Diary of a Mad Stitcher

Stuff and Nonsense

2012-02-11T21:18:00.003-05:00

I am feeling much better but I still have a ways to go before I am 100%. I am thrilled that I am now able to show photos of my two latest designs which will be released at the Nashville Market and they can be seen at Lady K Needlearts I am very pleased with how they turned out. Please let me know what you think of them.

I have been doing quite a lot of reading for the last few weeks but I am now itching to start something new. I have a lot that I need to do but nothing that I am working on is appealing to me right now. So I am off to look through my stash and find a new start--just what I need! I know I am the only person alive who feels this way! lol I will let you know what I find.

It is so cold outside that my bones are aching. I think I will go cuddle up under my blankie with a mug of hot cocoa and stitch for a while. Take care dear friends.

Until next time...

2012-02-04T18:39:00.003-05:00

I am sorry I was gone for so long. But things got complicated. I had another episode with my knee but this time it didn't get better. I went to the orthopedist on Friday the 6th and he injected both of knees with cortisone to see if that would help before scheduling the knee replacement surgery. I hurt really badly all day afterwards but kept thinking it would get better. Saturday morning when I tried to get up my knee locked up again and in spite of everything we did I couldn't move my leg at all. Finally Saturday afternoon I was in such agony that my son called 911 and the EMS came and took me to the hospital. After several hours, a lot of xrays, tests, ultrasound, etc., I was admitted to the hospital. To make a long story shorter I was treated and medicated, physical therapy-ed and tested until I could manage to move my leg again. I finally got to come home on Saturday the 14th with more PT scheduled through home health. It took me another week before I could walk with the help of a walker but I got there. I am just now getting to where I can sit at the computer for more than two minutes so I thought I would pop in and let all of you know what has been going on.

On the stitching front I haven't done a whole lot but I have done a bit. Between the lying position and the meds I haven't really been able to do much. Hopefully that will change soon. I am beginning to miss it a lot. I have been catching up on some of my reading however!

At the moment I am working as hard as I can to get my designs ready for the Nashville show. I wasn't able to get all of them finished unfortunately but I will have two of them ready. You can check them out on the Lady K Needlearts blog. I should have an update there in a day or so.

Well, I am getting a bit tired so off I must go.

Until next time....

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-02T06:04:00.000-05:00

Wow! 2011 just seemed to fly by. I am sure I missed part of it! Or maybe that is just wishful thinking.

It was an extremely difficult year for me on the personal front--especially from the physical stand point. My health is quickly deteriorating and sometimes I wonder just how long I will be able to continue on. I know this is just my depression speaking but one can stand just so much pain before one just gives up. This last year came in with a bang and is going out with a bang as well.

On Christmas Day I had a scare with my right knee. I was trying to get up out of my chair and my knee totally locked up on me. I couldn't bend my knee. I couldn't get up. I couldn't put any pressure on it at all. When my son tried to help me up ( Shhhh---I really needed to go to the bathroom-you know!) I fell and was unable to get up. Remember the commercials with the little old lady--I've fallen and I can't get up? Well, that was all I could think of! Nothing we tried worked. Without the use of my knee I just couldn't help at all. Two hours and four neighbors later, I was finally back in my chair but my knees were killing me. I was in tears and so totally embarrassed about the whole situation. It is so frustrating to not be able to help yourself. I have procrastinated for so long in having my knees replaced that I cannot put it off any longer. So I have made an appointment with my orthopedist and we will see what he has to say.

I have also made an appointment with my ophthalmologist and will see about eyes. I also have cataracts forming and am having lots of trouble with my vision. It seems I am just absolutely falling apart! So 2012 is the year to put me back together again. Hopefully I will turn out better than Humpty Dumpty!

I did receive some wonderful news on Christmas however! I have a new grand-niece. My niece had a delightfully gorgeous baby girl! Her name is Avery. I will be making another Christmas stocking this year! If Mom agrees, I will post a photo here in a few days.

On the stitching front, things went really well in 2011. I had a very productive year. I finished quite a few pieces for myself, several consignment pieces and several new designs which will be released in Nashville in February. You can read more about them over on Lady K Needlearts . This year I will be focusing more on my design work. I have so many ideas in my head, I am hoping to get many of them on paper--or in the computer.

So, welcome aboard 2012. This is gonna be a better year!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:07:00.000-05:00

As we grew older some things began to change a bit but most of this remained in some form or other. Christmas began to focus more on our immediate family rather than our grandparents but we would still visit them on Christmas afternoon. Christmas dinner was moved to Mama’s and Daddy’s. We began having the traditional turkey and dressing as well as the baked ham. And Christmas gifts were exchanged after dinner.

Then traditions of our own evolved. As each of us had children and in-laws to think about we would spend one day at our parents and the other at the in-laws house. But some of these traditions remained. I still do the *updated* version of the gift bags and I still believe in Santa. I told my son that if and when he ever stopped believing in Santa Claus that his Christmas presents would stop because I wasn't getting him anything! Santa still comes on Christmas Eve after everyone is in bed asleep. Christmas dinner is still turkey and dressing with as many fixin's as I can handle. We still had lots to eat and more gifts than we needed. But most importantly we had the love of family and friends to share and enjoy.

This year my family is just my son and me. The step family has gotten so large and diversified that they cannot come this year. My brother and I are still estranged and my nieces all have families or their own. So Jason and I will share our Christmas spirit over a nice dinner and enjoy the small surprises that Santa leaves in our stockings. I am just so grateful to have him with me. He is still the light of my life.

I leave you with these parting words:

No matter how large or small your family is, enjoy them and love them and be thankful for them. Make some Christmas Traditions of your own. You may be surprised just how important they become as your children grow and move on with their lives. Even the smallest thing may be remembered as the best thing!

Merry Christmas to each of you!

Until next time....

Back to Traditions....

2011-12-22T16:45:00.000-05:00

After lunch the kids would play outside, weather permitting, or on the enclosed back porch otherwise. The adults would sit together and talk until the kids couldn’t stand it any longer. Then we would exchange Christmas gifts.

As farmers my grandparents couldn’t afford gifts for everyone but all the kids received a “Poke” (a brown paper bag)) which contained an apple, an orange, a pear, a tangerine, pecans, and the old fashioned Stick candy in peppermint, sassafras and cloves. (How I wish I could find some of that candy again!) And no, it wasn’t individually wrapped but there were no such thing as germs back then! I think we looked forward to those sacks of goodies as much if not more than anything else we received. This is one tradition that I have continued with my own family although now I have upgraded to gift bags! I also add small gifts, candy, gum, raisins, bananas, cheese crackers and anything else that might fit!

Eventually each family would head for home. Things would be winding down and each of us would settle in to play with our gifts. Dinner would consist of leftovers and then an early night. I am sure my parents were glad to have it over with but I think they enjoyed it all as much as we did.

More Traditions

2011-12-20T19:32:00.000-05:00

On Christmas morning we would be up bright and early wanting to open the rest of our presents. Since Santa brought us all our toys and games, Mama and Daddy always got us new clothes. After breakfast we would put on new outfits while Mama packed up everything we would be taking to Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house. We always spent Christmas at Grandma’s house. My paternal grandparents passed away when I was very small and I only remember one Christmas spent with Granny. I keep meaning to ask my older brother David what he remembers but I haven’t had the opportunity.

When all the food and gifts were packed in the car we headed out. My grandparents had 8 children and (ultimately) 43 grandchildren and most of them always arrived at Grandma’s house for Christmas—about half of them for lunch. So you can imagine the madness and mayhem which surrounded this. The kids ate in the large old fashioned kitchen and the adults ate in the dining room. I still don’t see how we all managed to fit but we did. My grandparents were farmers and most of their food was grown or raised by them. All the adult females would bring baskets of food to contribute to the feast so there was plenty for all of us to eat. We never had turkey back then. Christmas lunch would be comprised of baked ham, fried chicken, stewed chicken and dumplings, pork chops, potato salad (and mashed potatoes since I could not eat potato salad--Mama always looked out for me!), macaroni and cheese casserole, and as many vegetables as my aunts and Mama could manage, and of course homemade biscuits made by Grandma. These biscuits were about the size of saucers and about 2 inches high and absolutely the most wonderful biscuits ever made! I sometimes dream about them and wish Grandma was still here to make them for me. Of course, this isn't the only reason I wish she were still here.

There were also sweet potato, pecan, and lemon meringue pies as well as chocolate, coconut, pineapple and fruit cakes. And there were usually cookies of some sort. No one went hungry at Grandma’s house!

Until next time....

We interrupt these ramblings....

2011-12-16T16:13:00.000-05:00

This year I participated once more in the Christmas Exchange on the Just a Thought Bulletin Board. I just received the most wonderful gift from my partner Nancy. I feel so very spoiled! She really went over and above. She sent me a packet of note cards, two wonderful emery boards, a spool of Christmas ribbon, a piece of Christmas fabric for finishing, a small wooden blue Finch ornament, two crocheted pot holders, a hand sewn Christmas pillow top made in the envelope style so it can be packed away easily after the holidays. She also sent me a collection of wonderful teas in their own quilted pouch (the blue one with the quilt square on top), two skeins of Needle Necessities floss in Red and Green and a beautifully made poinsettia Christmas ornament.

