of laughter. We enjoyed lots of sharing of wips and finished pieces. Tracy showed us a wonderful sampler she had stitched and made into a 25th Anniversary sampler (Jardin d'jour by Needlemania). Bunny was crocheting a wonderful afghan as a gift for a friend. Angela was making a Towel cake for a wedding shower and it turned out simply fabulous.
Then she started making a "Marge Simpson" wig for Halloween. She was so funny in it. She promised to send us all photos of herself on Saturday night.


Angel was stitching on an autumn sampler that was done in beautiful vibrant fall colors. I look forward to seeing it finished. Kiki was working on Trinity and I was so glad to see it in person! She is doing a fantastic job of it. It is so much prettier in real life than any photos can show. Vilma brought her wip of A is for an Appil to show to the group. It was beautiful! I wasn't feeling very well but I did manage to do a bit of stitching on the cabinet.


Here are a few miscellaneous photos of the group.

Vilma and Kathy
Now remember that I have Shingles. All that swelling, blistering and rash are not usually there. And I wasn't able to put on makeup. I would not post this at all except that Vilma looks so good in it and I want you to meet her.



Vilma









Bunny


Angel







Angela and Tracy









Angela



Kiki








Angela, Tracy, Kiki, Bunny (in pink in mirror), Vilma










And Jason (caught 'cha!)









We had such a wonderful time. Bunny's visit was a surprise as she had moved to Virgina. And it was wonderful to see her again. I don't mind having birthdays if they can all be as happy and enjoyable as this one. I received so many wonderful gifts including two beaded fobs from Tracy that are just fabulous. I will try to get pics of them in the next day or so. I also received a couple of new charts, several new variegated silks, and earphones that fit for my ipod!!!

Thank you my dear friends for everything! You are indeed very special *sisters*.

Till next time...Happy Stitching!

Following Up

I am feeling much better today and I am so looking forward to the weekend. My Stitching Sisters are coming to my house for our get together and this time Vilma is going to be joining us. Tomorrow is Angels birthday (Oct 23rd) and mine is next week (Nov 2nd) so we are celebrating our birthdays this weekend. I can't wait for all the girls to get here. I feel like it has been forever since I have seen them. I will post a report on Monday.

Till then....Happy Stitching!

My Sad Story

Sorry it has been a few days since I posted. Last Tuesday I started have excruciatingly stabbing pains in the side of my head/face. I have never before felt such pain. But it would come and go. I thought maybe I was getting a sinus infection so I took some decongestants but that didn't help. So then I thought well maybe it is an ear infection so I started putting heat to my face and this would help for a little while but then it would be back. Finally on Friday I decided to call my neurologist to see if the CPAP could be causing this. He said he didn't think so but to stop using it throughout the weekend and call back on Monday and let him know what is going on. So as the pain was getting to the unbearable point I called my PHP and he was out of the office but the doctor on call told me to go to the Emergency Room. By this time I was at the screaming stage and my son insisted that I go to the ER also. So he took me in and I was immediately diagnosed with Shingles. For those that do not know what shingles are....It is the same virus as chicken pox which has laid dormant for many many years and has suddenly become active again--usually due to stress or some other immune deficiency. It then attaches itself directly on to the nerves and causes extreme pain. It cannot be cured but it can be treated and made to go dormant again. Mine were affecting the left side of my face, ear, eyelid, and scalp. So he put me on an anti-viral medication and pain meds. And told me to follow up with my PHP on Monday.

I did as I was told and yesterday I went to my doctor and he gave me an additional anti-viral med and insisted I go back to the opthamalogist to check my eyes as shingles can cause blindness if it gets into the eyes. So this morning I went back to my eye doc and he told me that so far my eyes are okay. He says I am not out of the woods yet but since I am on both anti-virals that he feels optimistic that it will be okay. So I am really praying that it will be. I do not know what I would do if I lost my eyesight. Stitching is my only form of release now and I cannot imagine my life without it. But I believe God will take care of me. I am feeling better although I am still in some pain when the meds wear off. I haven't been able to get much stitching done but hopefully that will change soon.

So now you know the whole sad saga of The Mad Stitcher! And you are asking yourself...What else can happen to her? Please don't say it out loud! Fate might have to show you and I'm not sure I can survive it!

