xstitch.nl

Meet MayBelle

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000+01:00

MayBelle

The Goode Huswife

on 32ct Country Mocha (... I think)

She's going places...

;0)

A late Crazy Finish

2012-01-10T09:56:00.005+01:00

Bitty Bud #4 Autumn Square

4 My Boys

Ssssh...

I may be getting my groove back, but I don't want to jinx it!

Happy 2012

2011-12-31T11:41:00.002+01:00

Not that I want to end the year on a bad note, but sadly I have to conclude that the wonderful Crazy January Challenge 2011 organized by Minna was indeed... crazy... Life threw too many curve balls for me to keep my needles straight and so... I failed... miserably...

I did do more than I showed you before misery reared it's ugly head, so here are three more finishes...

JBW's Scaredy Cats (with a small change because I ran out of Gentle Art's Fragrant Cloves and couldn't find another skein from the same dye-lot) and French Country ~ Angel, and Rites of Spring by Blackbird Designs.

That still makes less than half of the 15 I was aiming for... O well, better make it a two-year challenge then???? I will keep at it and hopefully 2012 will be the year!

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-23T10:48:00.006+01:00

I have been away from blogland for too long and it has been difficult to stay in touch with you. And I miss you, I miss my needles, time for the reflective crossing of stitches... the joy of creating pretty things, sharing them with you.

Fingers crossed 2012 will bring back some of that...

There are some truly wonderful people who haven't given up on me yet who sent me reminders of what it's all about and how it's done. Here is a picture of some of their loveliness...

Merry Christmas to you all, my friends!!

... Hugs ...

Harmien

time

2011-07-05T08:32:00.001+01:00

... o what I wouldn't give for some time to stitch...

Just to prove to you...

2011-04-08T11:40:00.002+01:00

... that I haven't entirely crossed over to... the dark side...

My 4th finish for the Crazy January Challenge 2011!

Dandy Dreams
Silver Creek Samplers

First sock knitter

2011-04-07T07:05:00.007+01:00

My first pair of socks! All done!

It's a fit!

And I haven't crossed a single stitch in a long time because these things are so darn addictive!!

Trekking XXL, Zitron; colourway #175

But the fiddling about with dpn's was fiddly enough to make me look out for other options, so when Heather told me that knitting on one circular needle was cheap, easy and fast, I was definitely going to give that a try. So meet Fred & Wilma...

... my challenging duo and my very first pair on a single circular needle. It was a daunting start, but it was smooth knitting until I finished turning the heels; picking up the gusset stitches in the right order and still get back to the right position for finishing the foot, proved to be too much for my first attempt, so out came the dpn's to rearrange the whole mess of stitches I had made...

Zauberball, Schoppel Wolle; colourway: durch die Blume
(not the best yarn for a newbie, fuzzy and uneven, and quite frankly the yarn looked better as a ball)

The fabulous Heather has been a wonderful source of advice and encouragement, so next time I am going to get it right, I'm sure! Stitching on 1 circ is GREAT FUN!

And now that I am officially hooked, I need project bags to store my wips and my yarn... So before casting on for my next pair, I made a few...

S(h)ock!!

2011-03-15T10:09:00.008+01:00

Watch me hop, skip and jump a happy dance!!!!
TRIUMPH!!! TRIUMPH!!!
This has been a long time on and off the needles, more off then on, and I can't remember how many times I cast on and then ripped it out all again, sometimes after a few rounds, once I remember after having turned the heel, making me extremely grateful for the fact that I chose this gorgeous Trekking XXL #175 colourway and not some boring ball of ~~yawn~~... yarn.

So here it is, I have finally finished it... Woohoo!!!!!
My first sock...

It's a tight fit, but it's a fit. I'm not bothered with Second Sock Syndrome, as I will happily chew off one foot to give this single thing of beauty the attention it deserves. As it is, not to worry, I have already cast on for #2. Unfortunately I have hit a snag. See the sweet and innocent looking feline? She likes to chew on stuff... Buttons on shirts, gold rings, they bear her teeth marks... And now she has bitten off the tips of my wooden knitting needles. Needless to say I'm switching to metal!

But before I stock up on new materials here's a question for you...

For my next party trick I would like to learn to knit two socks at once. I have discovered there is more than one way to go about this. Ladies, please, would you share your experience and advice with me? What is the best/easiest/funnest way?? Ease and fun being the operative words, this is a hobby you know ...

A) knitting them on dpn's; didn't think this was even possible, but it can be done
B) knitting them on 1 circular needle
C) knitting them on 2 circular needles
D) ...?...

Thank you, your words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated!!

It didn't take me long...

2011-02-14T15:46:00.001+01:00

Despite my love of lists and schedules I threw my stitching rotation out the window. I needed some comfort stitching and La-D-Da's Now I Lay Me... was it! It didn't work... but I have a finish.

Quill aka sleeping beauty...

Crazy finishes!

2011-02-06T12:03:00.005+01:00

Hurrah!! Finally a Crazy Challenge finish!! Two in fact!! And both have been so much FUN to stitch!

Needle
CherryWood Design Studios
on 28ct natural straw gingham
using Gentle Art's "Espresso Bean"

I think I would like to have this one framed...!

And here's my entire, rather sad, mishmash of a button collection... ;o) The two really large buttons you see in the glass dish came from two coats that belonged to my grandmother... Sweet memories in strange places... ;o)

Button Button
Erica Michaels
on 32ct Light Sand
using Belle Soie's "Rosebud"

See you next week!!

Crazy Challenge - Crazy Progress

2011-01-31T15:30:00.002+01:00

No, not crazy good, nor crazy bad really... Life is without bullets and high-speed chases I am happy to report, just busy, and not a lot of stitches are getting crossed. Over the course of the past week though, it was enough for a little camera action...

Button, Button by Erica Michaels and 1612 by The Primitive Needle; still very happy with these Crazy Challenge choices! I strayed from my new stitching schedule and added Button, Button as a tired eyes/gloomy days/bad light project, i.e. anything lower than 36ct...

This week it's Needle by CherryWood on an all-weather 28ct... LOL!!

See you next week!!

Crazy Challenge - an update

2011-01-23T10:44:00.012+01:00

I like lists and schedules, I work best when I have a plan, which is why Minna's Crazy January Challenge was just my thing!
In order to finish the 15 projects I started I have decided to continue in a somewhat similar fashion, switching to a weekly rotation, starting at project #1 which was Rites of Spring by Blackbird Designs. So here's my progress from the past week.
Sadly it's not as much as I had hoped, because it's been a tiring week that had it's climax Friday in the middle of the night when cops and robbers had a high-speed chase through our sweet innocent residential street, pausing long enough beneath our bedroom window for a police officer to draw his weapon and fire (I kid ye not!) at the robbers, missing, at which point the chase was resumed. As a result of the shooting, our row of five houses was then cordoned off with lovely colourful red and white police - do not cross tape...
... and they spend 4 hours noisily doing what it is the police do in such cases. I stuck my head under the covers trying to get some sleep but failed miserably. My zombie-like state prevented me from crossing a single stitch on Saturday. They did - in the end - catch the bad guys, so we can all sleep safe and sound again... please!! In fact, I did sleep well last night, so I may just catch up on a few stitches today! Tomorrow I'm switching projects again, picking up 1612 by The Primitive Needle.