But I am not through yet. She also made for me a wonderful stitching set. It includes a larger pin cushion, a needle book, a scissors pocket, and a small pouch with a stitched front. And all of these were presented in a matching drawstring stitching bag!

The colors were in the aqua/turquoise/green family and was absolutely perfect for me. I still cannot believe how generous she was. Thank you so much Nancy! I cannot wait to use these things.

Until next time...

Traditions Continued

2011-12-15T16:23:00.001-05:00

Where were we? Oh yes...

The weeks leading up to Christmas were filled with school projects and practicing for the church’s Christmas pageant. All three of us kids would be in it and 98% of the time my Mama would be directing it. Practice was held every Wednesday evening and then usually after church on the Sunday before the presentation. This was something to which we always looked forward. It was held on the evening of Christmas Eve. We would all pile in the car and make the 30 minute drive to the small country church to which we belonged. All the children of the church would participate and most of us would know our parts! But it was always enjoyed by the congregation! This was followed by singing of carols and presentation of the gift bags from the church. On the way home we would sing carols or have a contest counting Christmas trees to see who could spot the most trees before we got home. When we got about a block from home Daddy would remember that we were supposed to go by my aunt and uncles house to get our Christmas gifts from them. (It never registered with us until we were much older that this was repeated every year!) Mama would have things to prepare for the next day so Daddy would drop her off at home and the rest of us would proceed to Aunt Maude’s house. (Of course, Mama was actually putting out Santa!) We would spend about an hour there opening our presents and then having a mug of hot chocolate before heading home. When we got back home Mama would meet us at the door exclaiming that while we were at church Santa had come to visit. The living room floor would be spread with toys and games of every description since there was no room under the tree and somehow we always knew which gifts were intended for each of us. We would be allowed to play for about an hour and then we were allowed (against much protestation from Mama) to open just one of our gifts from Mama and Daddy. This always turned out to be new pajamas which we wore that night.

Until next time....

BTW, Happy Birthday, Tracy!

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-13T12:18:00.003-05:00

The holiday season always tends to make me a bit retrospective and this year is no exception. Over the last few days I have been thinking a lot about Christmas traditions--especially those of my own family. So I have decided that over the next few days I will share a few thoughts and memories with you. Some of them you may even want to try for yourself. Christmas was always the favorite holiday for my Daddy. I have never seen anyone enjoy a season as much as he did. He just seemed to come alive. Mama also enjoyed it tremendously, but, of course, she had the majority of the work and preparation to handle. When I think back to Christmas my first thoughts are always of my Dad.

On the day after Thanksgiving we always got our Christmas tree. When I was very young Daddy would take us to the country and he would cut down our tree—usually a beautiful cedar. It smelled so good! (Later my Mom got one of the new silver aluminum trees with the rotating color light wheel and put all blue balls on it. After a few years we progressed to the artificial Scotch pine!) Daddy would usually end up saying a few choice words while trying to get it in the tree stand and it usually wasn't ever quite straight but Mama never complained. We would just adjust the decorations to make it appear straight! Once the tree was in the house Mama would insist on letting it “fall out” overnight. Then on Saturday we would begin the decorating. Daddy would get the decoration from the attic and Mama always put on the light strings. Then we got to help with the ornaments and tinsel. My brothers liked to just throw the tinsel on but I would very carefully lay each strand carefully in place. Whatever we did the tree always turned out beautifully. When we finished we would have a cup of cocoa and then it was time for bed. During the night many colorful presents would appear under that tree. We had a very large family and many friends with which we exchanged gifts. And by the time Christmas Eve arrived there would be so many gifts under the tree that there would hardly be room for Santa!

Until next time...

Wow...

2011-12-01T13:08:00.004-05:00

I cannot believe it has been so long since I posted here. But then I have my doubts that anyone reads it anyway. I have actually considered just closing it down and forgetting about it. But I will think on that for awhile before I make that decision.
Things have been flying by around here. I managed to finish up several consignment pieces which have been here much too long. I try to get them out quickly but sometimes things just get in the way. However, for now, I am caught up. I also finished up a couple of models for a new to me designer which I will tell you about when they are released. And, of course I am working on my designs for the Nashville show in February but I will share those on my Designer's Blog Lady K Needlearts .

I just returned form my annual trip to Myrtle Beach, SC for the Seaside Retreat. This year was much less eventful than last year when I totaled my car, wheelchair and carrier! This year I did not get to attend the classes as my budget just did not allow it but I did get to meet up with some of my friends that I had not seen since last year and Kiki and I spent a very relaxing week at the beach listening to the waves, smelling the salt air and stitching, talking and laughing! I was able to accomplish a lot while I was there--no distractions--and I came home with two completed tasks that needed to be finished asap. And I managed to get a really good start on one of the models for the Nashville show! I really needed that week away and came back relaxed and ready to hit the *job* again.

Since returning I have completed another design and have continued to stitch on my model so progress is being made. I am now revving up for the holidays. It will be quiet here at Chez Stitcher but I have my Stitching Sisters Christmas Get Together the following weekend to look forward to. I will keep you posted on the plans.

Until next time....

2011-07-29T17:26:00.000-04:00

Things have been busy for me. I have just finished the chart production for my new designs which will be released next month. My newest Garden Tapestry--Bachelor Buttons--turned out just beautifully. I think the framing is perfect for it and my dearest friend Kiki did a marvelous job with the stitching. She wanted to stitch this one so badly I couldn't say "no" but it was a challenge since I usually make color changes and other modifications during the stitching stage. But she worked with me and I think we did a great job getting this model finished. I can't wait for you to see it! Maybe I will give you a *sneak peek* soon!

The other sampler is called simply "Love is..." and is a monochromatic design with a gorgeous border and uses three shades of blue. I really think you will like it also.

Can you believe I am already working on my next projects? I have so many ideas running through my head I can't seem to get them down fast enough! I'll tell you more about them later. For now it is off the computer and back to chores.

Until next time...

2011-07-03T11:20:00.005-04:00

It has been a while since my last post and my only excuse is that I have been working! In addition to my normal stitching and consignment work, I have managed to finish 4 new designs and have just released one of them!

It is Flutterby Garden Pocket and it is a bit unusual but I think you will enjoy it! It is a cross between cross stitch and crazy quilting--without the quilting! I have always wanted to try crazy quilting and I love specialty stitches so this seemed to be perfect for me. It is an IPod/Cell phone pocket with two different looks. You can stitch the basic design and finish it or you can add embellishments to give it a bit of Zing! And the embellishments are just suggestions. You can add as many or as few as you want. It will be easy to use what you have on hand--fibers, ribbons, lace, buttons, charms, beads, pearls. As you can see I added a tatted butterfly to mine! Just use your imagination! I have included some seam treatment suggestions and finishing instructions for this as well as the cording and tassel making instructions. This pocket is very versatile. It can be used not only for your IPod or cellphone but also for your credit cards/cash, your keys, Driver's License or anything else you like!

This design is being released this week and I would love to see photos of your pocket when you get it finished! For purchase information check here or visit your local needlework shop! The tatted butterflies are also available.

The other designs will be released next month. I am so excited about these! I do hope you like them.

Reality Hits

2011-02-15T18:35:00.002-05:00

After my wonderful week with the girls, it was really hard to get back to life as we know it. I had insurance companies and power chair companies to deal with and we all know what that is like. It became obvious to me that it might be a while before I would be able to get another vehicle. My wonderful son took me out to dinner for Thanksgiving and that was a treat. Other than that it was a very quiet and uneventful day here. I have been stitching trying to get caught up with some models I have to finish and I have been working on my new releases for the February Needlework Market in Nashville. Christmas was very quiet for us. My step-daughter and her children and grandchildren cam by on December 14th and that was the highlight for me. The grand-kids are growing up entirely too fast! Jason and I spent Christmas Day relaxing and watching Christmas movies on TV. I was able to get a lot of stitching done this week. Now I was planning for the Stitching Sisters to come New Year's weekend for our Christmas get-together. That will be my real Christmas! Kiki got here on Thursday afternoon Dec 30th and we got to catch up a bit before the others arrived. We laughed and stitched and watch DVD's until the wee hours of the morning. Angel got here about 11:00am and Angela arrived about 12:00 noon. We ate lunch and homemade fudge brought by Kiki and laughed and celebrated. About 4:00 pm we decided to have our gift exchange. I was truly blessed with all that I was given.

From Angel I got a beautiful snakeskin bag, several boxes and tins to use with my stitching, a micro-suede lap throw, a tie set which I will talk about in another post, a box of chocolates in the special Whitman's Sampler stitcher's tin and a lovely stitched needlebook and scissors fob to match the Tag she made me last year--in red, of course!

Angela gave me three nesting trays that she had made for me with felted bottoms to protect my treasures. She also gave me two sets of beaded counting pins and a beaded bookmark that she also made.