Till next time...Happy Stitching!

Keeping Busy

Things have been moving along rapidly here. I had my follow up visit with my neurologist and he gave me the results of my sleep study. I have severe sleep apnea as well as Restless Leg Syndrome! So I am now using a CPAP machine to aid my breathing while I sleep. Hopefully this will make me sleep better, feeling more refreshed and energetic in the mornings. I surely hope so.

I am now almost finished with My Ladies Cabinet. I am hoping to get it done by the weekend. Then I will be focusing on another personal project until my next model arrives. It is now on its way to me so I am hoping to have just a little time for Jardin d'Jour or CDC.

I have really been keeping busy! I feel like I have been running non-stop for the last two or three weeks but it feels good also. I am getting things accomplished. So till next time.....Happy Stitching!

Till Next Year!

What a wonderful Sunday afternoon here in South Carolina. It is sunny and warm with just a hint that autumn is here. I am sad however. Today is the last day of play for my Atlanta Braves! We didn't make the playoffs this year but just wait till next year!! I love baseball. I know some people think I am crazy but my Dad taught me to love it and I still feel close to him when I watch it. I always get a bit stir crazy after the World Series is done and I haven't been able to enjoy a game for a while. I always count the days till Spring Training starts each year.

I have been stitching on My Ladies Cabinet from Judy Odell at Just A Thought. I'm hoping to get this done this week so it can be finished. I am stitching the alternate version and Judy wants to show it on her site. I really like it and am having fun stitching it.

Things should calm down a bit for me this coming week so I should have some time for stitching. so I should see you again soon. Till then....Happy Stitching!

I made it!

Well, I made it through the 2nd night of the study and things went better this time. So at least now I can get some answers. I should know something definitive within the next week to ten days.

I got to stitch a while today. And it felt so good. I haven't felt like stitching in several days. But I hope now I am on the upswing. I am working on My Ladies Cabinet from Judy Odell of Just a Thought designs. I will try to get a photo of my progress this weekend. I can't wait to see this one all finished.

I am also hoping to get a few minutes on my CDC and Jardin d'Jour sometime this weekend. They have been screaming for attention. I am still waiting for some of the silks for the Fairy Mandela so it is still on hold for a little while. I have so much to work on I really don't know what to do when. But it is nice to have a choice.

I am really tired tonight so I will stop for now. Till next time....Happy Stitching!

Thank You

Thank You!!! I have received several volunteers to sew me back together! One has even agreed we should use red silk floss and a decorative stitch! This makes me feel so much better. Now, at least, the rest of my *stuffing* won't fall out--but wait maybe I should let a bit more fall out. How much does stuffing weigh?

I had the first night of my sleep study and while the techs made it a very pleasant experience I must say that I was in so much pain that I didn't get a whole lot of sleep. But they said they got enough so I am going back into the hospital tonight for part 2. I hope this one goes better pain-wise as I don't think I can stand another night like Sunday night.

I also visited my ophthalmologist this morning and he says that my diabetes has not caused any related problems with my eyes--for which I am eternally grateful. The black spot is a *floater* which has attached itself and stays in one place so isn't a major concern. The drastic change in my vision is a combination of age, the beginning of cataracts in both eyes and a *wrinkle* in the sheath lining over my retina. He says my vision can never be fully corrected but for now we will treat it as best we can. Just some new glasses for everyday use and readers for stitching. So as long as I can get my readers strong enough to stitch with I will be fine.

So that is it for today. Keep your fingers crossed for me tonight and I will let you know what happens.


Take Care & Happy Stitching!

Falling Apart at the seams...

Well lately I feel as though I am falling apart at the seams! I told my friend Angel this and she said "Well, we will just have to find a stitcher to sew you back up. Does anyone know a stitcher around here?

I have been feeling really bad for quite a while now. My arthritis and fibromyalgia pain is getting progressively worse and it is beginning to be difficult to tell what pain is from what! I was also diagnosed with diabetes last year. And added along with my other health issues I feel that I am deteriorating rapidly. However, I guess it is just my imagination! Last week I went in for my annual physical and the doc did so many tests and x-rays you wouldn't believe it.