Wishing you all a safe and restful week!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 15

2011-01-15T14:56:00.002+01:00

Last but NOT least!!! The final day of the first leg of the Challenge is done! I have started 15 new projects in as many days and had a tremendous amount of fun doing it.I figured #15 should be a really good one...

at home with Jane Austen: a sampler
The Sampler Girl
on 32ct Light Sand (Zweigart)

The design was a surprise gift by designer Tanya Marie Anderson herself a few years ago, and I'm so happy to be working on it!!

Now for the second part of the challenge: finishing all 15 WIPs by the end of the year... Preferably finish finishing them too!!

Good luck to all you participating stitchers out there and thank you to Minna who thought up this crazy scheme!! Through this challenge I have discovered new bloggers, new designers and new designs, how wonderful is that!! A perfect way to start the New Year!!

Hopefully I will be back soon with my first finish!!! But don't count on me to blog tomorrow, I'm taking a day off... or two... !!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 14

2011-01-14T16:33:00.002+01:00

Day #14!! I can hardly believe it; only one new project to go tomorrow!! It has been fun although I am looking forward to spending more than one day on a project... LOL!!
Here's my choice for today...

Angel in my Pocket

Midsummer Night Designs
stitched on a 32ct scrap of ~~one thing or another~~ Kiwi (Kiwi Illusions)
using Crescent Colours cotton

This chart was designed by Deborah Thorpe to raise money for her good friend struck by ALS (Lou Gehrig's Desease).

See you tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 13

2011-01-13T15:39:00.000+01:00

My goodness, the countdown has begun!!! Only 2.5 days left in this Crazy January Challenge 2011!! Well, not really of course, because the finishing part is yet to come and I'm looking forward to it!!
#13 will not be a quickie, but she is a beauty!! Very little stitching time today, so there's a whole lot of nothing and just a few stitches... But. It's a start!!

Molly
Carriage House Samplings
on 40ct Pearled Barley (Lakeside linens)

Until tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 12

2011-01-12T13:11:00.002+01:00

Crazy Project #12 was a wonderful birthday gift from Margaret, who secretly must have known this was on my wish list!! The floss was very kindly donated by Annemarie, so all in all this is a work of love and friendship!!

A Sheltering Tree
All Through the Night
on 32ct Putty (Zweigart)

using Gloriana's Fallen Leaves

Thank you all for your visits and your encouraging words!!
See you tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 11

2011-01-11T09:33:00.005+01:00

#11 has been hiding in a drawer, all kitted up and ready to go, for years! Not sure why it never came out before, because it is a great stitch! I really like how the Smyrna crosses break up the solid stitching.

Autumn Square

4 My Boys

on a 32ct scrap of something or other

Giving you the evil-eye while modeling my pumpkin-to-be is Guus... grumpy and grounded. He was in a fight yesterday and came home with a limp. If his limp and/or his mood do not improve today it is a trip to the vet for him, poor guy. He picked a good day to be housebound, though, because outside it is cold and wet and miserable!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 10

2011-01-10T13:20:00.000+01:00

#10 and counting!!! Another small JBW design; the challenge here is the over-one stitching, I can tell you... ;o)

Angel
JBW Designs
on a 32ct unknown
with GAST Holly Berry

And speaking of angels.... Here is what dear friend Mady sent me as a belated Christmas present!!

I love it and the season is not over yet...!!!

See you tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 9

2011-01-09T13:45:00.001+01:00

Too cute. Just a wee design, but so much fun!! The only thing is, I'm not entirely sure of the colours (GAST Tomato and Fragrant Cloves), in part because I'm entirely sure I may run out of the Fragrant Cloves floss... Fingers crossed...

Scaredy Cats
JBW Designs
stitched on an unknown 32ct

Not much lazy Sunday stitching here, so this may just be it for today...

See you tomorrow!!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 8

2011-01-08T17:18:00.001+01:00

We've past the midway mark of the challenge!! What fun it is to start a new design every day!! I may not stop at 15... LOL!! Although I have started some designs that I can hardly wait to pick up as soon as Day #16 hits!!

Dandy Dreams
Silver Creek Samplers

on 32ct Country Mocha

See you tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 7

2011-01-07T19:32:00.001+01:00

Little time for blog hopping and commenting today but plenty of time for stitching and chatting with best friend Annemarie who spent the day with me!!! She came bearing wonderful gifts and I may just have to revise my Challenge list for this little beauty...

Stitch we did -- that is I stitched and Annemarie tried to teach me how to crochet granny squares, to no avail -- and here is the 7th start of this Challenge, my second Plum Street Sampler design !! I don't mind a Christmas design in January at all!!!

Hares' Christmas
Plum Street Sampler
on 40ct antique White

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 6

2011-01-06T13:00:00.002+01:00

Still going strong!!!

This design has been on my wish list for a loooong time...

Now I Lay Me...
(modelled by Little)
La-D-Da
on 32ct Country Mocha

Again a near fabric disaster, but since I do not have enough Country Mocha left in my stash for a do-over I have decided I can live with the small margins...

Until tomorrow!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 5

2011-01-05T14:27:00.000+01:00

For the second time in this Challenge I could have kicked myself for this tendency I have to cut my fabric too small. Once again this morning I had to make a mad dash for the fabric drawer saying a little prayer hoping I had a piece left. Thank goodness I did! Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to enjoy this little beauty...

Olga
Plum Street Samplers

on 40ct Antique White

Since starting this Challenge I have had quite a few visitors and I would like to thank you all for stopping by!!
See you tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 4

2011-01-04T14:08:00.008+01:00

A must-have for any stitcher, don't you think??

Needle

CherryWood Design Studios
on 28ct natural straw gingham
using Gentle Art's "Espresso Bean"

Is it Day 4 already? Time is moving fast and I'm so enjoying not only starting my own projects, but looking at everyone else's starts and stitchings as well!!

Once again, see you tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 3

2011-01-03T14:55:00.002+01:00

My challenge for the day is: silk. I'm not good with it. I LOVE the feel, the look, the sheen, but whenever it's in my hands it tangles, knots and snags on everything. So why am I stitching with it, you ask? Well, like I said I love the feel, the look, the sheen, it came with the chart, the colour is stunning and... well, it's silk, come on!!

I first saw this chart on Michele B's blog and knew I wanted to stitch it myself! So for Day 3 here are the x's that mark my spot... ;o)

Button Button

Erica Michaels

on 32ct Light Sand
using Belle Soie's "Rosebud"

Until tomorrow!!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 2

2011-01-02T13:09:00.007+01:00

A wonderful lazy Sunday morning of stitching... Here is the second project I chose for this Challenge.