Kiki's gift to me was a combination birthday and Christmas gift. She made me a strip quilted jacket and purse set in my favorite colors--black, white, and red--with touches of yellow and gray. It is so beautiful! I will try to get some photos up tomorrow.

We missed Tracy this year but hopefully she will be able to join us again next year.

Until next time....

I'm back!

2011-02-14T17:30:00.012-05:00

Sorry it has been awhile since I was here, but things just went a little haywire for me. I am still without a car so I have been having to borrow a vehicle when I need to go somewhere. The insurance company finally settled but they did not come close to giving me what my car was worth and they refused to cover my chair and lift. So it will be a while before I can get something else.

Now the rest of the story....
We had a marvelous time at our retreat. We arrived in Myrtle Beach only 5 hours later than anticipated. When we got to the room Kiki and Jeannie went to a get together with a few other stitchers but I decided to stay in the condo and rest. I was very sore and beginning to feel a lot of pain so I went to bed early.

On Friday morning, Kiki and Jeannie went shopping. They hit a couple of quilt shops and Walmart. That afternoon we went to the hotel for the retreat introduction and then to dinner with another group of stitchers. Without my chair it was very difficult for me to get around so we stayed at the hotel and had a wonderful meal. The retreat officially started at 7:00pm and Meg Shinal was as wonderful as ever. We did introductions and show and tell then began our practice piece. As I've mentioned in the past our projects for the last 11 years has been the different moon series. This year--our twelfth--is Christmas Moon. Our practice piece was using the Armenian Interlacing stitch, the Danish Stars and Algerian Eyelets. We finished this stitched piece into a small pocket for a perpetual calendar.

We got back to the room about 10:30 and stayed up stitching and talking till about 1:00 am.

On Saturday morning we began our class project and it was great as usual. Meg does such wonderful classes and this was no exception. Everyone was so thoughtful and helpful to me. I know I could never have made it though without their help. After our lunch break at the hotel (delicious food, great service, and we all enjoyed ourselves tremendously!) we had a break for the afternoon. Some of the girls went shopping again but I went back to the condo and rested for a while. I stitched on my class project and made great progress on it.

On Saturday Evening we had a wonderful skit with Nancy reminding us all of *Moons past* and reviewomng the last twelve years at Seaside. It was hilarious and nostalgic at the same time. We played a couple of games and did our ornament exchange and then said goodnight for the evening. Back in our condo I finished up my Christmas Moon.

On Sunday morning after our devotional, goodbyes were said and a bonus *Blue Moon Design* was given to us along with our retreat charm. It was a great retreat and I cannot wait to see what Meg comes up with for next year now that all the Moon are complete.

Kiki, Jeannie and I were staying a few extra days so I was able to get lots of rest and relaxation before coming home to the real world once more. However, it didn't take long for reality to set in once I got home to Chesnee.

So until next time....

My latest adventure....

2010-11-22T15:38:00.003-05:00

On Thursday morning November 10th my dear friend Kiki and I headed out for our annual stitching retreat at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Everything started out wonderfully. We even got an earlier start than we hoped. We loaded up the car on Wednesday night and had everything ready to go. We left about 8:15 am and stopped at Bojangles for breakfast. Then we were on our way. When we reached I-26 traffic was light and we felt great. A few miles down the road we heard and felt something--a tire blew out-- and the car begun to spin out. Prayers were offered and we hung on. We barely missed an 18 wheeler as we spun and I could barely breathe. We finally came to a stop when we hit the guard cables in the median. It took a moment to realize that we had come to a stop. My heart was pounding and I was disoriented. Several cars had stopped and come to assist us. Kiki said she was okay but I was hurting. 911 was called and paramedics and hp were dispatched. When the paramedics arrived they checked me out and wanted to take me to the hospital but I felt that I was only battered and bruised so I refused. When the highway patrol officer arrived he called for a wrecker and helped get us the help we needed. The car had somehow manage to stay upended and not flipped but the chair and lift had folded back underneath the car frame. The chair was in about a thousand pieces many of which are still along the highway and the lift is pushing up through the back seat of the car. I do not really know how all this happened but it is a mess!

My son was called and he came and got everything out of the car and took Kiki to get her car. His small pickup would not carry all three of us. So I waited at the wrecker service for her to return for me. I used that time to calm down and restore my blood pressure to a somewhat normal level. It has been many years since I was involved in any kind of accident and I hope it never happens again! I was so frightened and upset but I thank God that we were relatively unhurt and that no one else was injured. I don't think I could have handled it if anyone else had been seriously hurt or worse! Material things can be replaced but life cannot.

My car, my power chair and car lift were, of course, totaled and at the moment I do not know what I will be doing for transportation. But I know that God will provide. Jason is going to take me tomorrow to get photos of the car and chair and I will share them with you then. I will also share the rest of the story.....

Until next time....

Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-11-02T14:38:00.002-04:00

Today is my birthday. It has been very quiet and uneventful but I did receive many good wishes in birthday cards, emails, and phone calls. My son is taking me out o dinner and I will be celebrating with my stitching group next weekend when we go on our annual retreat to Myrtle Beach.

I have managed to get some stitching done in the last couple of weeks. Here is my Zentangle through part 17. Only one more part left on this one.

And here is my Odds and Ends through part 5. I am having so much fun with this one. I am truly using *Odds and Ends* for this one.

Both of these are through the German Sticklounge group on Yahoo.

I am now trying to finish up a Christmas Stocking and will share that later. Till next time...

Exciting News

2010-09-26T18:09:00.006-04:00

You may have been wondering where I've been. So now I can tell you. Firstly, Paula of Kelmscott Designs asked me to stitch a couple of her models to be released this weekend in St Charles. So I did these for her. Now I can show you photos of those. I think they turned out really well. The first was She Doth Work:

The second was A Magnolia Doth Blossom:

But then I really got busy as I have released two new designs myself. My new design company is called Lady K Needlearts and we are now being distributed by Kelmscott Designs. Paula took my two new designs and two of my previous designs (formerly MadStitcherDesigns) to St. Charles also. My previous designs were released on my blog and sold on TheMadStitcher. They are the Tulip Garden Tapestry and the Daffodil Garden Tapestry which you may have seen here. The two new designs are now on my website and I am so pleased to introduce them here as well.

The first one is a teaching piece that I did. It is a comprehensive study of 16 specialty stitches with in-depth descriptions and step by step diagrams which make it easy for even the beginning stitcher to do them. While I stitched the model in 2 colors of Waterlilies silks, it is suitable for any fibers in one or two colors or in multicolor using different threads for each stitch. Here is A Sampling of Stitches:

The next design is for a set of smalls. I originally designed the needlebook and fob for myself and stitched one for a good friend for Christmas a couple of years ago. Everyone who saw it really liked it and encouraged me to publish it. So I added a pincushion which can be finished as a square pillow pincusion or as a biscornu (finishing instructions for both are included) and then a small bag which can be used as a scissors keep or for your cell phone, ipod, or even your cash/credit cards and keys when you don't wish to carry a purse. While I stitched the model in Carrie's Creations silks, cottons can easily be used (DMC equivalents were given). This would also be a good design to use up lots of bits and pieces left over from other projects. All the finishing instructions are included with the chart. The chart uses the Diamond Eyelets stitch and thus its name--Just Give Me Diamonds-- but it can be stitched entirely in cross stitch if you prefer.

Now I am back to working on some consignment pieces but also have a couple more designs in progress as well. So check back often to see what is up with this MadStitcher. And remember if you stitch one of my designs please send me photos to share here.

Until next time....

2010-09-03T00:36:00.003-04:00

I finished up part 14 of my Zentangle and although this is a really bad photo I wanted to share my progress. I am stitching this on white 36 ct linen using a variegated red silk floss. I am really enjoying this one a lot. It is a SAL through the German Yahoo group with permission from the designer.

I am also just received a photo of a consignment piece I did a few months back. It is Guardian Angel from L&L and Venessa needed some help finishing it up. She has a wonderful framer and it looks beautiful.

I will also be able to show you some model photos soon. They will be debuting at St Charles Market in a couple of weeks. So please check back.

Until next time...

2010-09-01T17:15:00.004-04:00

This is my most recent photo of my Odds & Ends by Tam's Creation done through the German Yahoo group with the permission of the designer. This is through Part 3. I am stitching it on 30 ct Northern Cross linen using all sorts of *Odds and Ends* from my silk stash. It is such fun to stitch. I have a test piece of fabric that I use for all my test stitches and testing of colors and I am thinking of turning it into something like this. I can use all of these tiny motifs to fill in around my test samples and I think it would look great as a companion to this one! I really must pull it out and look at it more closely.

Alas, I did not win the beautiful pincushion but I still would love to know how to make them. I think they are gorgeous. However while looking around t my favorite blogs today I did find another give-a-way that I have entered--not that I think I will win, but you never know. It is a wonderful scissors fob and laying tool from Wawanna. Isn't it beautiful? I just love the colors! And her work is simply fantastic. Thanks, Wawanna for offering this as a give-a-way.