The good news was that I had lost 24 and 1/2 lbs, my EKG was normal, and some of my very unpleasant symptoms were caused by one of my medications--which is very good news as I was getting a bit worried about it. So he changed one of my meds and now these symptoms are now gone and I am actually beginning to feel a bit better. He also changed my anti-inflammatory meds and we will see if this helps with the arthritis and fibro.

One thing he did do however was refer me to a Neurologist who specializes in Sleep disorders. I saw him on Monday. He diagnosed me with Restless Leg Syndrome and believes I will need a CPAP device for sleep apnea. So I am now scheduled for a sleep study. We will see how that turns out. I am also scheduled to see my opthamologist on Wednesday to check out some radical changes in my vision and some black spots that have developed. And finally I have been scheduled for my Mammogram and Colonoscopy! Yuck!

I know this is probably a lot more information than you wanted to know but I thought I should let you know some of the things I am going through. If you can find it in your heart please remember me in your prayers. Some days I really wonder what else can happen--but then I find out!

Off with the old...

Things have been moving right along--and leaving me behind! Summer is gone and Autumn is on its heels. I did have a good summer. I didn't go anywhere but we managed to get the pool open and warm. We swam a lot and my dear friends Kiki, Angel, and Angela visited me several times for the girls' stitching weekends. I got to work on several of my wips and got to finish several models. I forgot to take photos of all the models I did for Tracy at Ink Circles but you can see them on her site--Growth Rings which made the cover on Just Cross Stitch, The Bramble and the Rose which was published in The Gift of Stitching, and Quaker Floral Puzzle which is going to be released next week at the Online Needlework Show. There are a couple more done but you will have to wait until they are released to see them. But they are great. Here is The Bramble and the Rose:



I have also finished up a couple of models for Vilma and they will be released over the next little while. I will post them here as soon as I am allowed.

I have been able to start one new non-model project. It is Needlemania's Jardin d'Jour. I am stitching it on 32 ct linen from Vikki Clayton using her silks in Caribbean Reef and Indigo Ocean with a touch of Exampler Crushed Berries for accent. This one is going to be a gift for a special friend. I just hope I can get it finished in time.



So now I am settling in for lots of stitching and counting down until my annual Seaside Stitchers Retreat in November.

Wow!

I cannot believe how long it has been since I posted. My only excuse is that I have been very busy with my other blog The Mad Stitcher & Company and my model stitching projects. I did promise you an update on my Black Dahlia. so here she is. I am really enjoying this and loving the way it is coming out. I just wish I had more personal stitching time to spend on it.



I have also managed to spend a little time on my CDC. I am using HDF silks in Tugtika and OMG Red 1135 for this one on opalescent white fabric. This one is coming along but again, not enough time.




My house is still on the market. We've had lots of showings but no offers yet. I am getting very frustrated and I just want it over with. We are still working on minor updates and trying to think of ways to improve our chances of selling but in this market I don't really know what it is going to take. But we are still trying to be optimistic. It is just so difficult.

Thank you all for hanging in there with me. I will be trying to post more often as things are slowly beginning to settle down a bit. I can feel autumn in the air and time to settle down with my needle and threads.

Quick Update

Well, it is still raining in South Carolina! I can't remember two consecutive rain free days in the last two months! But I am getting a bit of stitching done. I have been working on Black Dahlia and hope to have a pic for you in a day or so. I have also been working on a new design for a set of smalls. I have the stitching part finished (I think) but need to get the finishing design done and *finish* the set. But I am hoping for a debut in the not so distant future.

My house saga continues. Most of the painting has been completed and the bathrooms are now back together. So now I am just trying to get everything cleaned up and *Prettified*. I am still hoping than the house will sell fairly soon. I think I have found my place to move -- if I can sell quickly and don't lose it. It is a really nice townhouse which has been on the market for 2 months. So if I can get sold here before it sells, I think I will be quite happy there. Will keep you posted.

Thanks to all of you for your wonderful comments. I am glad to know that there are a few people still reading. I am hoping for sanity to return soon and I can make it more interesting for you. Till next time......

Where is the Sun?

Well another rainy week here in the south. There hasn't been more than a couple of non-rainy days here for over a month and I am so tired of this weather. I need some sunshine! I need to feel the warmth on my face and the heat in my bones. This dampness just makes me ache so badly.