1612
The Primitive Needle

I didn't trust myself to find a decent DMC conversion, so I am using the WDW and GA threads the design calls for... These skeins are the only stitchy items I actually bought for this Challenge, everything else is from stash... The fabric is a 40ct Pearled Barley from Lakeside Linens.

Still having fun!!! Will be back tomorrow!

Crazy January Challenge 2011 - Day 1

2011-01-01T12:24:00.007+01:00

Happy Happy New Year, everyone!!! And yes, drumroll please!!! The very first stitches of the Crazy January Challenge 2011, organized by Minna, have been crossed!!!

Rites of Spring

Blackbird Designs
on 32ct Zweigart Light Sand

Chart and floss were a wonderful surprise gift from Annemarie a few years ago, and I have been itching to stitch this. No wonder it is #1 on my Challenge list! Personally I fear my biggest challenge will be blogging every day for the next two weeks... *grin*...

Wishing you all a very Happy Crazy January!!

Thank you for visiting, and see you tomorrow!!

2011

2010-12-30T10:08:00.000+01:00

May it be a good one...

The joy continued...

2010-12-29T14:45:00.005+01:00

Santa, aka some very dear friends sent me gorgeous Christmas/New Year's gifts.

The talented Vonna sent me a stunning BBD stocking to celebrate the coming of 2011, and I LOVE it!! I've stitched so many of this series, yet never kept one for myself, so I am thrilled to have this one which is so pretty and so beautifully finished!!

And just look at the awesome ornament Barbara sent me!!! It is so seriously fabulous!!!

As you can see catfish had a spot on our Christmas tree, but that lasted for about ten seconds, when I decided that the shedding of needles was more then my dustpan, vacuum cleaner or I could handle!! The tree is gone, I can't believe I'm actually considering going artificial next year... sacrilege!! Not a problem for catfish because it is is a year-round beauty that deserves a special place!

Thank you sweet ladies, for your friendship and your beautiful gifts!

Merry Christmas 2010

2010-12-24T09:59:00.000+01:00

fabric: 12 Days of Christmas by Kate Spain for Moda Fabrics
using Katrina's wonderful tutorials

Snowflakes

2010-12-22T11:02:00.014+01:00

The sweetest snowflake drifted into our home a few days ago... a stunning gift from Cathey! I had admired the crafty snowman on her blog...!! Little did I know it would be hanging on our tree this very Christmas. Thank you so much, Cathey!!!

Speaking of snow, we've been having more than our fair share. Guus needed a little time to get used to all the white stuff, but now he is having a blast!!

The ladies of the house prefer to keep their tushies planted firmly on something warm and soft...

Wolkewietje

Quill and Little
(and if you think our tree looks a little bare... blame these two... LOL!! They look so sweet and innocent but love to chase each other around the tree. Our precious handmade ornaments -- gifts from dear friends -- just aren't safe on the bottom branches...)

Christmas is coming!

2010-12-19T10:48:00.002+01:00

And with it cards, warm wishes and amazing gifts from wonderful friends!!
Jennifer sent me four pieces of cat-themed fabric she knew would make me smile every time I look at them and think of what I will make with them!!

And remember the pictures of the workshop Anna from Anna's This and That showed us? I was amazed to find one of the intricately decorated cookies in the package she sent me!! Too good to eat... LOL!! She added a stunning Christmas ornament with the most perfect finish!! It's called Trêve de Noël by Chouett'alors! You can't see it but in the top left corner is a darling red Christmas bell!

If that wasn't all, I also received a precious handmade gift from Staci... a pair of stunning socks!! I love them!!! Really warm and the colours are just wonderful!! She added some Christmas sweets and teas, so I am all set for an afternoon of stitching, with my feet all warm and toasty, and a hot cup of tea and a sweet treat right next to me!!

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!!!

Sinterklaas

2010-12-15T10:31:00.006+01:00

Old Saint Nic not only created a lovely family afternoon but also brought me some wonderful gifts this year. Two boxes to store away my floss and bobbins, an abusive mug that could not be more appropriate... *grin*... and a craft book by Kajsa Wikman of Syko!!!
A certain someone who must have whispered in St. Nic's ear made sure it is a VERY special copy of "Scandinavian Stitches"!!!! Kajsa very kindly signed it AND added a little personal message, isn't that wonderful!?! I can't wait to start some of the lovely projects in here!
Now this crazy cat lady is off to take care of a very confused kitty who was spayed on Monday and who is not feeling very well... poor thing...

Mug Rug

2010-12-06T07:27:00.008+01:00

Staci's birthday present arrived on time, a little early even as it managed to dodge the postal strike here, so I can show you what I did when my stitchy slump reigned supreme... I dusted of my sewing machine, took inspiration from the hugely talented Laurraine Yuyama from Patchwork Pottery and made this:

It turned out slightly bigger than a true mug rug is supposed to be, I think, but still, for my mug rug debut, I'm quite pleased. Staci said she likes it, and that is the most important thing of course. I made a little tea bag shaped 'pouch' to go with it that can hold her favourite tea.

Happy Birthday Week, Staci (it's not until this Friday, you see...)

Today's lecture...

2010-11-23T10:55:00.006+01:00

Cat Lessons for People 101

taught by: professors Quill and Little

Stitched on coffee-stained 32ct linen.

Lost the plot

2010-11-12T08:40:00.007+01:00

Yes, it's official, I'm a few skeins short of a DMC collection, knitting with only one needle, sew crazy...

I have joined the Crazy January Challenge 2011

This challenge is organized by Minna who must be:
a) as crazy as the rest of us; or
b) very clever to lead so many into so much silliness

The number one rule for this challenge is: start stitching a new design every day from January 1st to January 15th. By January 15th you will have 15 new WIPs! By the end of 2011 all 15 WIPs must/ideally should be finished... herein lies the challenge... (insert maniacal laughter if you feel so inclined)

From now until December I will think of and kit up 15 projects that I will list in my sidebar. If I am not a gibbering heap of crazy before then, January 1st (-- on the last stroke of midnight and on the B of the Bang --) will be the start of this challenge... Progress reports will be made throughout the year... if there is any... LOL!!

In order to start so many new projects, I desperately need to finishfinish a few things, so here's what I've managed so far...

Harvest Moon
by
Homespun Elegance

Singing the Blues
by
Little House Needleworks

Wynter Sampler
by
Witchy Stitches

Fa La La
by
Little House Needleworks

Anyone else joining the madness?????

2 x 40

2010-11-06T11:05:00.009+01:00

1970 was a good year... let's leave it at that... ;o)
Last Thursday Annemarie and I got together and exchanged gifts!
Here's what I made Annemarie...

Sweet Friendship by Silver Creek Samplers. I don't believe I have ever enjoyed stitching a design as much as I enjoyed this one!!
Annemarie found a lovely spot for it in her home and we actually did some stitching on our respective Villages of Hawk Run Hollow. Mine definitely not picture-worthy as I just got on with the border... But it's progress and it has inspired me to keep going!!

Annemarie spoiled me with a sewing basket complete with a needle book, a pincushion and floss!! Just feast your eyes on all this gorgeousness...!!!

