My Sad Story

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

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

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

Till next time...Happy Stitching!

Keeping Busy

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

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

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

Till Next Year!

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

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

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

I made it!

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

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

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

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

Thank You

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

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

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

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


Take Care & Happy Stitching!

Falling Apart at the seams...

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

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

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

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

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

Off with the old...

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



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

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



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

Wow!

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



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




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

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

Quick Update

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

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

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

Where is the Sun?

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

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

Decision

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

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

Exciting news

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

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

Yippee!!!!!

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

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

Well I've finally done it....

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

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

Happy Mothers Day!

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

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

Rainy days and Mondays.....

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

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

Cirque des Cercles

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



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

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

Cirque des Carreaux

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



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

My Kitchen

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







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

I'm Back!

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

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



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

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

It's That Time of Year

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

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



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

Patchwork

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

Catching up

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

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

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

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

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

Seaside Stitching Retreat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FAS update

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

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!

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Chaos Still Reigns

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...

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) !!

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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!!!!

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!

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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...

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

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...

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....

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

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.

In Shock!

We just received word that Bunny's husband was killed in a car accident this morning! We are all in shock and Bunny, of course, is devastated. Off to cry some more.....

Lovely weekend

This weekend I had the get together for a group of friends. This was our *Christmas* and we had a wonderful time. We stitched a lot, talked a lot, ate too much, slept too little and laughed so much our sides hurt! It was wonderful! I got lots of stitching stash--4 Long Dog Sampler Charts (Rosemarkie, St Georges, St Sylvestry, and St Germaine) 4 M Designs Christmas Trees (Love, Dream, Peace and Kathy) 15 Accentuate metallic fibers, 4 Needle Necessities, a telescoping magnet, the Vikki Clayton Silks Sample Tag Assortment with binder, a carousel for my stitching basket, a GC to European Cross Stitch, a GC to my LNS, and I know I am forgetting something! I also got lots of non-stitching stuff--a jar opener (to help my arthritic hands), the Harry Potter book collection, a battery powered drill (all for myself!), a calendar mouse pad, leather memo holder, candy, coccoa, candles, and more! The biggest gift of all is just having the friendship and love of such a wonderful group of ladies. I feel so very fortunate.

The weekend started on Thursday evening with the arrival of Bunny. Then on Friday, Tracy and Kiki showed up in the early afternoon followed by Angela and finally Angel. Some of them had to leave on Sunday evening but Kiki stayed and brought in the New Year with me. She left this afternoon and I feel so alone now. It was a great weekend but I admit I am terribly tired. I think I will go take a nap!

Happy New Year!

I wish for all of us a Healthy, Happy, and Safe New Year. 2007 is going to be a wonderful year--I just know it!

Finally...

It has really been a hectic couple of weeks. But I had a wonderful Christmas. As I told you yesterday I got my best friend back and I got to spend some quality time with my son. I have really been blessed this year. I received several gift certificates to stitching stores as well as a couple of non-stitching ones. Also some cash (which I have earmarked for some silk fibers that I want), and a gc for a lovely pedicure! My son also gave me the gift of his time to help me do some things that I need to do. All in all a good Christmas.

But the good thing is --that it isn't over yet. This weekend I am hosting a get together of 6 friends for our *Christmas* party. We will stitch, talk, eat, exchange gifts, eat, stitch, catch up, stitch......well you get it. So my Christmas is lasting for two weeks! These ladies are the best friends a person could have. They visit with me and take care of me throughout the year and make me feel very special at all times. I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have such a group of caring, loving friends. I will definitely tell you all about our weekend next week.

My Christmas Miracle

Last year my best friend was diagnosed with Cancer. After much thought, prayer, and discussion she decided not to go through with Chemo as the doctor told her that although it might lengthen the time she has left it would lessen the quality of her remaining time. I think this was more devastating to me than it was for her but we have to accept things as they come. A few months later she decided to move back to Spokane, Washington to be with her daughter at the end. I was heartbroken but I understood why she wanted to be there. Thorough a comedy of errors on both ends we lost touch after a few weeks--telephone #'s changing, visiting with her sister who was then hospitalized and moved, daughter remarried and I didn't know her new name, etc. I was frantic to try and find her and she had been trying to reach me--my telephone # had also changed and I couldn't let her know.

On Dec 23rd I had a nightmare about her and I just knew something had happened. I was determined to find her somehow. I decided that the next morning I would call her estranged husband and see if he would give me her telephone number. (I had my doubts that he would co-operate, but I was determined to try!) So on Christmas Eve morning I called but didn't get an answer. Later that afternoon I tried again. I was NOT going to let Christmas come and go without talking to her!! I dialed the number and SHE answered the phone!!! It seems that she and Harold had missed each other more than they realized and had reconciled! And she had come home!

I was estatatic! As was she. And we talked for an hour and it truly was the best Christmas present I could have wished for! And to make things even better...her health was better. Her Cancer had slowed down (although not in remission) and she was feeling good.

My Best Friend is Home Again! Miracles do happen.

Merry Christmas

This has been a hectic week but Christmas is finally here. I hope that each of you have a wonderful and safe Holiday and a prosperous and healthy New Year. I will be back later to tell you everything that has been going on but for now I must go see what Santa brought me.

