Saturday, December 31, 2011

CHRISTMAS VISITOR

As Christmas was approaching and the days were so busy I had a surprised Christmas visitor. I must say not a welcomed visitor!
He stopped in to visit while no one was home and yes he did leave his calling card. Somehow I knew he was going to call again and yes he did, again while no one was home. Still leaving his calling card. His name was Alvin!!!

I always knew I didn't like the name Alvin but more so the week of Christmas!!
Yes, Alvin is one of many Chipmunks!! But Alvin sure liked my kitchen and my home when no one was home!

You can only imagine my surprise to have such a visitor and him eating my Harry & David pears! He didn't like the old grocery bought banana. LOL!

As I was about to lose my mind with it being the week of Christmas and knowing well I had a lot of cooking to do and Alvin wasn't coming for dinner!!! As I was bringing out the Christmas dinnerware so were the animal traps. I did have a special treat for Alvin...sunflower seeds and peanut butter!
Oh so great for Christmas!! Alvin loved those sunflower seeds but not the traps. I was pleased Alvin gave me a gift leaving his trail of eaten seeds and a few for the road.

As I was saying...I was losing my mind!
You can only imagine me screaming on the phone to my husband a few choice words about Alvin. I was also screaming this isn't going to work! I am not cooking!! We are eating somewhere else!!! By this time I had NO Christmas spirit or a mind of my own!! Thank heavens Alvin only liked my kitchen! And those Harry & David pears!!

As this story goes, Alvin didn't have to knock on the door. He welcomed himself by entering under my kitchen sink and dishwasher. They do have great teeth!!
The bottom wood under the sink was replaced and no more Alvin!!
Next came disinfecting, scrubbing, disinfecting and more scrubbing and a total cleaning of my kitchen. Then came my Christmas cooking!

We did have a great Christmas and dinner! Just no Alvin!!!
And I still have my mind!
And Alvin still has a trap waiting on him too and hopefully a ride out of town!!

There has been no stitching in this house but soon I will be starting a new cross stitch pattern.

I hope you all had a great Christmas!
And to all in blogland...wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Until we meet again...
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Sunday, December 25, 2011

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Wishing all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

WISHING ALL A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

As everyone gathers today for Thanksgiving, my family celebrates a blessing we received thirty-four years ago.
On November 24th, 1977 I gave birth to our second son Carson. I have always said as everyone was having turkey I was having Carson. The doctor kept telling me to wait as he could then miss eating pumpkin pie.
As this special day was approaching I kept telling the doctor I would have my baby on Thanksgiving Day. Of course no one believed me! I was overdue and family didn't want me to travel so Thanksgiving was at our home. On Thanksgiving Eve, yes it all started with me telling family I am going to prepare to go to the hospital. Of course all the family said...you're kidding! No, I wasn't kidding!! And as it goes...Carson was born in the early hours of Thanksgiving Day!!

Today, our family will be enjoying our Thanksgiving Day dinner and also Carson's birthday. Every seven years Carson celebrates his birthday on Thanksgiving Day.
Having his birthday on Thanksgiving Day is a very special day as we all gather and share the day with Carson.

To our son Carson...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Wishing all a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Until we meet again...
Happy Stitching
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Monday, October 31, 2011

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

My Halloween Boy is still on the Doodler Frame and little more than half finished.
So, maybe someday you will see a picture of him on this blog. Sorry it has been forever since blogging but I am wayyyyyyyy behind!!

Wishing you all A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Until we meet again...
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Friday, August 19, 2011

HAYSTACKS

Just dropping in to say...
I am still here!
Oh those haystacks!!!
That is where I am, in the haystacks!!

This HALLOWEEN BOY pattern is getting very detailed starting with the quarter stitches. However, I am moving right along. Soon I will be finished with the haystacks and I can't wait to stitch the pumpkins and the Halloween boy.

I have a picture of this HALLOWEEN BOY pattern as you scroll down. I have stated many times before how I love the Leisure Arts Books. These books offer great patterns. This HALLOWEEN BOY pattern is from an old post card. I have always loved the "vintage" look and Leisure Arts offers many of the "vintage" patterns.

Better get back to the haystacks!

Until We Meet Again...
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

RED EYE

I failed to mention a pattern change.
BLACKBIRD DESIGNS SUMMER OFFERING ... I made a change of my own with this pattern.
As following pattern directions for the eye I kept looking at the eye and not liking what I was seeing. I decided to think about what I wanted to do.

As I stitched the red berries it came to me... a red eye!
So I quickly changed to a red eye and I really liked how it looked. I feel the red eye and the red berries pulled from each other.