Absolutely beautiful!!! The pin cushion is filled with heavenly smells of cinnamon, cloves and juniper berry!! I love it!!

Inspiration to sew, stitch AND knit is overwhelming me these days and I don't know what to do next, because I want it all. I am even considering Minna's Crazy January Challenge 2011... Crazy, right??!

Wynter witches

2010-10-12T08:46:00.001+01:00

I could not resist this sweet little witch when I first saw her, so much so that not one but two jumped into my basket, one for Margaret for our Halloween Exchange and one for me!!

Wynter Sampler by Witchy Stitches

stitched on: 32ct Kiwi Illusions "Twilight"

Now for a finish as beautiful as Margaret's...

Halloween Exchange

2010-10-05T18:33:00.020+01:00

Many months ago Margaret invited me for a Halloween Exchange and I jumped at the chance!! Sadly my stitchy mojo has gone elsewhere, but here's my half of the exchange that made it across the Atlantic in record time...

My sewing machine made up for my lack of crossed stitches... The bird made with the eeky spidery fabric is from a design by Laurraine Yuyama/Patchwork Pottery. I put a few other Halloween touches into the package and because the seasons pass so quickly I added a witchy yet wintery chart by Witchy Stitches.

And lookie here, lucky me!! This is what Margaret sent me!!!

No, the cats and the pumpkin were here already, but look at the pinkeep she made for me... Ghoulish Friends for Eternity, itsn't that the sweetest!!? And she stitched our names on the back to make it more special!! (I used to 'sign' my pieces, and I think I need to start doing it again, it does add a certain something, don't you think?!!)

The socks are too funny and cute and purple is one of my favourite colours! And hopefully in the VERY near future I will make sweet things with that floss!!

Dank je wel, Margaret!!!

Put a sock in it!!

2010-09-27T06:50:00.001+01:00

So I did...
Two in fact...
I entered them into the 2010 Silent Auction for Breast Cancer Research hosted by Attic Needlework & Collectibles.

Winter Carnation & Be Mine
by
Blackbird Designs

Inspiration for this was Cathey who wanted to celebrate her ten years of being breast cancer free (!!!!) with others and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time. She invited others to do the same. What a great way to celebrate life!! To thank her for her inspiration I sent this third BBD stocking to her.

May Basket
by
Blackbird Designs

Cowboy Pelle

2010-09-05T11:03:00.003+01:00

Cowboy Dreams
Country Cottage Needleworks

Singing the Blues

2010-08-26T11:22:00.003+01:00

Clever ladies you are, she is indeed a Rex, a Cornish Rex and she is Pipien's half sister! Check out An's sidebar, Pipien is the one in the sexy red outfit... *grin*... They share the soft short curls their Argentinian papa gave them. Quill, true to her name, adores chasing goose feathers through the house!

Singing the Blues
Little House Needleworks

Modeling isn't her strong point (yet); here she is posing in front of my latest finish but really chewing up Kitty City because obviously that's so much more fun!!

Teaching the newbie...

2010-08-18T08:42:00.003+01:00

... the essentials
... in life.

Friendship is...

2010-07-30T18:36:00.003+01:00

... being able to call her up first thing in the morning for advice because you've forgotten how to cross a stitch, don't remember a thing about fabric counts and don't know your blues from your reds...

Don't mention the sock... :o(

2010-06-29T09:24:00.004+01:00

I've moved on...

I put these bags together for the two coolest little dudes ever... my two nephews (5 & 8) who in a week's time will be moving to Malaysia for four years... *gulp*... also known as the other end of the earth. From now on their lives will be filled with equally cool (and humid and hot) jungle adventures and tropical fun!

S(h)ock

2010-06-10T06:24:00.010+01:00

First off, let me wish you all a warm and wonderful summer! Here is the nautical variation of the sentiment I stitched in honour of my father...

A Very Merry Summer

JBW Designs

Finished into a flatfold...

I am very late in showing off a few things fabulous friends sent me.
Here's Mady's birthday gift for me! (She also sent me a skein of floss, but that was too pretty to not use right away!!)

When the fruity frogs I sent Kathy A. a while ago started multiplying she was kind enough to send a pouch full of them back across the Atlantic! This particular kind is rather entertaining, just pour in some booze and they will have a blast, leaving you to some peaceful stitching... so they were well received!!

Dripping unsteadily from the glass is an inebriated amphibian on a beautiful scissors fob!!

And just yesterday this wonderful surprise from Staci arrived in the mail!!!

Isn't it beautiful?!!! Look at the sweet detail on the back!

Her gift just might have something to do with the fact that mid August -- with the arrival of this little ball of fuzz...

... I will officially be a crazy cat lady! I may have to promise the lovely Erik that there won't be a fifth feline or sign papers to that effect... LOL!!

And that's not even the biggest news here!! Nooo, the biggest shock, hence the title. Is. My. Sock.

Yes, we're talking ONE and the thing isn't even half finished and might never get there since I haven't started the most daunting part of the process involving turning the heel (?????) and shaping the instep (what the...??), but... O well... To be continued... Some day... I'm sure... Right?

Shhh... 40...

2010-05-16T12:39:00.008+01:00

I didn't really want to face it, but family and friends made sure I didn't forget! It's here and I am undeniably 40... I think I'm handling it surprisingly well. No screaming fits, no inconsolable sobbing, no crawling away in dark corners... Of course, how could I, since so many people sent me wonderful messages, e-cards and gifts!! Dear Vonna sent me a sweet sweet gift certificate that is making my fingers itch!! And just look at the package dear Staci sent me!! Hand knitted socks in a gorgeous warm colourway, an amazing pair of scissors, Zen tea to keep me sane...LOL... and more!! Thank you so much, ladies!! The nesting box was a much wanted gift from the lovely Erik. It will be so exciting to (fingers crossed) have new life in the garden next year!!

"Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional."

- Chili Davis

More piccies!!

2010-04-30T12:47:00.006+01:00

Cirque des Triangles

Ink Circles

I'm so happy with my framed pieces, can you tell...?!!
Here's one you've already seen, simply because I just love showing it off... ;o)

All in a Heart
Miss Crescent's Crowne

Poinsetttia House
Little House Needleworks

Tending the Blooms
Shepherd's Bush

Tending the Blooms and Poinsettia House have been added to the guestroom...

... but I won't show you the rest of the room, because the cats have taken over there, and it's an unholy hairy mess... ;o)

And last but not least... a wallless piece... Haven't found the right place for it yet.

Pumpkin Topiary
Knotted Tree NeedleArt

There actually is another last but not least, but that will have its unveiling on a certain little fella's birthday in a few months time...

Until next time!

Spicing things up in the bedroom

2010-04-28T11:23:00.007+01:00

Imagine if you will a bare wall...
Add the following...

Coffin Buzz
Plum Street Samplers
(on an unknown piece of linen, naturally dunked in coffee)

Love Ewe
From the Heart

Hallow Game Board
The Primitive Needle

Time for God
Lizzie Kate

A Weary World Rejoices
Shakespeare's Peddler

Alphabet Blocks
Carriage House Samplings

Add a few warm, furry felines...