2010-08-27T16:36:00.007-04:00

I just discovered a new blog. it is called Older Rose and is wonderful. Gerry has made some of the most wonderful things and gives great tutorials as well. Here is a beautiful pincushion that she made and will be giving away:

Isn't it gorgeous. I would love to win this! It is 8" high and is on a weighted base. I can just see it sitting on the table next to my stitching chair. You know how I love my red but this one is absolutely gorgeous! Wish I knew how to make them.

She also is giving away some of her hand painted MOP buttons. I can just see these on a Crazy Quilt!

I will definitely be following this blog. I cannot wait to see what she does next!

Until next time...

What Next?

2010-08-24T20:03:00.005-04:00

Whew! I just finished up three models that needed to be done quickly and will be able to get back to some personal stitching. Now to decide what to stitch on. Should I continue with my Zentangle or my Jeanne Ries or one of my other 30+ wips!!!! While a frustrating decision to make it is nice to have so many wonderful things to stitch on.

I also just finished up the models for two new designs from me--MadStitcherDesigns! So now I just have to find the time to do the instruction sheets, get them photographed and ready to release. I am hoping to have this competed for an early September release. I will post it here first so keep watching!

Until next time...

WIPs

2010-08-12T11:47:00.000-04:00

As promised here is my Odds and Ends through part 2. This one is very colorful and lots of fun to stitch. I am using up lots of leftover silks for this one!

I also was able to continue on Zentangle so I now have it up through part 6. This is not a good photo but it is getting too big for the scanner and the heavy fabric kept sliding out! Next time I will have to pull out the camera and see if that is better. I am so loving this one I can hardly put it down. I seem to finish up parts when the moderaters in Germany are sleeping and I have to wait to get the next parts. But I will be caught up with this one soon I hope.

I have a couple of days before my next model arrives so I am trying to get some personal stitching done. I do have other things that I need to work on but these have been so much FUN!!

Until next time...

2010-08-11T05:27:00.003-04:00

Well I restarted my Zentangle SAL from the Stiichelounge Yahoo group and I am much happier with both the color and the coverage. I am using a variegated red silk on 35 ct white linen. I cannot wait to get the next parts of this one. It is so much fun to stitch.

I also got the next part of the Odds & Ends SAL from Tams Creation finished and will share the photo of that one tomorrow. I finished my current model and it was so much fun to stitch something for me this weekend.

Until next time...

A Special Gift

2010-08-07T06:17:00.004-04:00

Today I want to share with you a very special gift I received from my dear friend, Linda. This set of project bags are absolutely beautiful. She knows how much I love red and this toile fabric is wonderful. The bags have pockets on the outside as well as the inside zipped pocket. The large bag has a slim pocket for a pen or hilighter and two other pockets and the small one has one pocket on the outside. I just love these. Thank you so much Linda! If you would like to see other bags from Linda check it out here: Votre Grandmere

Catching up

2010-08-04T18:14:00.006-04:00

Things have been very hectic around here. I have been busily stitching on a model and on a consignment piece which I got finished this week while taking care of my step-daughter who had surgery. I thought you might like to see a photo of it but it isn't very good. I had to take the pic quickly so I could get in in the mail to its new owner.

This is Ann Kirby from the Scarlett Letter. It came as a kit with 38 ct linen and DMC floss.

I have also joined a couple of SALs with the Stichelounge yahoo group. I have finished part 1 of Odds & Ends by Tam's Creations designed especially for this group and is done with her permission. I am stitching mine on 30 ct Northern Cross linen in white using up all of my bits and pieces of silk fibers.

And Zentangle 2 stitched on white 35 count linen using an *almost* black silk. I am not sure I like this. But I don't know if it is the coverage or the fact that the floss is not quite true black. Will have to think about this one for a bit.

Well I am now home again and have to get lots of things done. And back to my model. Till next time...

Another New Blog!

2010-07-10T00:26:00.004-04:00

I have found another new blog and she is offering a giveaway. For anyone who is interested visit Silver Threads and Golden Needles. Here is a photo of the lovely Chatelaine she will be giving away. And be sure to check out her blog. It is a wonderful place to visit.

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-04T14:19:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone! I hope you are all enjoying you holiday! I am. I am getting ready to jump in the pool and then we are going to grill burgers and pig out! Well not really pig out--but we are going to enjoy the food. We love grilled hamburgers with lots of fresh veggies and ice cold tea or lemonade! Then it will be Braves baseball for me. Go Braves!

I am also putting the finishing touches on my new design model so I am still on target for an August release. I do hope I can get everything done. As soon as I can I will give you all a sneak peek!

On the house front still nothing! I am very close to just taking it off the market until (or is that *if*) the economy recovers. I really need to get to some of my things that are packed up. I want my stash around me!!!

I am hoping to get a pic of my Jeanne Ries tomorrow and post it for you to see. I am loving the way it is turning out. If you would like to join in our SAL just come on over to my forum We would love to see you there. It is so quiet and I am feeling very lonely!

So now go enjoy your weekend. Watch a ballgame and Stitch!

Until next time....

Blue Fridays...

2010-06-30T12:21:00.002-04:00

I received this excerpt in my box today and decided this is something I definitely will support and wanted to share here also. Will you were Blue, please?

Blue Fridays.

Very soon, you will see a great many people wearing blue every Friday. The reason? Americans who support our troops used to be called the 'silent majority' We are no longer silent, and are voicing our love for God, country and home in record breaking numbers. We are not organized, boisterous or overbearing.

Many Americans, like you, me and all our friends, simply want to recognize that the vast majority of America supports our troops. Our idea of showing solidarity and support for our troops with dignity and respect starts this Friday -- and continues each and every Friday until the troops all come home, sending a deafening message that every red-blooded American who supports our men and women afar, will wear something blue. By word of mouth, press, TV -- let's make the United States on every Friday a sea of blue much like a homecoming football game in the bleachers. If every one of us who loves this country will share this with acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, it will not be long before the USA is covered in BLUE and it will let our troops know the once 'silent' majority is on their side more than ever, certainly more than the media lets on. The first thing a soldier says when asked 'What can we do to make things better for you?' is .'We need your support and your prayers.' Let's get the word out and lead with class and dignity, by example, and wear something blue every Friday.

Crazy Quilting asnd Giveaway

2010-06-25T15:09:00.005-04:00

Pat Winter is a wonderful Crazy Quilt artist and if you have never seen any of her work then you should visit her at http://gatherings100.blogspot.com/. She is also having a Summer Giveaway if you are interested. If I win her giveaway I will be adding these things to my friendship quilt! She has also challenged us to do a giveaway as well so I have decided to join in the celebration of summer. So check it out on my sister blog Crazy at it's Best .

As you know I am a beginner crazy quilter and have been gathering my pieces for my friendship quilt. People from around the world have given me small stitched pieces, fabrics, trimmings and threads to add to this quilt. It will indeed be a quilt made from the Friendship of all my stitching friends. I am eager to actually start piecing the squares--unfortunately much of my stash is packed up preparing for my eventual move. If I had known it was going to take so long to sell the house, I would never have packed up all my beloved stash!!! If you would be interested in adding to my quilt project you can see all the details here. I think I may try to go ahead and start one block. I think I can come up with enough fabric to get it together and I have plenty of fibers and beads to at least get a start on it. I will keep you posted.

On the stitching front, I started my Jeanne Ries on 40 ct white linen using a beautiful red silk floss. I will try to get pictures over the weekend.

Until next time....Happy Stitching!

Summer!!! And SAL time...

2010-06-22T10:53:00.009-04:00

Well, it turned into a very busy Spring for me and now here it is Summer already! I am still trying to sell my house so I am trying to keep up with the cleaning and organizing and that is not an easy task. The house has been on the market now for 22 months and I am very frustrated and disappointed. I am beginning to wonder if the economy is ever going to right itself. I still have half of my stash packed up in storage and the other half is packed up here in the house but, of course, whenever I need something, it is always where I cannot get to it. I really want to have my things put back out around me so that I can get to them when I want them. Oh, well, maybe someday soon.

I have finished up a couple of models and consignment pieces which I will show as soon as I am allowed. If you have been following the Ink Circles seasonal mandalas in the JCS magazine you will be glad to know that the latest one has been released in the May/June issue. I really enjoyed stitching all of these and hope you will also. I am presently trying to finish up the consignment sample Ann Kirby from the Scarlett Letter. This is being done for a friend and is about 3/4 of the way done now.

I am also working on a couple of designs of my own. I hope to be able to release them around the end of August or first of September. And they will be a series (I hope) if all goes well. I will let you know more about them as things progress.

At the moment I am itching to start my Jeanne Ries from GigiR designs-- using red silk on white fabric. And this got me to thinking. I would love to do a stitch-a-long. Would anyone like to join me? I am thinking any Bristol Orphange-type Sampler, not just Jeanne Ries or for that matter any red sampler. I would love to have company for this one. I will set up a forum over on my message board so that we can share our experiences and photos and discuss our progress. You will need to join but this is to reduce the chances of spam and to keep the board safe for all of us. It is easy and free, of course.