Another thought I had was to do a few beads on the berries but decided to move on. You know how it goes ... after stitching on a pattern for awhile you are ready to finish and start a new pattern.

With all said...I like the red eye!!

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN..
HAPPY STITCHING
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Sunday, July 24, 2011

UPDATE

At last pictures of BLACKBIRD DESIGNS SUMMER OFFERING has been added.
Please scroll down to previous blog posting.
I framed SUMMER OFFERING with a black frame from Michael's.
I must say I am very pleased.

Moving on to HALLOWEEN BOY, pattern by LEISURE ARTS BOOK, HOLIDAY REVERIE.
This pattern has been a struggle for me. I am in the clouds and soon will be in the haystacks. I am so ready to get into new color of floss which looks like Halloween.
Once I get to stitch the pumpkins then I will feel like I am into Halloween.

LEISURE ARTS patterns are fun, colorful and with many challenges.
They are never boring so no fear of falling asleep while stitching.

HAPPY STITCHING!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Getting Organized

Hello Everyone!

Hope everyone is enjoying this summer!

I have just finished Blackbird Designs Summer Offering.
I hope I am not the only person that has a mess once finished stitching! I must say that my stitching basket is such a disorganized mess. It is time for a stitching house cleaning!!
So, the last two evenings I have been organizing all my DMC Floss on floss bobbins. Anyone having issues with those little sticky numbers falling off the floss bobbins?
Anyone having issues with writing the floss number on the plastic floss bobbins only to have the ink wear off? Well, that is where I am!!!
With the help of The Twisted Stitcher blog tutorial I have help on the way!
So far so good!! Been cutting the DMC Floss number off and taping on upper right hand corner and then wrapping floss around the bobbin. I am hoping to be finished by evening organizing all my floss and ready for the next stitching project.

I am going to be stitching another Leisure Arts Book pattern. Book #15 Christmas Remembered Holiday Reverie. My pattern is titled "HALLOWEEN". I figure it will take me from now to Halloween to finish this pattern. I am stitching on Aida 16ct Natural Color and using all DMC Floss. I purchased my Aida Cloth at my favorite Indianapolis Needle Fever Shop. With such a pleasant surprise the owner surged all sides with her surger sewing machine. This makes it so nice for me to attach the cloth on my Doodler Frame and ready to go. I am pulling all my colors and so excited as this will be a fun pattern to stitch.

Now you have it...
Better finish organizing my basket so I can start stitching!!!

Until We Meet Again.
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

CHECKERED FLAG

Good day to all of you out in Blog Land!

I am coming to you today from the "HOOSIER" state of INDIANA!!
I know most people think of Indiana as midwest, corn fields and the Indianapolis 500 Race. I have been ask many times...what is a HOOSIER?
A HOOSIER is no more than a person from Indiana! Just a nickname for an Indiana resident. The first recording of the meaning of HOOSIER dates back to 1826.
I must tell you I am a HOOSIER all the way. I have lived in Indiana my entire life and very proud of the state of INDIANA!!
INDIANA does offer more than just corn fields and the Indianapolis 500 Race. LOL!!

I know by now most of you are wondering where is this leading to?
Only to the black and white checkered flag background. Yes, us HOOSIERS do love our Indianapolis 500 Race. Indiana families love to decorate and celebrate race day. As you drive thorough Indiana you see many black and white checkered flags representing not one but 3 races in Indiana. The Indianapolis Motor Speeeday not only has the Indianapolis 500, Nascar but also a motorcycle race. I might mention the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is known as the "heart of the city". Race fans from all over the world attend these races. The city of Indianapolis is booming with out of town guest.
The month of May is very important for the state of Indiana.
The Indianapolis 500 Race is on May 29th!
For more information: www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com

So now you have it...
The black and white checkered flag background. And the racecar!

Back to stitching...
HAPPY STITCHING!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Saturday, April 30, 2011

EASTER BUNNY

As April moves into May I wanted to leave this month hopping around with stitching details of the EASTER BUNNY.

This pattern is from Leisure Arts Book, Holiday Reverie. Copyright 1997, can you believe that? I must say, these books are just the best! There are several in a series and can be found on Ebay for a good price. They include many patterns and beautiful color pictures. I own several of these books and the patterns offer such beautiful colors and are well thought out.

I call this pattern EASTER BUNNY. However, in the Holiday Reverie book it is titled EASTER. I stitched this EASTER BUNNY on 18ct. Aida Antique White with all DMC Floss.