My dear friend, Kiki, visited with me this weekend and we had a wonderful time just stitching, eating, stitching, talking, stitching...well you get the idea. She is working on Caribbean Garden Mandala from Chatelaine Designs and it is looking fabulous. I cannot believe she is actually up to date on this one. I finished up a model and worked on another one. I can't share any info yet but you are going to love it. I am hoping to get to stitch on some personal projects before my next model project gets here. Black Dahlia is calling my name loudly and CDC is yelling at me. So I am hoping that I can spend some time on at least one of them over the next few days. It is about time to share some WIP photos with you. But till next time......I'll just keep Rambling....

Decision

I have decided that I need to move my *selling* to another blog and keep this one for my Ramblings. So please visit me at The Mad Stitcher & Company (http://themadstitchercompany.blogspot.com/) to see all of Vilma's latest and my few. Be assured that I plan to get better photos of my designs and I will continue to add Vilma's until I get them all over there. I am also trying to set up some other neat features as I learn how because in spite of what Vilma says I am NOT a computer whiz--just trying to learn something new. If you have any ideas or critiques to help make the site better, please let me know.

But in the meantime feel free to email me about anything you might want. Please keep visiting me here for all of my wips reports and ramblings. Thanks for all your support.

Exciting news

I have been talking with my dear friend Vilma of Examplar Dames and Examplars From the Heart and I have become her *distributor*. This means that whenever you see one of her designs that you like you can order it from me. I plan to share these with you at a somewhat reduced price so that they will be more affordable for the stitcher. For you that have stitched her designs before you know how well produced they are--printed on high quality paper-- even using tabloid size (11 x 17) when needed to make the charts easily readable and eye friendly without having to make enlargements. I am very excited about this new venture. She has released several new designs during the last few weeks so over the next few days I will try to get photos of them for you to see.

The newest is Angels to Guard Us and is stitched on 32 ct Lambswool Linen using 7 colors of HDF silks in Premium ( conversions for DMC are included) and can easily be converted to the fibers of your choice. It measures 185 W x 327 H.

Yippee!!!!!

This may seem very minor to most people but for me it is MAJOR....I have a bathroom!!! Jason finally finished my bathroom remodel and it looks fantastic! (And he is almost finished with the second one.) I will try to get a pic of it as soon as I can but I am so pleased to actually be able to walk on real floors again! See how little it takes to make me happy!

Today has been a great day. It has been warm and sunny after days and days of rain. My roses are in full bloom and love looking out my window and seeing the beautiful array of colors. My mood has definitely been lightened and I am ready to sit down and stitch for a while. See you soon...

Well I've finally done it....

I've have ventured into eBay! I have been thinking about selling some things on eBay for quite a while but have been afraid to do it. But I finally did it. I started with something small just to see if I could get it posted and it worked so I will be doing more. I am going to selling off some extra stash as well as some personal stuff and eventually I will market my own designs here. But it will all take a bit of time. If you are interested to see it my eBay name is madstitcherdesigns.

I am still trying to sell my house, complete two models, do my laundry, etc, etc, etc, so I haven't had much time for personal stitching. But I am hoping to have something more to share with you soon. Please keep checking in. You might find something you enjoy.

Happy Mothers Day!

I hope all the mothers out there have a wonderful day. I plan to do nothing but stitch and watch the Braves!

I am so tired and frustrated and need a day of rest and relaxation! Things have been really hectic here and I haven't had time to take any new photos so I thought that I would share one that I have already taken. This is Baroque Heart (a freebie) that I stitched using Vikki Clayton Silks in a Limited Edition color of Chrysocolla/Icicles/Faded Denim. I had just received these skeins and could not wait to stitch something with it. I had planned to use some reds on this chart but it was the first thing I picked up so away I went. I really love this color and plan to use it for a bigger project in the not too distant future.

Rainy days and Mondays.....

Things have been dreary here. Lots of rain and thunderstorms--perfect stitching weather, except I cannot stitch right now. Well, not much anyway. I have got to get ready for an open house. We have finally finished one of the bathrooms and hopefully we will have the other one finished tomorrow. I have been working on a model so I can't show pics right now but it is lovely. I know you all will love it when I get it finished.