Here is a photo of Jeanne Ries. If you would like to have this one you can get it from me at the MadStitcher.com Anyone wanting this one and mentions the SAL will get a 10% discount! And, of course, I have several other Bristol type designs available as well. Check out Rhoda Morley from Leisure Needle or Bristol Fashion from Long Dog Samplers. But whichever one you choose will be great and fun to watch as it progresses. Please join me.

Till next time.....Happy Stitching!

Stitching, Books and Baseball.....What every girl needs.....

2010-05-12T19:34:00.005-04:00

So much is going on and so little time! Does anyone know where I can beg, borrow, or buy some extra time? !!!

I am not sure if I shared with you that a couple of months ago I went through a severe case of Shingles. Mine affected the left side of my face and head. For those that don't know what Shingles are--this is a viral infection that affects the nerves and it is very, very painful! As well as the pain you also get blister-like splotches which first hurt, then itch as they heal. But the worst part about mine was the location. If it had gotten into my eyes, it could have blinded me. I am so grateful that it did not affect my eyes and that the anti-virals finally healed me. During that time I could not stitch at all and could only sleep for the most part. I am bringing this up now because I have just gotten over another episode. This time I recognized it immediately and got the anti-viral meds right away so the case was much lighter and less debilitating. I am pleased to say that I am better now and back to my stitching! Now if I can just get caught up with everything!!! I am so far behind.

I did get a chance to actually read a book! I haven't had the time to do any reading lately and I missed it! Therefore, since I couldn't stitch, I pulled out one of my long neglected books and read it it over the weekend.

I have also been watching my Atlanta Braves on TV! Have I mentioned how much I love baseball? I cannot wait for opening day each year and dread for the final game of the world series to end! Are there any other baseball fans out there? I wish I lived close enough to go to the games but I will just make do with my TV. This year we have a fighting chance to get back into the playoffs.

Till next time...Go Braves!

What's Happening with me...

2010-05-09T01:08:00.010-04:00

I thought I would take a few minutes to share what I have been up to for the last little while. First of all I finished up two models for Tracy at Ink Circles ( Turkish Delight released at the online needlework show and the latest mandala for JCS) and two for Vilma at Examplars From the Heart (Shepherd and Shepherdess and one not yet released).

And as I shared my biscornu from Camp StitchAway last time I thought I would share a photo of the needlebook I made to go with it. Using the biscornu pattern as a guide I came up with this one:

These were stitched on antique white 20ct linen using Ginnie Thompson Flower Thread and DMC Perle Cotton for the Cobblestone stitch. The biscornu was topped off with a cute ladybug button. They were lots of fun to make. When I finished the needlebook I was very surprised to find a matching silk ribbon in a d-bag of silk ribbon I have. I did not expect to find one such a perfect match!

This set was done for a very special lady and I will be sending it off to her on Monday. But I plan to make another for myself!

When I finished my latest model I began a commissioned piece. It is a sampler from the Scarlett Letter called Ann Kirby. It is stitched on a 36 ct linen with DMC threads. The threads really look a bit darker IRL but I just couldn't get a really good photo of it.

So as you can see I have been very busy. I have also been doing some designing and will be making an announcement soon. I have a couple of things in the works from that direction. But off now to do some more stitching. Till next time....

Kathy aka The MadStitcher
.....The Original: Beware of Imitations.....
http://www.madstitcher.com

Photo of my Camp Project

2010-03-31T16:49:00.004-04:00

I thought I would share a photo of the Biscornu project we did this weekend at Camp Stitchaway. This project included the Cobblestone stitch and unfortunately I have not been able to get a really clear photo showing the wonderful lacy-ness of this stitch. But maybe you can get the idea. The fabric is cream linen and the cobblestone stitch is done with cream pearl cotton. The cross stitch, herringbone stitch and backstitch/closing is done with Ginnie Thompson Flower Thread. And it has a wonderful Ladybug Button Bead in the center. It is so cute! I am making a matching needlebook to go with it!

Camp StitchAway!

2010-03-28T18:05:00.003-04:00

I just returned from a wonderful stitching retreat at the Big Lynn Lodge in Little Switzerland, NC in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This was the most wonderful setting for a retreat. The view was fantastic, the accommodations were enjoyable, the staff members were remarkable , the food was delicious, the campers were fun-tastic, the teacher was wonderful and our hosts (Peggy and Carol) were incredible! I arrived on Thursday afternoon and was welcomed as though by a family member and by the time I left today I felt like part of a family. Vicky and Hoyt (and of course Bailey--their adorable 5 year old!) were wonderful. They even brought Vicky's personal recliner from their home so that I would have a comfortable place to sleep. Meals were an adventure and the wait staff made it a totally enjoyable experience. Even provided seconds if we asked! They always included freshly baked bread still warm from the oven and the best food one could ask for. And all the desserts were freshly made by Vicky and Hoyt. Thursday evening was free time, but those of us that had arrived early gathered in the dining room and stitched and renewed friendships and caught up with everyone. There was much laughter and talking and sharing. On Friday morning we gathered for breakfast and then just stayed on to stitch. Since the lodge had opened for the season a week early just for us we had the entire place to ourselves. That evening everyone assembled and we had a lovely project to do and I actually finished my very first Camp Stitchaway project! It was a matchbox cover with a mountain view that certainly reminds us of the view out the windows there at the lodge. We were given a tea light candle and candle dish, some mini marshmallows and tooth picks so we could have our own personal marshmallow roast! Show and Tell was lots of fun and I enjoyed seeing all of the wonderful projects that everyone brought to share. Hopefully, next year, I will be able to bring some things to share as well. Then Saturday we had our class project--a lovely biscornu--designed as only our lovely Meg (Meg Thompson Shinall) could do. We learned the cobblestone stitch and I was actually able to finish mine while there. I plan to give this one away to a dear internet friend but I bought extra fabric so I can do another for myself. On Saturday afternoon, Kiki and Pat took June and me up to Spring Maid to show us the bunk house where camp has always been before. While I know everyone had fun there, I must confess that I am so glad that Peggy changed venue so that I can join in. I know I could never have made it in the bunkhouse. Saturday evening we finished our projects and Nancy had written a wonderful play for us. The actors were amazing and we all learned the origin of yodeling!

Today as we said our goodbyes, I was really sad to leave. I met some wonderful new friends, re-visited with some old friends and refreshed my soul. While my body is tired, I am relaxed and refreshed in mind and spirit. Thank you to all who made this weekend so lovely for all of us--but for me in particular. You know who you are! I cannot wait till next year.

Until next time....Happy Stitching!

Catching up!

2010-03-11T15:55:00.007-05:00

It seems lately that each time I come to post I get side-tracked. I have been so busy getting the website up and running and keeping the selling blog updated that I have totally neglected this one. But hopefully that will change now. The new website is up. Please check it out at MadStitcher.com. The selling blog also is still open for special orders, consignment stitching orders and a few other things that we have planned. So don't forget to check there occasionally also-- The MadStitcher & Company And finally we have our Message Board open and would love to have you all join us there for lots of talking, sharing, learning, enabling, and maybe even some laughter! Forum

Now on to the personal side of things.

I had so much to share with you right after Christmas but now everything seems like old news. I have been getting a little stitching done. I did the Winter Mandala and the Spring Mandala for Ink Circles which have now been published in Just Cross Stitch Magazine. I have also finished two models for Examplars From the Heart.

Shy Philomena:

and Walk Beside Me:

Now I am stitching another model but I am also in design mode and have two designs in progress right now. I am hoping to be able to share them with you soon.

Please check back often as I am hoping things will begin to even out a bit. Till next time...Happy Stitching!

Christmas is Here!

2009-12-23T17:25:00.006-05:00

Before we get all wrapped up in Holiday Cheer, Family gatherings and other activities I wanted to take a moment to wish you each a very Merry Christmas!

This year has been especially difficult for me and Christmas was going to be non-existent for me this year--no tree...no gifts...no feast...no anything. Until yesterday. The Christmas holidays are always so busy and difficult for all the families to juggle visits with in-laws, out-laws, and whomever so the Bonham family has always gotten together a few days before Christmas for our annual gathering. And this year was no different. Yesterday was that day for us. My step-daughter, Wilma, both grand children and their families came to my house. We don't get to see each other often so that makes it even more special. I have three wonderful great-grandchildren--Thomas, Jeb and Kaitlin. I was so sad and disappointed that I didn't have any gifts for them except for their annual goody bag of fresh fruits, crackers and a few pieces of Christmas candy. But funds just did not exist this year. One thing I did have was my *princess* crown jewels from the Seaside retreat this year so I knew one little girl would love to play dress-up. So I gave her these and she was thrilled with them.

And with her Lady-in-Waiting (her Mom, Kathy)

At one point Kaitlin performed for me the song that she had sung in her play at pre-school--Happy Birthday, Jesus! And it was wonderful! And I was reminded by a very special little 3 year old girl just what was important. From the mouth of babes...I was reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and the true meaning of family. Just spending a few hours with my family was all the Christmas I need. I am truly blessed.

So for now may I just wish each of you a wonderful and safe Christmas with those you love and
May the Joy, Peace, Love, and Happiness of this season sustain you throughout the coming year.