Ornament Finished

Windchime Ornie Front, originally uploaded by Mad Stitcher.

Well, the holidays have really cut into my stitching time but I have managed to finish a couple of small projects. One is an ornament for an ornament exchange. I designed this Hardanger ornament and stitched it with DMC Pearl Cotton on 20 ct Metallic Lugana. I added a Mill Hill Snowflake Treasure to the front and personalized the back. I then made it into a windchime. I hope my recipeint likes it. Here is the front side:

Windchime Ornie Back, originally uploaded by Mad Stitcher.

And here is the back side. It was really fun to stitch.

Fun Day

We just had Christmas at my house and it was so much fun. Kaitlin is such a baby doll and Jeb is a wonderful young man. Kaitlin's stocking was a big hit. Everyone liked it-- even Kaitlin who thought it was delicious! I got a GC and cash for STASH and another GC and wonderful homemade goodies as well. I am so happy but very tired as well so I am going to go stitch for a while and then have an early night.

Santa with Tree

Santa with Tree, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

I have just a few minutes while getting ready for the Family Get-together tomorrow so I thought I would share a photo of Ian's stocking. I think it turned out beautifully. I will be getting his to him on Monday so it will be ready for Santa to fill up with goodies.

On the Rooftop

On the Rooftop, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

This week has been really crazy and I didn't get much stitching done. But I did finally get Kaitlin's stocking finished. And I think it turned out really well. She will be getting it on Sunday when we have Christmas here at my house. So it will be hanging on Christmas Eve when Santa comes to visit.

I have been busy trying to clean just a bit and put up a tree. It is difficult for me so I am just putting up the small tree again this year. But when I got out all the hand stitched ornaments given to me by stitching friends over the last three or four years it really made me smile. These are the only ornaments that will be on my tree and it will be beautiful.

French Alphabet Sampler Specifics

I was asked about the specifics of my French Alphabet Sampler so I thought I would share it here. I am so excited. I managed to get 6 generations covered with names and/or initials.

Both Maternal and Paternal Grandparents
My Parents
My 2 Brothers and 1 SIL
My Son and Stepdaughter
My 2 step Grandchildren and spouses
My 2 Great-grandchildren
And, of course, my late DH and me--including both surnames, both first names and both initials and our nicknames as well--Stormy and Bo

I think that's a total of 29 names/initials and 3 dates, some stitching motifs and I am going to make a place for a Celtic motif of some sort to represent our heritage. Lynne, did an absolutely fantastic job on this and I am completely satisfied with the results.

I am going to be using White Belfast for this one to make the Dragon Blood really stand out beautifully. I can't wait for Jan 1st!

My decision is made!

Today I received the sample skeins of silk that I ordered in various shades of red. I wanted to make sure that I have the right one for my FAS. Since this design is so large and will take a lot of time and fibers, I want it to be perfect. And I found it. It is Dragon Blood silk from Vikki Clayton. This is a varigated silk ranging from a dark rich red to a bright Christmas red with just the right tone and shading. A really rich and vibrant color without being garrish. I am so pleased and excited. Now I just have to order my 30 skeins of it and I will be ready for my January 1st start date.

Excited....

This weekend was a very quiet one for me. I spent Friday and Saturday stitching on the Mystic Meadows model that I am doing. This is the 3rd one of these I have stitched but it is such a wonderful project that I do not mind. On Sunday I really didn't feel like stitching so I sorted and organized some more of my fibers. I am trying to get all my stash organized so that I know what I have!

Today I received the *package has been sent* notice from Vikki Clayton about the package containing my skeins of reds to try out for my FAS. I am so excited. I will finally be able to make the final decision on fibers for this so that I can start it on January 1st. ( I always have a special project to start at midnight on Jan 1 !) 2007 is going to be the year for ME. I am going to limit my model stitching and my obligatory stitching as much as possible so that I can get some things finished for myself. I know, I know. I say this every year--but this year I mean it!

French Alphabet Sampler--begins Jan 1st
Chatelaine's Mystery X Garden--begins Jan 1st
WIP's for Alhambra Garden (Chatelaine), Ingrid Bergman Rose (The Silver Lining), Rembrandt Tulips (The Silver Lining), among others--will be completed in 2007!

Alphabetissimo

Alphabetissimo, originally uploaded by The Mad Stitcher.

Today I would like to share a photo of a model that I recently finished for European Cross Stitch. It is Alphabetissimo from Papillion Creations and was stitched on white Jobelan using DMC fibers. Altough I haven't stitched this type of sampler before, I really enjoyed it.

This week has been a bit hectic.. I did manage to finish Kaitlin's stocking so I plan to assemble it this weekend. I also finished up an ornament/windchime for an exchange but can't share the pic quite yet. I will do so when it is received.

Christmas is getting really close and I am no where close to being ready. I did manage to get Jason's Christmas present without him seeing it. And I think he will be really surprised when he opens it! I want to get my house cleaned up but just don't have the strength and energy to do it. I seem to be doing everything in slow motion these days. But I am going to try to get some things done tomorrow.