mrs. rodgers' neighborhood...part 2

2011 has been one of those years. Let's just say I'm glad Christmas is over, seasonal items put away, and the new year has started. I do hope 2012 proves to be more productive and promising. Here's what did happen in 2011...

I had to start Loose Feathers - Summer by Blackbird Designs. It was like a dirty little drug calling my name...a good drug though, as I'm sure everyone can agree.





This is truly embarrassing, folks. I started stitching Trees by The Workbasket in 2008 while visiting Keepsakes in Ohio with my mom and aunt. I bought the chart, the called-for WDW threads, and some beautiful, to-die-for Lakeside Linen fabric. But this was sleeping for sometime before I "remembered" I still had it tucked away. This is the calateral damage when starting too many projects at once. It's a sickness, I suppose, and I suffer in a big way!



One loooooong q-snap, I'll tell you. But it's proving to work wonderfully with this design.

I'm sorry, but he's the cutest fox I've ever stitched. He looks like he's in mid-flight, but I assure you he's not on steroids. He's standing on some other forest friend. I promise. Maybe he or she will be lucky enough to make this year's stitching agenda. That's if I come up with one.  

 

This poor guy. Notice he borrowed Frankenstein's shoes so he could tread better through the trees? I stitched him 1-row too high and wasn't about to rippit out (I'd rather croak). I didn't notice his height difference until after I woke this design and started to stitch on it again. We borrowed extra shoes for him and I must admit, he doesn't look all that bad. He looks like a bad ass. I wouldn't mess with him if I crossed him through the trees.

Towards the end of the year I was visiting primitivebettys blog and was taken with Deaver Daughter's Schoolhouse Sampler. Had to have it. The concept of one large sampler embodied with two mini samplers really caught my eye. Betty's story of the sisters really inspired me to stitch this with my mom and her sister (my Aunt Pam) in mind. The focus color is blue which is my favorite color. I was hooked, but imagining two sisters diligently stitching on their very own mini sampler on the same cloth to combine one large design. Very cool! I'm sorry I'm not further along.

I have forgotten the fabric I'm using. I know I changed the count because I want this design to be substantial when finished. I stuck with the called-for threads because...

the colors are rich, deep, and Dungaree is a fabulous primitive blue.

Again, I can't remember the fabric blend or count. I'll soon get this back out too. I went for the mottled look for aging purposes, obviously.

Aunt Pam and I call this one ATS (pronounce "ats") because anytime we talk about it we don't want to keep referring to it as And They Sinned. You know that humungous, most beautiful, will-take-an-individual-longer-than-a-lifetime-to-complete design by Examplars From The Heart? Yeah, that's the one. Saying And They Sinned in a sentence sounds lengthy and because of "And" it's just plain weird to add to any type of sentence. Therefore, we say ATS - it works, and we know we're weird for it.

Such a cute little Cherub. I read that Cherubs were known to guard the entrance to the Garden of Eden. Makes sense with this design.

The color purple is a calming color. The stars next to her appear to be off center. I will add, that this entire design has mistakes so if this design is in your to-do basket there are corrections you can acquire, but make sure you check the instructions every so often. I feel as if I'll be checking and re-checking the instructions and corrections sheet as I go along. The border cannot be stitched first because of mistakes and by keeping the border and inner design together, you'll make fewer mistakes. At least that's what I have found.

Another Cherub and a snake. Who doesn't like to stitch up a snake? There are two on each side atop and I must admit, even though these snakes aren't very nice, they were awfully quick and fun to stitch.

I have a little more than this done. There's a gorgeous sun and bird in the lower left hand corner peeking from the cloud. Oh! And that cloud...it was hell stitching that thing. Aunt Pam and I are thrilled to be done stitching THAT cloud. It's actually two different colors, but you almost can't tell. My aunt and I are having a long distance SAL. We're using two different count fabrics, but we are sticking with the color palatte.

I stitched two gifts for two special people this year. Both were for Christmas. I believe they were well received and much appreciated.

This was my first Brittercup Design and I truly enjoyed crossing every x. When I saw Stealing Oats I knew who I had to stitch it for. Her name is Devinee and she's a wonderful 12-year old girl I've grown quite fond of and close to over the years. She is the daughter I'll never have.

She loves horses and cats. She shares the love of horses with her mother and the cat, for me, represents Devinee. Hence stealing oats from the horse :-) That Devinee sure is a goober.

You can't tell, but the frame has traces of a subtle red hue which reminded me of a barn nestled in the countryside. The dark wood also matches furniture in Devinee's room.

Here it is in all its glory. I used a Vintage Country linen. It has a slight over-dyed appearance which goes well with the weathered barn/country look. Devinee was surprised and does appreciate my hard work. I'm glad I was able to stitch her something as she does see me stitch for myself and others.

 

My next gift was for my mother. I actually started and finished stitching this last year. Which translates to 2010. Egads! It wasn't intentional by any means. I had no idea how I was going to finish-finish it during the stitching. I only decided, or rather made up my mind, on how is was to be finished. I wanted something extra special so my project began...and it took awhile, but mom was pleasantly surprised, therefore, job well done.