My Stitching Cabinet

2009-12-17T14:06:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago when we had our get together, Vilma wanted to see some of my finished pieces and liked my curio cabinet where I display all of my smalls and boxes. I managed to get a picture of it where
the flash didn't distort it too much. So I thought I would show it to you so you could see just how much I have done so far. I love smalls and boxes and love stitching them. When you click on the photos you can get a better look at it. On the top shelf you will see my Grape threadkeeper, my Friends Across the Sea Necessaire, and my Japanese Octagonal Box with toys. On the second shelf you will see my Mystic Meadow Box and Toys, My Treasures Workstation, The Ultimate Needlebook, Two necessaires done in different color palettes, bookmarks, mail art, and needlebooks. On the third shelf is my Mermaid Treasure Box and Toys, and a candle ring. Vilma was particularly fond of the Mermaid Box with the pin keep, scissors pouch and fob. There are so many beads and sparklies on it and it is finished inside with Dupioni Silk. I just love it, too!

I have a couple of other things that need to go into the cabinet --My Sampler Garden Casket, my Flowers For a Friend Stitching Bag, and my beautiful bourse that Lauren made for me. As soon as I finish My Ladies Cabinet I will be adding it to the collection as well.

Seaside!

2009-11-23T23:20:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-12T23:08:00.000-05:00

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!

2009-11-11T22:49:00.000-05:00

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

2009-11-03T16:48:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-26T14:55:00.015-04:00

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

2009-10-22T16:47:00.001-04:00

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

2009-10-20T17:26:00.004-04:00

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

2009-10-08T16:27:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-10-04T14:00:00.004-04:00

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!

2009-10-02T11:38:00.000-04:00

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 Though t 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

2009-09-30T13:42:00.005-04:00

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...

2009-09-28T16:27:00.001-04:00

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...

2009-09-27T08:42:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-09-25T15:22:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-16T13:56:00.002-04:00

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?

2009-05-26T04:54:00.001-04:00

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

2009-05-19T15:15:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-16T15:49:00.004-04:00

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!!!!!

2009-05-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

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....

2009-05-13T22:55:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-05-10T09:08:00.001-04:00

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.....

2009-05-06T02:53:00.001-04:00

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

2009-05-02T16:22:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-01T13:53:00.003-04:00

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

2009-04-30T01:07:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-04-28T13:27:00.013-04:00

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

2007-12-01T15:33:00.002-05:00

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

2007-11-23T16:01:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-18T18:48:00.000-05:00

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

2007-11-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

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?

FAS update

2007-04-04T14:41:00.001-04:00

Well, I finally got to spend a little time with my French Alphabet Sampler and thought I would share my progress with you. I am working on page 5 of 9 so I'm over half way finished now. I really do love the way this one is turning out. But it is BIG!!! It will be stunning over my mantle.

The chaos is still reigning but it is getting a bit better as time goes by. The cabinets are done except for the doors but at least now I can begin the task of putting the dishes away and cleaning off the horizontal surfaces. Who knows, I may be able to find the range soon! Everything is looking so good. It looks so much lighter, fresher, and much more air-y. I love it.

I am off now to begin my next models so I will have more to share soon. Stay tuned....

Forgiveness

2007-04-02T21:34:00.001-04:00

Forgiveness, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

This is Forgiveness by Vilma Becklin of ©Examplers from the Heart. I stitched this as a model for her on cream linen using Vikki Clayton silks. The photo really doesn't do this one justice. For some reason I just couldn't get the lighting and focus right. I finished it up Saturday evening and now I've got it all ready to send home.

Still living in chaos but it gets a bit better every day. At least i have my stitching--I can do without food!

American Needlearts Survey

2007-04-01T19:02:00.000-04:00

Here is a chance for us all to let the needlework industry know what we want and need from our retailers. Join me in taking this survey.

http://www.hartbusinessresearch.com/needlearts.htm

Chaos Still Reigns

2007-03-31T18:12:00.000-04:00

Sorry I have been away so long but chaos still reigns at my house. The kitchen is coming along and is looking absolutely wonderful but is a slow process since my son has to work around his *real* job. But I can begin to see the light of day. I will be so glad to be able to get to my dishes, pots, food once again! I really hate having to try to move around and avoid running into things or try to prepare something--even a sandwich--with no work surface to use! When we finish the kitchen he is going to continue painting the other rooms but I don't think it will be as disruptive as the kitchen has been. I will keep you updated.

I am however, getting to stitch a bit. I just this week finished up a model which I hope to be able to share with you in a day or two and am spending a little time with my FAS before starting the next one. I am making some progress and wish I could stitch on it till it is finished but I really must keep the models under control. I don't want to disappoint my designers. So little time...So much to do!

Chaos...

2007-03-20T16:35:00.000-04:00

Whoever it was that came up with The Chaos Theary must have had a sneek peek at my home right now! Everything is out of my kitchen cabinets--in boxes in the family room and my office, and on the kitchen table with a sheet over it...or who knows where else it might be. But I can't find or use anything! I cannot cook (okay, that part isn't so bad!), I can barely get to the refrigerator! And my once organized office is long gone--and that was the first room I *re-did*!! I know that it will definitely be worth it in the long run but I have to survive this first! I don't think I will ever get the smell of Kilz primer out of my nostrils!!! That stuff is dangerous. And it sort of defeats the purpose of buying the paint that doesn't *smell*! Oh, well, as I said it will be beautiful. I really wish I had gotten to take a before photo because the after would be even more stunning. The room is going from a dark, dingy wood color (and dirty wallpaper that wouldn't come clean) to a wonderful white, sand, and sparkling clean.

I must tell you though that the wallpaper itself was once lovely but shortly after it was hung my son had an argument with a two-liter Dr Pepper and he lost! Dr Pepper went all over the walls and ceiling leaving stains that simply would not come out. So I have lived with this little reminder for quite a few years. Each time we mention it we so have to laugh about it though. The expression on my son's face was priceless and very memorable. Definitely one of those times when I wish it had been caught on film!

I'm Still Here (I think) !!

2007-03-13T01:40:00.000-04:00

Sorry I've been gone this week but things have been totally crazy here! My son began our renovation and I am now surrounded by clutter, dust, paint paraphenalia, etc, etc, etc! I barely have a path through the kitchen and family room. My kitchen is under tarps and I can barely get to the fridge. Needless to say--take out! But it is really going to look great when he gets finished with it. I did get a little upset though. I had planned to take before and after photos. But Jason started dismantleing the cabinets while I was out so I didn't get my befores. However, I will share my afters at least--whenever I get my house back! So I may be a bit scarce for the next couple of weeks--but I will be back. Stay tuned...

Thank you!

2007-03-04T17:39:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who have taken the time to comment on my FAS. This one has been so much fun to stitch and really means a lot to me. Jenn, all the *missing* letters will turn up. In this sampler the letters are re-arranged to form the names/initials of my family members. This is what makes this sampler different and very special. I have managed to incorporate 29 names or initials into my sampler covering six generations.

Again thank you all. I will tell you all about our get-together tomorrow. Stay tuned...

French Alphabet Sampler Update

2007-03-03T03:43:00.001-05:00

French Alphabet Sampler, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

I was able to get a quick photo of my FAS progress so I thought I would quickly share it with you. This is my progress as of March 1st. I am now over 1/3 finished--working on page 5 of 12.

Drat it!

2007-03-02T15:15:00.000-05:00

My server has been erratic for the last three days and I have had trouble getting online--then when I do get here I get bumped off before I can save anything. Not that I've had that much to say but I do love to talk!

I have been able to get a bit accomplished on my FAS so I will share another photo very soon. I have also just been sent another model so I will be doing that during the week. I think I have mentioned here that usually when I have models to do I work on them during the week and then do personal things on weekends. This has been the best way that I have found to balance out my stitching without feeling guilty.

This weekend my *Stitching Sisters* are coming for our monthly get-together. I am looking forward to that very much. It seems to have been forever since they were here. This also means that I probably won't get here tomorrow but I'll try to give you a report on Sunday evening.

Can you believe it is March already? It seems to me that we just celebrated the New Year! Where does the time go? Speaking of time...I really must run for now. Till later....

New Stash!

2007-02-27T20:50:00.000-05:00

Today has been a lovely day--especially nice since the weekend was rainy and dreary!--and it was topped off with a wonderful package arriving in the mail. I received my latest package from Vikki Clayton which includes the new Jan Houtman chart "Patchwork", several new silk fibers, and loads of what Vikki terms "detritus". This is the fiber "bits" and "pieces" that is left over from the dying process--pieces that are too short to skein, pieces that are experiments in colors or dying, etc. I received some of the most gorgeous colors and even a couple of full hanks of silks. I have had a ball just sorting through them and playing with it. Vikki may call it "detritus" but I call it "fabulous"! I cannot wait to actually start using some of it. I think it will be perfect for stitching "Patchwork"! But I really cannot start it right away--as much as I would like to. I really have to finish up some of the projects that I have going. I have several wips that I put on hold in order to stitch models and I really need to finish some of them up!