There isn't a lot to share right now but maybe after this weekend I will have a bit more time to ramble. Thanks for stopping by. Till next time...

Cirque des Cercles

Today I wanted to share the WIP photo of the companion piece for CDCx. This one is Cirque des Cercles and is also stitched on 32 ct white Opalescent Lugana using Vikki Clayton silks Tugtika and OMG Red 1137. I chose my favorite colors --the aqua in CDCx and the Red in CDC--and choose similar values and hues so that they would look well together. Now I just have to get this one finished. Then I will be choosing colors for the Cirque des Triangles!



It has been raining and hailing again today. I do dislike rainy days in the winter/spring when it is cold outside. It makes the world seem so dreary. Now summer rain--that's a totally different story!

Hopefully tomorrow I will have an update on my bathroom progress! Till then...

Cirque des Carreaux

It is a dreary rainy day here is South Carolina so I thought I would try to cheer myself up by posting a photo of one of my latest finishes. I did this one for myself! It is Cirque des Carreaux from Ink Circles Designs. I stitched in on 32 ct white Opalescent Lugana using Vikki Clayton silks in Paua Abalone and Aquamarine. This one was a really fun stitch. I am now stitching the companion piece Cirque des Cercles and will share that photo in a day or so.



Thanks to all of you that have let me know that you are reading my blog and are glad to see me back. This last year has been a very stressful one. It seems that everytime we started a remodel project something would happen to complicate things. However at present we have all the bedrooms, living room and dining room freshly painted, the kitchen is finished and the bathrooms are almost complete. My son is putting down new flooring in my bathroom now and it will be done. Then he will finish up his bathroom. The pool is clean and ready for use--except the water is still too cold! A bit more work outside and this place should be DONE! We are hoping for a sale very soon. We have done everything that has been suggested for improvements so .....Keep your fingers crossed. Till tomorrow...

My Kitchen

Today I thought I might share with you some photos of my new kitchen. Before it was dark paneling and dingy wallpaper-I'm still sorry I forgot to take *before* photos. Anyway, after my son got through with it, this is what I have.







He stripped wallpaper and painted the walls and paneling. He resurfaced and painted all the cabinetry--inside and outside. Replaced all the hinges and hardware with beautiful brushed Nichol as well as replaced all the outlet and light switch covers. Now it is so light and airy. I am so proud of it but especially proud of my wonderful son. Thank you, Jason!

I'm Back!

It is hard to believe that I have been away so very long. I have gotten so wrapped up in the de-cluttering, cleaning, remodeling and selling my house that time has just vanished! The kitchen got finished and my son began remodeling bathrooms. We have run into some major problems and those shall remain for another day but I have also gotten a bit of stitching done as well. I have completed several models that I was working on and even found a bit of time for some personal stitching as well. I will try to get you all caught up over the next few days and I will try not to be gone for so long again.

One of the things I have managed to finish is the model of Persian Iris Garden from Martina Weber of Chatelaine Designs. It is stitched on Black Belfast linen using silk and metallic fibers, delica beads and Swarovski Crystals. Words do not do it justice and neither does the photo. This piece simply glows! Be sure to click on it for a better view.



Another one that I have finished for Martina is St Petersburg White Nights. It is stitched on Millennium Blue Belfast using silk and metallic floss, delica beads and Swarovski Crystals. It is the largest of her designs yet--411 x 411--and it too, is gorgeous. Be sure to click on it.

I will add more later. Be sure to check back often. While I may not post everyday I will try to do better. Thanks for looking.

It's That Time of Year

Several people have been asking me what I've been up to. In additon to a couple of models I have been trying to get these finished in time for Christmas.

The first is for the newest member of my family. Back in January my grand daughter and her husband met Thomas--a wonderful child--and fell in love with him. On October 12th the adoption became final and he is now officially part of my family. I stitched the *Snowman* and *Snowlady* stockings for his parents a few years ago so this one seemed to be appropriate for him. I do hope he likes it. It is Santa and Snowman stitched on 14 ct Aida using DMC and embellished with charms and *pom-pom*. It was backed with a dark red fabric and lined with white cotton.



This one was commissioned by the grandmother of my *nephew-in-law* (Don't ask... too complicated to explain) Anyway it is Holiday Workshop Stocking (on the right) and it was stitched on 28 ct linen using DMC floss. It was also finished using the dark red fabric and fully lined with cotton fabric.

