Monday, March 28, 2016

Skyros Island Schooner Sampler - Week 4

For all the hours I stitch, I feel sometimes I make very little progress.  But I did manage to color the page 4, roll my scroll  rods up, and start on page 8.


Lots of fill in.  Which is always slow going!

I'm thinking about purchasing another chart. Gigi R's Big cat sampler. Someone is stitching it now in the FB group and its abeauty.  All those motifs.

This picture doesn't do it the justice it deserves.

I managed to get another thing off my "to do" list. I gave Dixie her summer cut.  Shave everything off except her beard, and eyebrows.  Schnauzers have hair, so they easily get matted. I'm sure she's not too thrilled with her new "do!"


Every time I look at her, I think of that song back in the 70's.  Don't want no woman with skinny legs!  Poor pathetic Dixie!

We attended Easter service on Sunday.  Sang so many of the Easter hymns that so remind me of Easter growing up. Great service. 

Well that's all for this week. Happy stitching!





Monday, March 21, 2016

Skyros Island Schooner Sampler - Week 3

Skyros Island Schooner Sampler
Stitch Designs
36 ft. vintage country mocha
DMC


Was hoping by now that I would be finished with page 4 of this chart and be able to move my scroll rods!  Not so much!  Lots of motifs, lots of color changes.

I have been pre threading needles with the various colors, just to save time, and that helps a bit. 

When I finish this chart I'm willing it to my friend since her husband is Greek.  I told her she might want to switch the turquoise blues, to something more royal or navy blue.  Not about to rip what I sewed so far out, because il questioning the color choices.

It's still pretty!

I gave my sweet Holly a bath this last week, and cut her toe nails. I'm not sure she appreciated any of it!


I fully intended to give Dixie a summer cut, bath, etc.  But then it got cold here.  Not about to let her get cold by cutting off all her fur.  But it better warm up quickly because she is pretty pitifiul looking!

I also made home made peanut clusters. A bag of melted milk chocolate chips, and a can and a half of dry roasted peanuts. Must cool in fridge or the don't set up.  Also must eat quickly once taken from the fridge because they will melt in your hands.

My mother actually does have an opinion.  I asked her how the blueberry quick bread was.  "Fine!  But I don't really like blueberries!" News to me!  I'll have to pawn the second loaf on someone!  Stick with apple, pumpkin or banana breads in the future.  Although I do have a great recipe for strawberry bread that uses fresh strawberries.

My daughter is home from school, until she graduates in May.  Today she received a job offer.  She was so happy she burst into tears. One more birdie leaving the nest, but at least she'll still be in Va. If she accepts the offer, and within 2 hours of home.

Although to be honest, with the youngest two being in college, even when they were home for breaks, I didn't see much of them.  Cutting of the apron strings. Plus, I raised them to be independent , self sufficient and contributing members to society.  So even though it's time to spread their wings, I can't help being a bit sad about it all.

Thankfully I have my husband, and mother and several pets.  Plus all my hobbies, I'll keep myself busy!

Until next week- Happy Easter and have fun stitching!








Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Skyros Island Schooner Sampler - Week 2

Skyros Island Schooner Sampler
Stitch Designs
36 ft. vintage country mocha
DMC

Stitching away, as time permits.

I've had to take a break from stitching many hours away.  My "to do" list was just getting way too long.

Yesterday, I spent the day baking. 7 loaves of quick breads. 3 Pumpkin/Pineapple, 2 blueberry and 2 carrot bread.  Yup even grated the carrots myself, without accidentally grating a fingernail or, finger in the process.

Been trying some new recipes, to give my mom some diversity.  She likes something sweet to eat with her morning cup of coffee. 

This week she's finishing up the last loaf from my  last baking fore. Applesauce bread. I tried to get her to give me some feedback on ones she liked better. "Oh I like them all!"  She really is a woman without an opinion.

I should just ask my kids, since they have no problem telling me about dishes/baking that they don't care for.  
But they also are gracious enough to complement their favorites.

One of my resolutions this year was not to make political comments. I intend to honor that, throughout the year. The only thing I will say, is, if where you live, hasn't held their primary yet, when they do, go vote!  Off my soap box!

With that, I will end with, happy productive stitching!




Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Skyros Island Schooner Sampler

I have only managed a few hours of stitching.  I was busy doing other things, boring things, like cleaning.  My to-do list is still fairly long.  
I am so very sorry that I can't recall who is the designer of this.  Will update on next post more specifics.  I do recall I'm using 36ct. Vintage mocha linen  and DMC.  It uses some metallic specialty thread that I haven't used before.  

After completing the crown using 2 threads, I ripped it out today, and re-stitched using one.  Two threads, in my humble opinion, made it look bulky and sloppy.

This week we bought a car.  We have been down to one car for over a year, but with 3 adults sometimes having different schedules, it was just getting to much.

So hubby and I went out, and he bought me a little run about car.  It will be so much easier for my mom to get in and out of. Getting her in and out of my husband's Silverado truck was quite the sight to watch. Plus I didn't enjoy driving the truck,  it's huge.  Ever since I backed into one the Hooter waitress's car, I hated backing up in it. Have to drive around the parking lot looking for spaces I could pull into, so I could just drive out.  One day I went to Best Buy, and had to wait for someone to come out of the store and leave, so I could drive forward to leave.  Cuz there was no way I was going to get the truck out without hitting someone. 


2014 Chevy Spark.  Slightly bigger than a Smart Car.  Nice girly color, sort of metallic periwinkle.  But got almost all the bells and whistles I wanted.  Especially heated seats!

Today my mom and I went on a road trip to In Stitches, in Alexandria.  I picked up a chart that was just released by Queenstown at the Nashville Market.  They showed me the stitched version.  oMG!  This picture on the chart doesn't show how very beautiful it really is.


I slso found these two little take along samplers in their clearance bin. 


Sorry these aren't better photos, but was too lazy to take them out of the plastic.
Used some of the money from the $75 gift certificate my sister gave me for Christmas.

In Stitches was very busy since the Woodlawn Needlework show is being held. So stitchers see the displays and run over to In Stitches to purchase the charts, and fabrics and threads. Now that I have transportation I'll be back more often!

Well that's bout all for now!  Happy Stitching.






Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Hannah Lancaster - Finished!

Hannah Lancaster Sampler
Worcester Art Museum
The Porcupine Collection
35 ct. Unbleached linen
DMC
Finished, measures 16" wide X 22" long