... happy snoozing...

Frames, frames, frames!!!

2010-04-23T18:52:00.007+01:00

Have found fabulous framer!
Thanks to Annemarie.
Will tell/show more soon!
Weekend frantically busy.
Back soon...

This bunny...

2010-04-04T11:27:00.004+01:00

... is running late.

"Happy Easter"
Designs by Lisa

But she wishes you all a Happy Easter!!

Nearly Easter

2010-03-25T13:12:00.004+01:00

Look what the Easter bunny sent me!!

Gorgeous gifts from Anna...

That bunny is so sweet and the fabric is just gorgeous!!

... and some amazing cards from Julie!! Handmade by a friend! There's one for every occasion and they just put a smile on my face!

(I though you would appreciate a picture with one of the cats, Julie... Little volunteered)

In honour of Easter bunnies everywhere I crafted a few things myself!

Rabbit on Wheels

by
Jean Farish

and

Peter Plaidtail
by
The Useful Needle

and

Easter Wishes
by
Blue Ribbon Designs

Enjoy a chocolate egg or two and have a wonderful day!!

Ladies, please bow your heads...

2010-03-17T13:25:00.008+01:00

... for the man with the bible. Yes indeed, after his Parisian crusade the lovely Erik felt he needed to redeem himself and help his equally lovely girlfriend spread the word... And so he turned to and purchased... The Good Book.

Can you believe it?? These whopping 708 pages filled with hundreds and hundreds of alphabets are all mine to drool over and stitch from!!!! Such a sweet and amazing gift! Usually I have my ways to get Erik to spill the beans when it comes to gifts and surprises (ahum, don't tell him I said that), but this one he managed to keep completely under wraps!

Even Guus is in awe... And that's just from one page!!

Now I could say: Sweetie darling, you should go away more often...
... but... no!!

Root canal...

2010-03-16T11:14:00.003+01:00

... does not make for happy stitching...
In between freaking out, popping pain killers as if they were candy and multiple sessions with multiple dentists I did finally finish these...

Blackbird Designs

And now that the worst is over, it's full steam ahead with more sockssocksshocks... !!

The lovely Erik came home from his solo trip to Paris only with the things he had left with plus a medal for his running efforts. Reading your comments afterward --- I hope he has enough sense to bring you something FAB-U-LOUS! (thank you, Vonna!) and Erik better bring back some really great souvenirs if he knows what's good for him (hear hear, Staci!) and I hope he brings you goodies from Paris! (woohoo, Melissa!!) --- touched a chord, and now he tells me there's something in the mail for me... Keep you posted!!

Mais oui... Paris!!

2010-03-05T14:16:00.003+01:00

The lovely Erik left for Paris today. He took the train and I waved him off. This Sunday morning he will be running the Semi de Paris... aka the Paris half marathon. Last week Guus and I set about making the man a little je ne sais quoi to cheer him on!
The main ingredients were the freebie Souvenir de France by Blackbird Designs (stitched on 32ct Zweigart Country Mocha with Crescent Colours' La Tierra) and some very sweet fabric with Eiffel Towers and French flags. After the passport holder idea failed to come to fruition, due to my Scrooge-like scissors techniques, I made him a little baggie filled with chocolates and a matching tissue holder...Not that I think chocolates and tissues go together particularly well, but my sewing repertoire is limited, so there you go...
Now, just in case you're wondering why I am home and not in La Cité d'Amour with my love let me tell you in short: I was invited... and then uninvited. It's as simple as that, and yes, it's a sore point.

Still, I do wish him a new personal best and lots of fun!!!
And I hope he'll spare me a thought when he's is running along the Seine looking up at the Eiffel Tower...
Merde...!

Christmas in February

2010-02-08T18:26:00.003+01:00

Well, why not...? I felt like it.

freebie Reindeer
by Aury

It's not the first slightly odd thing I've been doing lately...

Time for God

by Lizzie Kate

This isn't me, you see. Without wanting to offend anyone, the three-letter-word is a bit of a no-show in this house -- unless we want to count profanities and I'm sure we don't. But as soon as I saw the chart I wanted to stitch it! Therapists and shamans will have a field day with this one, I'm sure. I changed " hard times" into " confusing times" because... well, that's what they are! One thing that is clear though, is that I'm in a Lizzie Kate frame of mind, and I've already kitted up two new projects! To be continued...
Thank you for stopping by!!

grumble... grumble...

2010-01-27T15:22:00.003+01:00

Happy times... Hah! Do you KNOW how many hours it took me to stitch and re-stitch and re-re-stitch these letters? I seem to have lost the ability to cross a stitch, can't remember how to read a pattern, have forgotten how to count. Happy Times... D'ya think!!? I think somebody is trying to tell me something... *grumble... grumble...*

Lo and behold

2010-01-26T14:20:00.006+01:00

Not two days after my nasty comment about a certain someone being too lazy/forgetful to send me some twigs of dried lavender as promised... ;o)... an envelop arrived with familiar handwriting!! No need to guess, I could smell it all through the house before I had even opened the envelop!! My lavender, smelling divine!! It came beautifully wrapped too!!

Alas... it had not survived the journey... :o( When I opened up the package, there was nothing but bare stalks and powdered flowers in there... Despite the total uselessness of pulverized lavender in this case -- remember I wanted to jazz up my mini-quilt -- the thought and smell were greatly appreciated, so thank you, Annemarie!!

All in all a very good mail day. Check this out...

Barbara sent me the stunning scissors fob as a going away gift!! It doesn't make up for you leaving, though...!! It's beautiful, THANK YOU!!
That silly camouflage fabric arrived for me to make some cat beds/mats for our lazy felines.
Also in the picture is yet another tissue holder I made today... That's four and counting... LOL!! Hmm, I'm not one for wishing snot and tears on anyone, so why the mass production...???

Friends and runny noses

2010-01-24T19:38:00.008+01:00

Thank you for your wonderful comments about my wreaths!! I can see more of these in my future, for sure!! Some of you asked about the ribbon I used. I do like to make lots of crafty things, but this was beyond me so I surfed Etsy and let my clicky finger do the work... LillaLotta... yards of fun!
Thank you also for your congratulations to my sister and my future SIL! We are all thrilled! They both loved the wreath... which thrilled me even more... ;o)

Last month, one of the first things I made with my sewing machine was this mini quilt...

Old Friends Are the Best

by Atelier Bep

It's practically finished, it just needs a little bit of sprucing up, but she who promised to send me a few sprigs of dried lavender for said purpose is the same person who felt the need to abuse me in her last comment, so I'm not holding my breath... ;o)

Had I done that, I wouldn't have been able to make these coasters...

from the book Mere Liv i Kludene

by Danish designer Anne-Pia Godske Rasmussen

... even though I'm not entirely sure I like them. Their odd shape makes them look very big and... odd. I'll give hem a trial run to see if they work for me...