Patchwork

Today I thought I would share with you a photo of my Jan Houtman Sampler *Patchwork*. I omitted the personalization within it and charted out the rest of the motifs instead. I really like the way it turned out. It is stitched on white linen using Vikki Clayton's HDF's
and believe it or not--no fibers were used more than once! I used a combination of regular, premium and #12 perle silk in both solid colors and varigated/overdyed colors to make it truly one of a kind. It was so much fun to stitch.

Catching up

I thought I would take a few minutes to start catching up on all that has been going on with me over the last few months. If you remember my son was re-doing my kitchen for me. Well, it looks great! He painted the walls and ceiling, resurfaced and painted all the cabinetry, replaced all the hinges and hardware to a beautiful brushed Nichol finish, and replaced all the outlet and light switch covers to brushed Nichol. Before it was dark paneling and dingy. Now it is light bright and airy and I love it.

Jason has also spend a remarkable amount of time in the yard--trimming, removing and re-planting the foliage and prepping the pool area and keeping it nice and sparkly.

We have also painted the master bedroom and one guest room and have continued the decluttering and organizing preparing the house to sale. When we get finished I know it will look great. I just hope the market will appreciate all the hard work we have put into it.

I have made a dent in the decluttering of my Mom's things but to be honest it is more difficult to get rid of her things than it is my own. But I have made the decidion that I don't need things to make me remember so I am taking some photos and plan to make a memory book and am getting rid of most of the *stuff* here in this house. I know my son will appreciate it--it will save him a lot of heartache and hard work when the time arrives.

I will try to get some photos of my kitchen in the next few days. Until then. Take care and Happy Stitching!

Seaside Stitching Retreat

I cannot believe it has been so long since I came here but things has been absolutely CRAZY at my house. Over the next few days I will try to catch you up on all that has been happening but in the meantime I wanted to share my most recent experience.

Once again this year I gave myself a birthday present—a stitching retreat/workshop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina with Meg Thompson Shinall of The Flower Thread Company. I just got back and thought I would share my experience.

For the last three weeks I have been fighting the *creeping crud* so I’ve been slow in getting things together and even had my doubts that I would be able to go. But on Sunday night I decided that since I am no longer contagious that I am going!—NO MATTER WHAT!!!

Monday AM: I arise and start a load of laundry and load up the dishwasher. Then I pull out my stitching bag. After all I do have my priorities straight. Stitching before anything else! I repack and make sure I have everything I need for the week….C-clamp for my magnifier, extension cord, tools, Ort container, etc….and then added a project to work on in the hotel until we get the class project. Once done I grab my travel medicine bag and make sure that I have enough meds for the next week. And lastly I clean out my purse to lighten the load and make sure I have all the necessities—especially tissues and cough drops.

Tuesday AM: I arise with a sense of excitement. I pull out my suitcase and begin to pack the necessities. Deciding what to take is simple and this doesn’t take very long. The problem is running the checklist and making sure I haven’t forgotten anything. I plug in my power chair to make sure it is fully charged and then head for the shower. At about 7:00PM my friend, Kiki, arrives at my house to spend the night. We talk and catch up on all the news, plan our departure, partially load the car, and then go to bed.

Wednesday AM: We arise early and get the car loaded. After checking that all the lights were off, etc., we load the power chair and get on the road. Kiki decides to drive and give me the opportunity to be passenger for a change. The drive is filled with talk, laughter, and sharing. We don’t stop until just outside of Myrtle Beach where we have lunch and stretch our legs. We get to the hotel and check in. We are staying in a three bedroom condo with four other friends and soon they all begin to arrive as well. That evening we decide to just relax and stitch so Jeanne cooks dinner for us and I finally get to work on my new grandson’s Christmas Stocking which has to be finished by Dec 9^th. We stitch until late and then retire for the evening.

Thursday AM: Something woke me very early and I opened my eyes to the most beautiful sunrise-- the most gorgeous pinks, oranges, purples, and blues. I watched until the horizon had turned light blue and then drifted back off to sleep. I feel that I alone was given a gift. Later we arose and spent a leisurely day stitching. Some of the girls decided to go shopping but I chose to remain behind.