My biggest challenge came finishing as a Flat-fold. Never have I done any finishing other than framing and a few ornaments. I chose a royal blue cloth for the back side and inside fold. I used acid-free mat board purchased from Michael's and warm color batting. The batting I used on all four boards as it made for a softer appearance.

The Tassel!!
My first tassel and yes I did learn what to do the next time I make a tassel. I must explain the hurry of making this tassel. A storm was brewing with tornado warnings the night I was making this tassel. I was in a big hurry!
I will put it this way...I know what to do next time making a tassel. I feel my first tassel turned out okay but the colors of floss/threads should have been more blended. Not bad for a first time! I feel the tassel added more color to the finished look.

The cord around the Flat-fold easel was purchased pre-made from Hobby Lobby. I glued the cord and added sewing pins to make it more secure.

I recommend anyone wanting to make a Flat-fold easel to check out www.thetwistedstitcher.com to see the tutorial. Very helpful!! Vonna Pfeiffer is the owner of this site and gives great instructions. Vonna recommends storing Flat-folds in tissue paper and boxed away until next year. To dust off, just use a make-up brush and lightly brush your stitched project.

All in all...
I enjoyed stitching the EASTER BUNNY and loved how my finished project turned out. My family said ... job well done!! They loved it too!

Moving on...
I now am stitching BLACKBIRD DESIGNS SUMMER OFFERING. So until we meet again, happy stitching!

CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Saturday, April 23, 2011

HAPPY EASTER


PETER COTTONTAIL says...
HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!!!

Thursday, April 7, 2011

COMING SOON ~ PETER COTTONTAIL!

Coming soon will be Peter Cottontail!

He is finished being stitched and backstitched.
So today I have purchased fabric and acid free mat board with all other supplies.

Hopefully by this coming week Mr. Cottontail will be showing you his Easter baskets and ready to hide his eggs.

He is also hoping spring will get here and soon!

Until We Meet Again...
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Friday, April 1, 2011

SEXAGENARIAN ~ HOW DID I GET HERE?

As the month of March ends and April begins I have become a "SEXAGENARIAN".
Sounds like a dirty word!

On March 20th I celebrated my birthday with my family. My husband informed me that I just became a "Sexagenarian". My reply to him was...what?
The word itself seems like such a big mouthful when speaking it. But knowing the definition is just as big too. Sexagenarian just means anyone between the age of
60-69 years old. Oh yes...that is me!!

Moving on to March 29th we celebrated my oldest son's birthday. He is a "Tricenarian". To me that word doesn't sound as bad as "Sexagenarian". It only means the age of 30-39 years of age.

On my birthday I was ask...feel any older?
My answer was...no, not really.
However, turning 60 years old makes me stop to think about life. First thing going thorough my mind was...how did I get here? Sixty years, where have the years gone?
Then I think to myself...where do I want my life to go from here?
I have told myself turning 60 years of age is a "new chapter" in my life and looking forward to the years ahead of me.
Afterall, I am now living my 7th decade!
Now that is a thought!

Of all the wonderful Birthday wishes and gifts I received the best was spending the day with my family. My youngest son said to me...Mom, you look much younger than 60
years old.

Just a note to all my blogging friends...if you haven't turned 60 years old yet, don't worry as it isn't all bad!

Until We Meet Again..
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Thursday, March 17, 2011

St. Patrick's Day

Wishing all...
HAPPY ST.PATRICK'S DAY!!!!

CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Monday, March 14, 2011

EASTER BUNNY "UPDATE"

Just a quick "update".

EASTER BUNNY will soon be finished and ready for framing or a flatfold.
I am stitching the last basket on his back and then on to backstitching.

This pattern has been such an enjoyment to stitch with all the bright colors.
So Easter looking!

I am leaning toward doing a "flatfold" finishing. I haven't ever tried my hand at a "flatfold" so I am pretty excited thinking ... do it! I will be in a fabric shop this week looking at Easter fabric. So, we will see...

I have to give credit where credit is due. I have been inspired by The Twisted Stitcher tutorial on her "flatfold". The tutorials are so helpful. If you haven't visited The Twisted Stitcher blog, it is a must do. Vonna has a great blog. I might mention she has a finishing business too. www.thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com

When finished...
I will be showing off my EASTER BUNNY!!!!!!!!

Until We Meet Again...
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

EASTER BUNNY

Just wanted to share with everyone what I am stitching.

I have been stitching since the start of the new year my EASTER BUNNY.

I hope to have him finished and framed by Easter.
Easter is April 24th this year, so I feel I will have my bunny ready with his basket of eggs.