Also while not holding my breath I tried yet another hobby... *grin*!! I wanted to personalize our feline crockery (so I won't get confused when I weigh their nibbles; my brain is only so big, you know). I bought three bowls - cheap and plain - plus a porcelain marker and tried to be creative! A silly drawing, a few important dates and a little poetry...

For Little a Mother Goose rhyme:

Pussy cat, pussy cat where have you been?
I've been to London to look at the Queen.
Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you there?
I frightened a mouse under her chair.

For Wolkewietje a P.G. Wodehouse quote:

Cats as a class have never completely got over the snootiness caused by the fact that in Ancient Egypt they were worshiped as gods.

And for Guus a haiku I found on the web:

My small cardboard box
You cannot see me if I
Can just hide my head.

(dude is a sucker for cardboard boxes...)

And finally - still not blue in the face - today I made some tissue holders.

Snotty nose, anyone?

Feel the lurv

2010-01-15T14:09:00.007+01:00

This Patchwork Wreath tutorial has been tempting me for a few years now, and finally I went ahead and made not one but two Valentine's wreaths! I had plenty of fabric, so I figured why not? But what to do with two??? Out of the blue the answer came via text message from the other side of the world: my sister is getting married!!!!! So this one is for her and her girlfriend!

It is made with most of one charm pack " Sent with Love" by Deb Strain for Moda. The ribbon reads: Dance like no one is watching. Love like you'll never be hurt. Sing like no one is listening. And live like it's heaven on earth.

The second wreath is made with the leftovers from charm packs "Sent with Love" and "Sweet Hearts", both by Deb Strain for Moda, plus a few other scraps.

What fun to make!! Now I need a fall wreath, a Christmas wreath, I'm sure I could use a Happy Tuesday and a TGIF wreath and how about a Just Because wreath!

Meow...

2010-01-15T13:53:00.008+01:00

After 'strangling' three cats on Monday thus ruining a perfectly beautiful piece of fabric I decided to give it a rest for a while, but they are just too cute to resist...

from the book Liv i Kludene
by Danish designer Anne-Pia Godske Rasmussen

Thank you for stopping by!!

Sew, sewed, sewn

2010-01-12T10:09:00.006+01:00

My new toy is seeing a lot of action and my feline crew is not complaining...

I've been making cat nip fortune cookies and even though they were gifts for other cats the process of sewing was greatly appreciated!

Here's Guus high on some seriously potent catnip.

Little who also seems to approve of the 'no longer entirely cat spit free' gifts...

This morning I sewed up this kitty sleeping mat.

It is going on my desk, as it's back to work for me tomorrow and I would like some company.

But it also doubles as a play mat...

As a result of all this sewing I haven't crossed a stitch in ages, although once the novelty of this machine wears of I know I won't be able to ignore the lure of my linen!

But first on my to-do list:
- burb cloths (need finishing)
- continue with huge pink quilt top *** BTW, thank you VERY much for your wonderful comments (although I take exception to the one from Annemarie who called me a b*tch, but I know her so I suppose we'll let that slide)
- cat ornaments
- hot water bottle cozy
- Valentine's wreath
- earn money to finance all of the above.......

Still Life in Pink

2010-01-11T10:49:00.001+01:00

Running

2010-01-06T11:31:00.005+01:00

Behind, that is. But it's never too late to wish you a Happy New Year, so there. Keep those stitches coming!! My goodness I have so much to show you. Hold on to your hats, because first up is a fantastic Christmas gift from Vonna that still has a perfect spot in our living room (who said Christmas is over?!)...

A day later Ruth surprised me with a fabulous blogiversary RAK!!

A beautiful ornament, floss and a piece of gorgeous fabric that I already have special plans with... (more on that very soon...)

I'm smiling already!!

That certainly gave 2009 a happy ending and to get 2010 off to a really, really good start as well I finally purchased something I had wanted for a loooooong time.... a sewing machine!!! One that doesn't go from zero to sixty in a split second, but one that does sloooooow mooootion because I'm a bit like that too sometimes... ;o)
My practice pieces helping me to (sort of) perfect my corners were the "Bird Ornaments" by Laurraine Yuyama from Patchwork Pottery.

They will be winging there way to some unsuspecting birders this year...

But while enjoying all that sewing fun I forgot what it's like to have a kitten in the home! Do not leave out spools and other notions when leaving the house... LOL!!!
Dear Little is as slippery as an eel and as quick as a cricket!

Our semi-feral Wolkewietje joined in the fun by making herself comfortable on one of my latest WIPs, a little quilt by a Dutch designer (it might get finished tomorrow so I'll show you then).

Now don't be fooled by Wolkewietje's meek appearance! Our most recent achievement is that she will occasionally eat from my hand without swiping her claws at the food hitting me in the process with those razor sharp nails drawing blood each time; and 'petting' means: feeling one or two hairs softly slip past my fingers while she's fleeing the scene... But it's progress and even without it I would love her to bits!

[added message for no-blog, no-e-mail-addy, might-want-t0-do-something-about-that Craftrat Kristen: "Welcome New Year" was stitched with Caron Wildflower colourway Camouflage]

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T14:45:00.005+01:00

Leena surprised me with this stunning Christmas ornament by Françoise Prax!!!

All the animals in the design remind me of your love to your cats... Leena writes... Isn't that sweet and thoughtful!!! Thank you, Leena!

Merry Christmas, everyone!!!

Shamefully belated yet from the heart

2009-12-17T13:46:00.010+01:00

Finally, finally I managed to finish these...

Wool Needlebook and Fob
by
Little House Needleworks

Vonna sent me the kit as a wonderful birthday gift in '08 and I thought I would stitch the needlebook and fob as a birthday gift for Annemarie - in the same year you know. That's over 5 months of stitching and finishing time!!! The stitching was a joy, but I failed miserably at the finishing and for the longest time it looked like even '09 was going to be a failure... But at long last, one year and at least 7 weeks overdue...

I'm not sure if An has actually been able to put her hands on her surprise package as even snow ploughs have trouble reaching her little cottage in the woods these days...

Birthday and Christmas season interfering with each other thus, I also added a wee ornie...

Homespun Christmas
by
Heart in Hand

And here are two other ornies that I sent out to dear friends this year...

The Angel

by
Bent Creek

... for Anna... not sure if she's actually received it yet or even if I sent it to the right country for that matter... LOL!!

And for Staci...

Les Lutins 2010
a freebie by
Miss T

I'm calling it "Les Lutins 2010" although the design doesn't seem to actually have a name...

Hopefully I'll be able to write one more post before Christmas to show you a stunning Christmas ornament I received from Leena today!! Unfortunately the camera and I are not on speaking terms at the moment, so I'll have to make sense of the manual first...*sigh*...

Until then...

Feeling spoiled!

2009-12-15T14:21:00.006+01:00

I received an amazing Christmas gift today!!

It came so beautifully wrapped with such a sweet card too, I just had to take a picture first!!

And then.......

Isn't she the most gorgeous angel!!? She was made by a multi-talented sweetheart, do you recognize her handiwork? I can't thank you enough for your kindness, Anna! Sending warm winter hugs your way!!