This past weekend I did get back to FAS for some good solid stitching and that was a joy. This piece is really going to be huge! Knowing the dimensions of a design and actually *seeing* it are two different things! I will take to get a photo update for you soon. Till later...

The Ultimate Needlebook

2007-02-26T07:43:00.002-05:00

Judy Odell has just debuted a new project called The Ultimate Needlebook and it is wonderful. It is reminicent of Quaker style and it is a stitching toy--so something for everyone! I got mine back from Judy last week and ever since then I have been bursting at the seams to share. Now I can. This is going to be a class project--for more information go to Just A Thought

I stitched mine on white Belfast using Needle Necessites and DMC and added seed pearls to the centers of the *flowers*. It measures approximately 4" x 10" closed. It has needle pages on both sides and there at the bottom right is a Needle Custodian. This is a small emory pouch to clean your needles. It was so much fun to stitch and didn't really take that long. I am thinking about doing another one-- You know one to actually USE!

Day Dreaming

2007-02-25T04:36:00.000-05:00

Today has been a more relaxed day for me. I have stitched quite a bit but have done absolutely nothing else. I decided to take a *day off* from everything! I haven't even turned on the TV. I have just been sitting and stitching and contemplating life--well actually I have been day-dreaming about re-doing my kitchen and family room. My wonderful son who is an expert painter and a fair handyman came in the other day and stated that it was time to bring my 1970's kitchen into the 21st century! When I asked who was going to pay for all this he said..."Mom, you'd be surprized at what a little paint will do and it won't break the bank." So we got to talking about things and he said he will do all the work--strip off the wallpaper, paint the ceiling and walls, resurface the cabinets and replace all the hardware so I can get rid of the rubber bands holding the cabinet doors closed. Since most of my appliances are fairly new that will leave only the countertops and microwave to replace. So I am going to try to figure out a way to get those. I wonder how fast I can modelstitch?!!!!!

Then in the family room he is going to paint the ceiling and walls and get rid of the dark paneling which is there now. So I will only need to decide what to do about the floor and window treatments. I can't afford to replace carpet or install my desired hardwood floors right now so I guess that will just have to wait. But I have been looking for fabric for draperies for a while now so I guess I need to make some decisions about those. Thank goodness I can sew them myself! I think if I just take things a little at a time I should be able to accomplish a lot. The countertops will be my biggest expense right now--so I am going to do some research and find out approximately what that will cost me.

The funniest thing about this whole day-dreaming thing is I have spent more time thinking about what to stitch for my new kitchen walls--and I haven't yet decided 100% on paint color! Can you tell I am a real stitcher?

My beautiful Box...

2007-02-24T05:59:00.000-05:00

I just received the most wonderful package in the mail! It is the finished Japanese Octagonal Box designed by Martina Weber of ©Chatelaine Designs. It was professionally finished by Judy Odell of ©Just a Thought who also designed the finishing technique of this box. It was stitched on Ice Blue Belfast using a variety of silk fibers, Petite Treasure Braid, Delics Beads, Swarovski Crystals and Cultured Pearls sent to me from Thailand by a special friend while she was over there. Thank you, Becky for these treasures. The finishing is done using Black Dupioni Silk and includes the box itself, a scissors case for my sewing scissors and a scissors fob for my embroidery scissors. I enjoyed stitching this so much (I also stitched Martina's Model for this box.) but I was totally unprepared for just how beautiful it is. The photos do not do this justice. I am still dancing around the room and cannot take my eyes off it! I hope you enjoy looking at it also.

Peace Quaker

2007-02-23T19:56:00.000-05:00

Peace Quaker, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

Today has been a very eventful day. I got a lovely call from Vilma of Examplars from the Heart and she graciously gave me permission to preview her latest two designs that I model stitched for her. The first one is Peace from her Quaker series.

Prosperity Quaker

2007-02-23T19:54:00.000-05:00

Prosperity Quaker, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

This is the second model for Vilma of Examplars of the Heart. It is Prosperity from the Quaker Series. Each of these models were stitched on 40 ct linen in Light Sand using Vikki Clayton Silks

Rambling Again

2007-02-20T19:23:00.000-05:00

Recently several people have asked me about my book The Ramblings of a Mad Stitcher. So I thought that I would take a few minutes here to tell you about it and answer some of the questions I have been asked.

I have been journaling since I was a young girl with her first *diary*. Over the years I have found it to be both helpful and therapeutic. It has been a way to chronicle all the things that happen in one's lifetime and also helps to relieve the stress from many of these things--my grandmother called them *Life Happenings*. Therefore, this has just become a part of my life. I will admit though, that I prefer paper and pen over the computer--it just seems more intimate somehow.

A few years ago I was going through a remarkabley stressful *Life Happening* and I was using my journal a a sounding board. On a particularly bad day I chose to share one entry with some friends on the Teresa Wentzler BB. Over a few weeks I began sharing more and more and one day I realized that many people were avidly awaiting my daily posts. So I began Rambling every day. It was suggested that I write a book. I have always enjoyed writing and had dreamed of one day being a famous author! Even so I knew I would never be a professional so I just kept on with my little stories. As my husband's condition worsened and I began seeing similar symptoms in my Mom I wanted to do something to help fight Alzeimer's. So I compiled my litttle stories and did a bit of editing and finishing and printed them up into a *book* that I made for sale to benefit the Alzeimer's Foundation. It is a self published, spiral bound, softback book and all profits go to benefit Alzeimer's research. If you are interested in ordering one of these books send me an email at mad_stitcher@yahoo.com or leave a comment here including your email address.

Thanks to everyone who has shown interest in this project. It has proven to be more therapeutic than I ever could have imagined.

Several people have also asked me how I became the *Mad Stitcher*--well that is for another day!

Feeling Better

2007-02-19T21:54:00.000-05:00

Well I slept all day yesterday and I am feeling a bit better today. Hopefully the worse is over. The second model for Vilma is almost finished. Hopefully by tomorrow it it will be done. I have enjoyed stitching these designs and can't wait for them to be revealed so that I can share them with all of you. If you like Quakers you will love these. These are a bit different from my normal type of stitching but it has been fun doing some plain cross stitch for a change. And of course, working with Vikki's silks is always a treat.

When this is done I must get back to my Persian Iris Garden. I have been putting in about an hour a day on it (the black fabric is *killing* me!) but I really must try to do better. I have never taken this long to get a model done before and although there is no deadline, I still feel a bit guilty about it. At least I know now to never agree to stitching on black fabric again so that is a valuable lesson. I also have another of Martina's models to do shortly--as soon as I get all the materials--and Vilma has asked me to do some more for her. So now I will be able to alternate between the complex and the more simple designs so maybe they will all go faster.

I must go to bed now and try to get a good night sleep. So till tomorrow.....sweet dreams.

Update....and more

2007-02-17T20:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't conquered the world but I did manage to start the second model for Vilma. I am taking lots of naps and still feeling yucky! This is the first really bad cold I've had in about 3 years so I guess I am really lucky that way but I just don't like feeling this way.

Tonight I am working on the model and watching Harry Potter movies. I love Harry Potter and am looking forward to July for the last book to be released. Am also looking forward to the next movie. Anyone else love Harry?

Uggggg!!!!

2007-02-15T20:09:00.000-05:00

This cold has really taken it's toll on me and I am accomplishing nothing! I did manage to finish up the first model for Vilma but that's it. I went to bed and have stayed there. Maybe tomorrow morning I will feel like conquering the world but for now...back to bed!

2007-02-14T15:32:00.000-05:00

Today I have been fighting a cold and haven't felt good at all. All I want to do is sleep! But I really cannot afford to do that. There is just so very much I need to do. However I just got the best pick-me-up. I received word from Vikki that my Patchwork Sampler has arrived. I am not sure what has attracted me to this one as I usually don't do samplers but I really like this one. It is designed by Jan Houtman and if you like Samplers he has done some of the best I have seen.

The first of the two models from Vilma is almost finished so I am hoping to complete it tonight. Then I want to start the second one. It really is so much fun to stitch and is looking nice on the 40 ct linen.

I think I will go take a nap and then get started.

Lovely morning

2007-02-13T14:52:00.000-05:00

I spent a lovely morning yesterday talking with Vilma (Examplars from the Heart) discussing upcoming designs, 40 ct linen, Vikki Clayton silks, and many other things. I find it so interesting that she lives only about 40 miles from me and I am just now discovering her. She is a lovely person and hope to be meeting her in person soon.

I also spent some time playing with my Silk Tags--trying to do a conversion for a new project that I want to start sometime in the near future. It was so much fun just fonding the textures and visulaizing the colors of all the VC silks. If you have never tried them, do yourself a big favor and do so-- Vikki Clayton Silks. They are exquisite both in quality of silk and all the gorgeous colors. I can just loose myself in them. And if you want a really big treat, try the premium floss. It is bigger diameter than the regular floss (about the size of two strands) so you can use only one strand on 28-34 ct fabrics. My favorite color, of course, is Dragon Blood ( a rich varigated red) but Dragon Opal (a beautiful dark, rich green and black varigated) is a close second--with many others following very closely behind. I managed to get most of the conversion done but will have to ask Vikki about 4 of them.