Of course, we can all tell which designer this is. Little House Needleworks, of course! It's dainty and sweet from the Little Women Virtues Series "Strong and Beautiful" which my mom truly is - no lie. I added the Made with Love charm. I thought it cute for the little lady to hold something rather than nothing :-)

It was a pleasure using Belle Soie silks in colors as lovely as My Mom.

Mom would never presume she's strong, and she may think she's beautiful, but not nearly the way her daughter does. Mom is the most enfluential person in my life. Past. Present. And Future. Pretty is as pretty does. I've been witness to some of mom's toughest times and she comes out on top, always. That's a person I need in my life and I'm thankful to God for her.

I finished it into a box. I added lace I purchased in Florida while on a stitching retreat with mom and friends that originally came from Germany. It works perfectly, including how the scalloped edge of the lace matches the top border of the design. I didn't plan that. It just worked out that way.

I bought the unfinished box at Joann's. I think it cost a mere $3. I bought stain and varnish and went to work. I even managed not to get stain or varnish on the gold clasps. So proud of myself for that - toot toot!

Went through my fabric stash and found some that matched perfectly to the design. Again, it was meant to be! I measured, used my rotary cutter for precision, and used Mod Podge to adhere the fabric to the inside of the box.

I also padded the bottom with felt and then with the fabric. I completed the box with matching necessaires inside. My only complaint is that no matter how much time went by the lid felt tacky. It had weeks to dry so I'm not sure what the deal was. Doesn't matter. Mom truly loves it and I love her.

I do apologize for not remembering fabric choices and counts. I've lost a bit, if not all, of my mojo since the year started. I haven't stitched a lick. Aside from stitching in 2011, both boys have grown, naturally. Jose's got more of an attitude and has a strong set of friends. He had surgery too (and unfortunately not on his attitude). Cameron had major dental work done which proved costly and painful. But Cameron is still sweet, 4 years old, and very imaginative.

Went to Ohio for Thanksgiving, and my parents have retired. Except dad has started a new part-time job hosting a morning radio station show 3 times a week. This should be interesting!

A very special someone gifted me a Kindle Fire for Christmas, and man, am I ADDICTED!!! So is Cameron. It's the best Christmas gift I ever received aside from when I was 8 and dad got me an ATARI. Back then, we didn't have a lot of money so I understand now what it took. But that day, dad hooked it up to a suitable TV and played Tennis with me all afternoon. Twenty-plus years later, I'm given a gift in the same capacity and I'm in love.

This thing is amazing! I'm on it everyday. The only things it doesn't do is 'ring-a-ling-ling' and brew coffee. Other than those two things, there isn't anything this Fire cannot do. Thank you, RAD!

So, goodbye to 2011 and hello to 2012. I don't make resolutions because I'm not committed enough to keep them. I usually stray. Change is too inevitable. But I sure hope I get a job soon bc we're struggling. I want my children to be happy. I want my parents to feel at peace for the rest of their lives. I want my brother to be productive and healthy. I want RAD to continue having success and good fortune. And I want Mr. Rodgers to win the Superbowl!!!

Thanks for taking a walk through Mrs. Rodgers's neighborhood - Go Green Bay! Talk soon!

just another hodgepodge

I wish my posts were as interesting as everyone else’s, and I wish I could come up with a better title for this post. I hate when I can’t come up with something well-fitting and catchy. “Just another hodgepodge” will have to do.

Went over to mom’s Monday and it’s always a circus. Meaning I bring the circus where ever I go. Meaning my kids especially Cameron. He is a handful these days. Mom wanted to tease me further and this was on the front door.

Sorry for the glare. It was a beautiful day for Nana’s and apparently for "Edward" to greet us at the door. Ah, mothers can be so cute, can’t they? LOL

Mom bought these Gummy Brains for Jose and of course Cameron wanted some brains too. Good thing Jose was sort of in the sharing spirit. Jose took the rest of them to school yesterday in his lunch. These boys are spoiled rotten by Nana. I’m a pretty spoiled daughter too. Spoiled niece as well!

When we arrived home I was pleasantly surprised by a package from Aunt Pam. When I went to Ohio last I went through my aunt’s reproduction fabrics. I saw this fantastic Moda fabric I just had to have. She couldn’t part with it, and understandably b/c she’s using it for a project, but she did allow me a 6x3 snippet. My thought was to take this to the LQS and buy some. I went to the shop and they didn’t have it and can’t get it. I told my aunt of my defeat and disappointment. I wasn’t going to stop there though. My search will continue. Well, search no more! The pleasant surprise was my aunt mailed me a fat quarter of the Moda fabric!!! I was and still am ecstatic! Am I not the luckiest, most blessed niece in the entire world??? I think I am. I went from a snippet to a fat quarter and all b/c I’m loved. =) Thanks again, Aunt Pam. I love you!