And since the new year is nearly upon us... gulp!... 2010, can you believe it?!!... here's a little something that I stitched for Vonna...

Welcome, New Year
by
The Sampler Girl

I think I'll hold on to 2009 just a little longer though... Enjoy!!

Mailman warm-up

2009-12-15T13:51:00.008+01:00

It's that time of year again when packages go flying about. It all started with Staci's birthday gifts...

February's Violet
by
Blackbird Designs

... followed by the first of my Christmas ornaments, hurray! This one I stitched for Jennifer.

Believe

by
The Sampler Girl

There are a few more package on it's way to various people, so I'm sure I'll be back soon!!

Until then... thank you for stopping by!

More cats and more stitching

2009-12-09T12:32:00.008+01:00

Oops, we did it again... went to the animal shelter and came home with...

Little

And remember the oversized shapeless kitty pi that didn't fit no cat, not even after it was felted? Turns out it fits an undersized kitten very well! Little is a six month old stray who's been ill for a large portion of her life, which is why she is still so small. But she's doing fine now and we'll fatten her up good... ;o)

Here she is modelling one of the Blackbird Designs stockings Be Mine.

Tiny Little has caused quite a stir in our household and here is Guus' opinion on the matter:

Hard times...

We'll change his mind yet!

In the midst of all this feline havoc Sinterklaas dropped by for a wonderful visit and surprised me with this:

A rainbow of gorgeous fabbies (minus a purple one that is already being put to good use!!) and 5 booklets from the Bibliothèque DMC to complete the series!!

My beautiful beautiful semi-feral Wolkewietje is trying so hard!! She still won't let me touch her, but look at her...

She is showing off something I shouldn't really share with you yet as it's a gift -- it's from Silver Creek Samplers, that's all I'll say, and I will show you the whole thing as soon as it's finished and framed and no longer mine... ;o) -- but this piece is giving me more joy than I have had with any piece in years! Seriously, I can't explain it, but it's huge! Have any of you ever had that? I love stitching many things, but somehow this piece speaks to me, nay sings to me!

Last but not least here are a few BBD stockings I finished a while ago...

Wolkewietje braving the camera once again... :o)

The good, the good and a little bit of ugly

2009-12-02T14:37:00.014+01:00

Look what the mailman brought!!!! Christmas Goodies, o my!!!

The wonderful Staci spoiled me with this gorgeous Christmas package, including an ornament I drooled over when she posted it on her blog and the one I put on my wish list there and then!!

My initials are on there too, hidden behind the packets of beads she added! More lovely finishes for me, yea!! And to top it all off she added some very tasty Christmas candy! I put it in a tall glass, and it looks so pretty, but it probably won't last long... *grin*... Thank you so much, Staci!!

The goodness continued when I attended another Stitch 'n Bitch yesterday - two in two weeks, how lucky am I!? This time at Margaret's... I made her a little Blackbird Designs stocking.

Summer Roses
from the "Patriotic July" booklet

It was lovely, though the time seemed to pass twice it's normal freakish speed... We stitched, we chatted... it was GREAT!!

I even managed to do a sort of Happy Dance, which brings me to the ugly bit, although I am exaggerating and will most likely come to realize this soon, I'm sure... Poinsettia House has lost it's appeal... * shock, horror*... I ran out of Clay Pot, which was EXTREMELY frustrating since a) I bought a thread pack especially for this design, which b) is charted for 28ct fabric and I stitched it on 32ct!!!! So how the heck did I run out?

I tried stretching the floss beyond the limit, tugging at every stitch, messing with my tension, wondering if I was going to make it. I didn't... Which is why the mounds of snow in front of the house are higher than they are on the chart. But it's finished, and I'll probably even like it in a couple of days, but for now... nope...

But... all in all - I mustn't grumble - this was a pretty darn good day!!

So long

2009-11-27T09:47:00.007+01:00

Despite a looming deadline I did manage to stitch on Poinsettia House (LHN)...

... but best of all this week was time spent with Barbara for a farewell... *... sniff... sniff...*... Stitch 'n Bitch!! Maine's gain is our loss and to wish her every happiness in her new home across the Atlantic I stitched a little something...

Inauguration Day Sampler
by
The Sampler Girl

Sadly it was 'tea for two' this time, but even though friends were sorely missed, it was a wonderful day! The time to leave came all too soon, but no tears, as modern technology will help us keep in touch, I'm sure!!

A Little Progress

2009-11-20T14:58:00.003+01:00

Poinsettia House (LHN) is coming along nicely and seeing a bit more colour this week! It has stirred up a few Christmas vibes in me, so I finally managed to finish this little ornament:

Fa La La
a freebie by
Plum Pudding NeedleArt

Last week Cari asked about the fob in the PH picture. It's a gift I treasure, made by the wonderfully talented Staci!! I believe it's an element from a Blackbird Designs chart, but I'm not sure which one. And in case you're wondering: the amazing fob and floss ring tag in the first picture of this post are made by her as well!! I know you'll want to go over to her blog right away now... LOL... so until next time... thank you for stopping by!!!

"I may be back"

2009-11-13T19:24:00.002+01:00

... may have been a tad optimistic...

But at least I'm stitching!

I think I may be back...

2009-11-09T15:53:00.006+01:00

A huge thank you to all of you for your comments, e-mails, postcards and phone calls of support and comfort!! Despite my shameful lack of response, please know that they were all very, very much appreciated!! After hiding, cocooning and sticking my head in the sand for a couple of months on and off, it feels alright to be back...

Not much stitching has been going on since my mojo went missing some time ago, however, good friends and cross stitching are hard to resist, so as of a few days ago I am SAL-ling along with Annemarie and the SAL police, stitching Poinsettia House by Little House Needleworks, AND enjoying it!! You may expect an update this week, but first I would like to introduce you to a very exciting new member of our little family. Hiding behind the chair (already earning her keep by modeling a little "Cheer Up!"-package that will soon be on its way to a friend) is Wolkewietje!

element from freebie BE GLAD Sajou

She is a (semi) feral cat I fell head over heels for at the local animal shelter. After being frozen with fear for 30-odd hours when we first took her home, she is veeeeery slowly discovering that life here may not be so bad... In fact, she does allow me to come a little closer than you see in the picture, but her claws are sharp! It may not look like it, but she is making amazing progress and we love her to bits!

Guus is taking his latest modeling gig very seriously as you can see...LOL...

... posing with a Christmas ornament in the making. It may be one of the woeful few that will actually be finished come Christmas '09... we'll see...

Wordless Wednesday

2009-10-21T11:14:00.004+01:00

Happy Birthday
from "By The Chimney With Care"
by Blackbird Designs

Across the rainbow bridge...

2009-09-22T06:35:00.023+01:00

... there had better be crafting and cross stitch...

.... knitting and stash...

... pals to hang with...

... floss to chase...

... and lots and lots of love...