This pattern is once again a Leisure Arts Book, Christmas Remembered book fifteen. The name of this book is Holiday Reverie and the pattern is "EASTER".
This book offers patterns for all holidays and is such an enjoyment to stitch the many holiday patterns. I must say, these patterns are a challenge.
As I was stitching one night I got to wondering what year this book was published. To my surprise, copyright 1997. I have collected most of the Leisure Arts Books which are all cross stitch and they are just the best. This is a series of cross stitch books and I am thinking there are 21 books. They never go out of style!

I will be sharing a picture when finished but at this time a picture taken from the Leisure Arts Book. Just so you know where I am on my stitching... I have stitched the bunny and one little chick. So, I feel pretty good about finshing my EASTER BUNNY by Easter.

Until we meet again...
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Monday, February 14, 2011

VALENTINE'S DAY

Wishing all...

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!!

Until we meet again,
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Saturday, February 12, 2011

THANK YOU PAULETTE

A big "THANK YOU" TO Paulette Stewart!!!
Yes...
The Paulette Stewart from PLUM STREET SAMPLERS!
The Paulette Stewart that is a Cross Stitch Designer!
The Paulette Stewart that has a wonderful blog www.plumstreetsamplers.typepad.com
And last...the Paulette Stewart that has wonderful "give aways" on her blog. And do I know!

Last July I won a "give away" on Paulette's blog PLUM STREET SAMPLERS. I won $60 gift certificate from Paulette and CNS Stores. As I went browsing from time to time I had many items to choose from. However, I wanted to use the $60 on an item that each time I would use the item I would think of Paulette. So none better than a kitchen item. I chose from the Johnson Brothers China collection "THE FRIENDLY VILLAGE" a meat platter and pie plate. I received my gifts the week of Christmas and what a neat surprise.

I chose the Johnson Brothers "THE FRIENDLY VILLAGE" design having the covered bridges. I grew up in Indiana where each year in October there is a COVERED BRIDGE FESTIVAL.

So as I end today.
Sharing with all of you my gifts from Paulette, PLUM STREET SAMPLERS!
THANK YOU PAULETTE!!!!!!!!!!!

Until We Meet Again...
Happy Stitching!
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Thursday, February 10, 2011

WINTER!!!

WINTER!!!
This has been a long winter!!
A very hard winter I might say!

We have had more snow this winter than I can remember and I am sure we will have more snow before spring arrives. Last week the "winter blizzard storm" blew across ole Indiana into other states but before leaving we had a mixed bag. Our winter storm started with a wintery mix of sleet/snow/ice and then more snow. Of course the temperatures had to dip too and here were the winds.

Last Saturday the weatherman really missed his mark! He was predicting 1-3" of snow. No! We got 5-6" of snow on top of the already winter storm mix. It made the morning hours a "white out". It has been so bad because of ice under the snow and no one can see where you might be walking.

The last two days we have been down in the deep freeze with temperatures starting 1-5 degrees and making it up to about 18 degrees for the day. So many are still digging out and trying to not fall.

Schools have been closed because of the ice and the last few days either closed or on delays.

With all said...
Us "Hoosier" are so use to Indiana weather that the saying is...just wait, the weather will change. So yes the change is to come this weekend. Would you believe in the 40 degree temperatures? We all know well, winter isn't over!!

I am sharing with you a few pictures of where I live. I snapped a few pictures of Main Street, USA!! I must say...these pictures don't do justice to how bad our winter storm really was.

Hoping all of you stay warm/well and safe during this hard winter!

Until we meet again...
CROSS STITCH WOMAN

Friday, January 21, 2011

FREEZING!!!!!!

Today is -4 degrees in Indiana!!!

We had a snow storm blow in and out yesterday. I think we got around 4" of snow. The roads are in terrible shape and many schools cancelled and delays.
I can take the snow but the frigid temperatures are awful!
Makes for a nice day to stay home and you know...sit and cross stitch all day long!
Wishful thoughts!!
However, I have many things that I need to get accomplished other than stitching. So until later tonight my stitching has to wait.

I am stitching another Leisure Arts pattern from the book titled Holiday Reverie. My pattern is Easter. What else but an Easter Bunny. I will be putting pictures on soon. Just running a little behind with all my posting.

Hope all is staying warm and healthy.
Until we meet again...
CROSS STITCH WOMAN
HAPPY STITCHING!!!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

May each and everyone of you have a safe and HAPPY 2011 NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!

CROSS STITCH WOMAN