I am looking forward to some new designs which have just been released at Market and am planning the fabrics and fibers to stitch them. Now all I have to do is find out where I can order some more TIME !!!

Catching my Breath

2007-02-12T13:45:00.000-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I posted here! But for the last two weeks I have been fighting the clock trying to get a model ready for the Nashville Market. I finally got it into the mail on Thursday--expressed directly to the Hotel! So now I can finally breathe again.

But a lot has happened over these last two weeks so I will try to catch you up on my wild ride!

First of all, I have been introduced to a new designer (for me) to do some model stitching. She is Vilma from Examplars From The Heart and if you would like to see some of her designs you can view them here (just click on conversions/assortments and scroll down) or here. She is best known probably for And They Sinned but she has done many wonderful designs and I feel blessed to be asked to stitch these models for her.

I have also been introduced to 40 ct linen. I had never tried it before--was always afraid I couldn't see it or that I wouldn't enjoy it. But let me tell you, once you adjust a bit it is wonderful! I can see myself fast becoming addicted to it. I sure hope these old eyes will hold up.

I also have a couple of new Chatelaine Designs to do as well as getting back to my FAS so I will be busy for a while--but then I love to be busy.

This past weekend was supposed to be our get-together weekend with my Stitching Sisters but a couple were sick and couldn't make it. But Kiki came and we had a wonderful time stitching and talking together for 2 and a half days (almost non-stop!)

She arrived Friday afternoon about 12:30 pm and we immediately began the job of *catching up*. She brought me several surprises (we are always picking up small gifts for each other). She brought me A new yardstick (I had broken mine), a quilters ruler and a rotary cutter (getting me ready for my Crazy Quilt), a serge protector with a long cord (which I haven't been able to find, and a channel lock wrench, vice grip pliers and screwdrivers (small size) for my stitching bag. Now you may think that some of these things are a bit strange for a stitching bag but they really aren't. I am always needing to tighten nuts or screws on my light/magnifier, chart holder or some such --or to tighten screws in my eyeglasses--or a variety of such things! So I am as pleased as punch! She also brought me fresh apples and STRAWBERRIES!!! which were quite good considering they were a greenhouse variety. Can't wait for April when our strawberries come into season! I had made a big pot of vegetable soup so for supper we had veggie soup and cornbread and for dessert we had vanilla ice cream with strawberries. Simply wonderful.

On Friday night we both went to bed early as we were very tired for some reason but we were up early Saturday and started in stitching again. We really got a lot accomplished and never ran out of things to talk about. Kiki worked on Chatelaine's Pompeii Garden and I worked on my newest model. We barely stopped long enough to eat. We finally looked up and realized that it was 2:30 am! So decided we better call it a night!

Sunday moning started bright and early with a leaisurely breakfast and then we settled in once more to begin stitching for the day. I really hated for it to come to an end but Kiki had to leave about 5:00 pm so that she could attend her hand bells rehearsal at her church. After we said our goodbyes I checked out my emails and then back to stitching. It is so nice to have stitching buddies with whom you can share your love of needlework!

Thanks to All

2007-01-29T16:54:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone of you who has made comments to my posts. I still haven't figured out how to reply to you individually --unless you include your email addy in the comment. But I have decided to just add a new comment so that hopefully you will check back and see any comments and answers to questions you might have made.

My FAS is being put aside once more as my latest model arrived a few minutes ago. I will be extremely busy over the next week since there is a serious deadline crunch here. But I will try to give you an update pic as I go along.

I have also taken some new pics to share with you as soon as I can get them downloaded. So please check back often. You never know what you might find!

What's going on?

2007-01-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

After trying for two days to get into my blog I finally made it. I'm not sure what has been going on with Blogspot but hopefully it is fixed now.

Thanks to everyone who has made comments to my posts. I do read and enjoy them but I haven't discovered how to acknowledge them directly. I am glad that some of you take the time to read and enjoy my blog.

I have been stitching on my FAS for the last few days while waiting for my latest model materials to arrive. I know, I know. I said no more models this year...but what I mean it that I will be cutting back on them. I am finishing up some deadline pieces now and will then have one or two major models to complete over the next few months with no fixed deadlines--so I can do some personal stitching also, which is what I am aiming for.

Life has been getting in the way lately. My aches and pains are seemingly more aggravating at the moment and I think it is mostly weather related. It has been very dull and dreary and rainy for the last week or so and the temps have gotten much colder. All I want to do is sit in front of a fire and relax. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get my fireplace started this year --pilot light won't ignite--so I will have to make do with my blankie and stitching to keep me warm.

I have also tried to do some more sorting and clearing out of my closets and drawers, etc. But it has been difficult to get in the mood to do this. I know it must be done but *I don't wanna do it!* Oh,well, as Scarlett would say....I'll do it tomotrrow.

Snowflake Nativity

2007-01-23T17:44:00.001-05:00

Snowflake Nativity, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

When photographing some of my finishes this week I realized that I had not shared a pic of my Snowflake Nativity from ©Chatelaine Designs. This was formerly Christmas Mystery I and has just been re-released as a chart. I stitched it on Ice Blue Lugana using the required silks, RG Petite Treasure Braids, Delica beads, Swarovski Crystals and Crystal Treasures. The Madonna and Child in the center is all stitched over one and I also added additional crystals on the bottommost *swag* of beads. I really like how this one turned out and is my favorite of the Christmas Mysteries thus far.

It has been very cold and rainy and dreary for the last several days and I have just wanted to curl up in a corner and stitch. I think I am going to make a pot of vegetable soup and relax tonight. I may even take a break from my model and stitch on FAS for a while.

New Goodies

2007-01-20T16:16:00.000-05:00

I just received my order of silks from Vikki Clayton and I admit that I am drooling over the colors and texture of all these silks. I got 16 glorious 50 yard spools to use on the Christmas presents I got--Rosemarkie, St Sylvestry, St Georges, St Germaine, and the four M design trees. Now I just have to decide which color for which chart. I am so looking forward to doing these. I think I have chosen Dragon Opal for Rosemarkie as I really like the richness of these colors. And I have a lovely purple-icious that I will use for one of them and a gorgeous Dragon's Hoarde that is earmarked for one of the trees. It is so much fun just playing with the colors and trying to decide which I like best--as if I could choose just one! And then trying to decide which I will start first. Well, that's another hard to make decision. I guess it will come down to which I pick up first! Now I must get back to my fond....ummmm...stitching.

Enchanted Fairy

2007-01-18T13:11:00.000-05:00

Enchanted Fairy, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

This is the Enchanted Fairy from ©Passione Ricamo that I have been working on as a model for the last few weeks. I finally got her finished up and now she is pressed and I will be mailing her off today. She is stitched on 28 ct Lugana using DMC floss, Waterlilies silks, RG Petite Treasure Braids, and Mill Hill Beads. I love the colors in this one and enjoyed stitching her a lot.

Now I am moving on to my next model. Soon I shall be able to stitch some things for myself.

Waterlilies arrived...

2007-01-16T19:03:00.000-05:00

The errant Waterlilies have finally arrived so I can finish up this model! It will be a relief as I know it is needed for a deadline. I will share a photo of it once it is done. I have been working on another model this week and hope it goes more smoothly than the last one. There are so many things I want to stitch and so little time. I really want this year to be for me but I have to finish up these obligations before I can start anything else. This doesn't keep me from dreaming and planning, however! Oh well...that's for another day...

French Alphabet Sampler

2007-01-14T16:54:00.000-05:00

French Alphabet Sampler , originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

Well, I have only been able to work on this on the weekends as I do my model stitching on weekdays. But I am enjoying this one so much. I have frogged the green and restitched it in the Dragon Blood. This one is moving pretty fast. I really hate to put it down when the time comes to do so.

Sorry...

2007-01-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

Things have really been crazy around here. Sorry I haven't posted in a few days. I am trying to get things finished up with a model I am stitching but I am having trouble getting a skein of Waterlilies that I need for it. The chart said 1 skein but I have used it and still have a lot left to do with it. Hopefully my skein will be here Tuesday --since the PO is closed on Monday-- and I can get this one finsihed. So this weekend I have been working on my FAS and will try to get an updated pic on tomorrow. Thill then....

Changed my Mind....

2007-01-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

After looking at my FAS for a few days I think I will frog the green and go monochromatic after all. I just don't think the green is looking as well as I had hoped. But it will have to wait a few more days. I am working diligently to try and finish up a model which has a deadline fast approaching. But I can hardly wait to get back to it.

I have so many new charts that I want to do. Santa was so good to me this year and I will have fun planning out the fibers and fabrics for them.

French Alphabet Sampler

2007-01-03T10:48:00.001-05:00

French Alphabet Sampler, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

Well, we are all still in shock! What a way to begin the New Year. I have been unable to sleep so I have been trying to stitch a bit. I began my FAS at midnight on New Years Eve and managed to get a good bit done before the sad news hit us. I thought I would share a photo of my start. It is stitched on 32 ct white Belfast Linen using Vikki Clayton Silks in Dragon Blood, OMG Red 1149 and Isle Green.