Progress on the first tree is taking shape. The alphabet hugs the entire length of the tree line and of course more trees will be stitched. Let’s just say that the alphabet serves a root-like purpose. Stitching the animals is turning out fun and looking kind of spiffy - LOL. I’m enjoying it, but I haven’t stitched on Trees in a couple of days. I've been working on smalls and dyeing fabric.

I’ve stitched on this surprise piece the last two days – finished it up Tuesday afternoon. Just a slight peek is permitted at this point. I did use GAST and WDW.

I’m just about complete with re-organizing all the DMC. Boy, it’s a lot of floss!!! I’ll put these containers into a cabinet in my crafting area. Much more efficient and accessible – love, love, love the sound of that!

I can’t knit. I was taught once, but there is no way I’ll be able to knit something like THIS. I’ll procrastinate. Never will get it done let alone start it. Staci is gracious with this pattern of hers and I simply fell in love with it. One of the shop owners of the LNS is a knitter and since we have known each other for about 15 years I felt comfortable to ask for her knitting expertise. I went by the shop and she helped me pick out the right type of yarn. I think the yarn I picked will turn out beautifully for this pattern. I can’t wait to see them turned into mittens. I know Pat will do an excellent job!

I think the Chia Head is on his last grassy knoll. He is looking pretty strung out, isn’t he? His grass hair looks like tangled wires at this point. I still give him water and for the past couple of days we’ve had no sunlight so things are looking mighty grim for Chia – heehee…And Thursday, Friday and Saturday we’re forecast for rain and thunderstorms. Imagine that.

I started a couple of small freebies, but I’ll post on those later. I’m trying to get into the fall-feeling. I love summer so much but I am trying to feel the fall season. I do like the color changes – it is pretty, but I don’t like the chilly air especially cold winters. I haven’t been able to get outside for walks this week. Thank goodness for tread mills and indoor exercising. At least I have that. Cameron has a nasty ear infection so we haven’t walked or been to daycare. One of his ears is leaking fluid and I know he’s uncomfortable. We see the pediatrician this afternoon.

Finally, Halloween is on a Saturday instead of a week night, but neither of my children is going trick-or-treat-ing. That is fine by me though. I really don’t enjoy walking around the neighborhood begging for candy. I know the kids love it, but I can live without it to be honest. I asked Jose about it but his response is “I’m too old to dress up,” so Jose won’t be going out. Since Cameron has an ear infection and we don’t have a costume we’re going to pass this year. Cameron won’t miss it. In fact, I don’t think he’ll care. Besides, there's enough cool stuff on TV that night to keep us busy, and I do have plenty of stitching.

Well, I best get off. Cameron is watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This child is funny. Lately he's been getting into these movies as well as other more mature movies. At this age Jose was watching Barney. Funny. Onto the next...Talk soon!

a productively fun day

Jose and I had a fun lunch with our friends today and afterwards we went to McKay’s - a used book, CD, and more store. We had a delightful time together. We giggled like two little kids (I would say two little school girls, but he might get offended). I had store credit so that made it guilt-free spending, sort of. He got a video game and a couple of books. I found an Elmo movie for Cameron, a movie for myself, a new edition dictionary, and my favorite find, the Anne of Green Gables book on CD. I can’t wait to listen to this. I’m thinking I can sync this to the iPod and listen to literature while I walk.

One can never have too many fat quarters, wouldn’t you agree? I went to the LQS looking for a specific pattern. Reproduction of course. I couldn’t find it. I asked about it and they can’t get it. It’s Moda! Go figure…Anyway, there are other places. However, these fat quarters are exceptionally close to the pattern I want with a mere difference of base color. Six fat quarters for fifteen dollars – not bad in my book. I even had a helper named Jose. :)

I also went by the LNS and picked up some WDW and GAST threads so I can frog the crud out of Crows (that sounds funny – lol), start on another project, and bought a piece of 32 ct. linen so I can hand dye it.



Here is the Dutch beauty. Trees by The Workbasket. I’m stitching it on 32 ct. Exampler Vintage which is probably one of my favorite hand-dyed linens. It’s gorgeous and has plenty of variation. Plus, it’s versatile enough for so many designs. I love the owl, but so many more cute animals to come.

I normally wouldn't bash JCS and I'll try not to, but I am extremely disappointed with the latest issue. I think I managed to get through it in 0.8 seconds it was that terrible. I didn't enjoy it at all. There are two things of slight interest. One is an ad I saw - I'm going to visit the website at least. And two, was a dainty little design that says Happy Holidays (I think). Not sure that I'll make it into a mitten, but I do like the "primitive" feel and the Charlie Brown tree. Other than that this issue is blah.

On a more positive note, I'm adopting a system from Aunt Pam to implement a new way of organizing my DMC threads. I still use the Lorann cards and the bobbins and the floss bags and ALL this for storage. I don't like it. My aunt has a fabulous system set up for her DMC and I think it'll work beautifully for me as well. So far I have the 3x5 index cards and zip lock bags. Next I need storage containers so I think this calls for a trip to Dollar General or the like. Tomorrow might be a good day for that since it's a "me" day. Friday is movie day for me and my biggest baby. :) Talk soon!