Friday AM: About 6:00 AM I awoke to what sounded like dripping water and I thought that someone had failed to turn the bathroom faucet completely off. I got up to turn it off but as I went by the kitchen I realized it was the coffeemaker! I went to the bathroom and then returned to the sofa (which is my bed) and drifted back off to sleep. A few minutes later I was startled by a loud crashing noise as Helen dropped a dish in the sink. We all began to stir and get ready for the day. We were so eager for the class to begin. We stitched for a while and after a wonderful lunch, it was time to go. We reached the classroom and *staked* out our seats. We then began to renew our friendships with other Seasiders and catch up with what they had been doing. It was then Meg arrived with our class info and our welcome package. After introductions and a preview of what we had in store we broke for dinner and waited for the official class to begin. Kiki, Jeanne, Tracy and I went out for my *mandatory* seafood dinner and we returned to the classroom satiated and eager for the class to start. The theme for Seaside each year is the *Full Moon Series* and this year is the Wheat Moon. The first practice project is a wonderful notepad cover using a scarecrow and field demonstrating several of the specialty stitches used in the main sampler. When we adjourn we are all tired but very excited about class the following morning. It seems like we laughed and talked for hours and got to bed quite late.

Saturday AM: It was very difficult to get up this morning but we managed to get to class on time. We worked on the specialty stitches in our Scarecrow design and I even managed to finish mine by the end of the allotted time. We had a wonderful lunch and took a group photo before we returned to the classroom. The next practice piece incorporated the rest of the specialty stitches. It was a drawn thread design which would be finished into an ornament. I also finished this one—just have to *finish* each of the projects into the ornie and the notepad cover. We broke for dinner but I decided to go back to the suite and rest before reconvening for the fun part of the day—the Reindeer Games. There was going to be an ornament exchange, a tote search, and other fun things. Kiki dropped me off at the elevator and I told her I would be okay to walk up to the room alone. When I got back to the room I realized just how tired and painful I was feeling. I also realized that I had forgotten my room key. It was quite a walk over to the office and I knew I would never make it. I called Kiki but she had not yet turned on her cell phone. (We turned them off for class.) I tried another roommate and got her voice mail. While I was trying to decide what to do a maid came by. She wasn't allowed to open the door for me but she did call security for me. A few minutes later the security person arrived and let me in the room. I really needed to go to the bathroom but he chose this moment to talk with me a while. Finally he left and I made it to the toilet--just barely! Teach me not to check for my key sooner!! When I got back to the room I realized just how tired and painful I was feeling. Instead of eating I chose to just rest and relax a while. By the time the rest of the group got back to the suite I realized that I wouldn’t be able to go back to the class but Kiki said she would do the ornie exchange for me. So I went to sleep. When they returned they told me about the fun they had and I wish I had been able to join in. But the ornament I received was the one Helen had made and it was beautiful. We packed up everything before going to bed as we had to check out in the morning before class. It was sad to be leaving.

Sunday AM: We all arose early and finished up the packing and loading of the cars. We arrive at the classroom and receive a bonus design from Meg and our Seaside Charm to attach to our nametags. This year’s charm was a scarecrow. We then went over questions about the project and discussed our next Seaside which would be the Harvest Moon. We decided to give it a Thanksgiving theme but also to again have the ornament exchange. Saying goodbye to everyone is always difficult, since we are from so many different places—as far away as Oman (in the Middle East), Nevada, Florida, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Georgia, as well as North and South Carolina. Most of us only get to see each other once a year. This trip is always such a boost for me. I realize just how many people I have praying for me and being supportive. It always reiterates just how wonderful needle workers are.

Kiki and I get back on the road and once more the car is filled with laughter and reviewing all the things we just experienced. We stop for a late lunch just outside of Columbia and then head on home. We arrive at my house about 4:30 PM and get the car unloaded and we collapse. We don’t realize how tired we are until we sit down. Kiki decides to spend the night and leave for Monroe in the morning. We have a very early night and fall into bed exhausted.

Monday AM: Kiki gets an early start back home and I collapse once more! I love these weekends and they brings so much joy to my life but they do take a tole on my body. All I can say now is…IS IT SEASIDE YET?