Kisse

New Kid In Town

2009-09-07T13:35:00.007+01:00

Thank you so much for your words of kindness and comfort for our furry feline Kisse and ourselves!! She bounced back from her 'episode' more quickly than we did, she's a tough one, and we're still trying to catch up! Sadly her medication is for symptom relief only and we are determined to enjoy her for as long as we can! And we now includes this rather large chap!!

Meet 5 year old Guus who found us at the local animal shelter! He is a strapping lad who definitely needs a bigger cat bed than I have tried to knit for him... It's still in it's pre-felted stage, can you imagine how small it's going to be! Plus he likes to stretch out, so perhaps I need to make his a rectangular Kitty Pi... ;o) He has already shown a penchant for wool and he is displaying a natural talent for modeling my crafty things, I guess you'll be seeing more of him in the future!

Until next time!

All in a Heart

2009-08-25T08:39:00.007+01:00

Our sweet feline, or cardiac Kisse as I call her, gave us quite the scare yesterday. Although her heart holds more love than one can imagine, the muscle itself is failing miserably... More than we already knew...

Not one for self-pity, here she is this morning -- pretending nothing is wrong with her -- modeling All in a Heart (Miss Crescent's Crowne).

I've had my medication, I've shown off your stinkin' stitches, now give me some tuna!

A few small finishes

2009-08-18T15:01:00.007+01:00

Every now and then I have a few small projects all stitched up, and it takes me forever to finish them...

Sometimes with good reason... I didn't know the baby's name yet... ;o)

Rabbit on Wheels
Jean Farish

Sometimes because I can't figure out the right finish...

Be True
Little House Needleworks

I finally stuck my head deep enough in the cupboard to discover I had this frame all along!
(watch the sleeping feline definitely being true to herself...)

And sometimes stitching and finishing go hand in hand and all of a sudden...

Gingham Village
Twisted Threads

... a beautiful fob!

The Wanderer Returns!

2009-08-15T08:43:00.005+01:00

...bearing prizes and gifts from the North

...and tales of adventure

Still life with "Jane Austen Love Letter" (by The Sampler Girl),
smelly boots (no offence, Tanya)
somewhere along The Kungsleden, Sweden

(he loved it!!)

Ten swans are swimming...

2009-08-14T12:55:00.005+01:00

Quite a while ago sweet, sweet Lavender Rose Deb sent me two beautifully stitched swans! She added a piece of gorgeous backing fabric and a skein of matching floss, suggesting I finish it into a fob/ornament myself. After completely ruining the floss and having to order another skein I managed to do just that!

I then went in search of the perfect photo opp and remembered the large family of swans I had seen in the area. Naturally the day I brought my camera they were gone... Today I finally managed to capture all these beauties together!

Thank you, Deb!!

3 grams of love

2009-08-06T06:19:00.008+01:00

The lovely Erik has gone walkabout once again - in the very north of Sweden this time, roughing it without any mod cons, carrying only the bare essentials in one large backpack weighing a shoulder crushing 18 kilograms (for metrics and non-metrics alike: that basically means a ton!!).

Anything stitchy is apparently non-essential... splutter... cough... I beg to differ!!

Jane Austen Love Letter
Booklet #1
The Sampler Girl

Which is why I secretly tucked something into the man's backpack while he was trying to decide how essential underwear really is...

Not wanting to add to the shoulder crushing, my surprise had to be small and lightweight...

... 3 grams as it turned out...

... 2 grams less than his emergency whistle...

A Weary World Rejoices

2009-07-27T19:38:00.005+01:00

A Weary World Rejoices

Shakespeare's Peddler
stitched on a 28ct Staci-Dyed

Yonder glorious morn is getting closer, like I can almost touch it... :o)
Lots of floss changes, but I'm very happy with the way it looks, in part because Staci's fabric is so gorgeous! All it needs now is a frame.

Although I am really more of a cat person...

2009-07-14T20:04:00.006+01:00

... here are two dogs named Poemba. The one on the left is a French Country Dog by JBW Designs and the one on the right is a 12 week old Bernese Mountain Dog! The maternal power one cannot say no to kindly asked me to stitch this for her friend and neighbour who recently adopted this little cutie, soon to grow up into a massive lovable beast of a dog!!!
And honestly, it was a fun stitch!

And this is a piccie of Vonna's birthday gift. I was late in sending and I am late in showing, guess there's a theme going on there...LOL!!

front

back

Small Token
by
Blackbird Designs

The fabric I used for the back was a gift from Anna, and just perfect for this little ornament, don't you think?! Thank you, Anna!

Until next time!!

Minds out of the gutter, please!

2009-07-02T07:49:00.007+01:00

No, "doggy style" does not necessarily have sexual connotations, miss Van Schurman and anyone else entertaining dirty thoughts.
Relating to stitching it can simply be something like this...

Woof.

Snoozing away on my pillow!

2009-07-01T15:24:00.007+01:00

Despite the fact that it was the lovely Erik's 50th last Saturday and the garden party really was for him, I was the one receiving some very lovely goodies too!!
Annemarie really outdid herself by making this amazing, stunning and yes indeed gorgeous pillow for me!!!! (click on the piccies and be prepared to salivate with envy...)

And look at the extra goodies she sent me!! More stockings, YEA!!!

That's a Stacy Nash design you see there, plus a Twisted Threads kit including some gingham I was dribbling over myself!! Thank you, thank you!!

Well, on the personal stitching front I just finished a gift for a certain birthday gal after much ripping and cursing as a result of which it will be sure to arrive late... :o(
And now the maternal power who cannot be denied has commissioned me to stitch something doggy style... ;o) Watch this space!

Until next time.

Frogs... ribbit! !

2009-06-18T18:59:00.011+01:00

My latest project is Shakespeare's Peddler's "My Weary World Rejoices". Usually this kind of design is not my cup of tea, but I'm loving it, despite the fact that I'm having serious colour issues with almost every cross that I stitch. Luckily Staci's hand-dyed evenweave is a joy to stitch on and is making up for the problems with the palette!

Today, it's GREEN!!! Seriously, the place is infested!

The slimy creepy crawly's are tormenting me and my stitches. I feel like I'm doing more frogging than stitching at the moment! Please, someone tell me that said glorious morn will be breaking soon! Like, maybe, now, even though the working day is done, the pizza is in the oven and the sun is setting... And yonder is actually quite close... right!??

O well, in the meantime I can lavish my eyes on a teeny tiny work of art!! Just to show you how tiny, I added a DMC floss wrapper to the picture...

It's an egg (duh... Not sure what kind, though) and look at the tiny stitches with ribbon and thread! Isn't it gorgeous?? My goodness, the work that's gone in it, it looks so delicate! My parents gave it to me as a belated birthday present, but they didn't dare send this by mail... ;o)
It's tucked away safely now in a place where curious cats and swishy tails cannot reach it, but adoring eyes can still enjoy it!

Until next time!!

Goodies!!

2009-06-14T12:45:00.013+01:00

A surprise package arrived this week with gorgeous birthday goodies from Deb!
This sweet, wacky woman added a BEAUTIFUL fob... yet to be finished...LOL!! She added a piece of gorgeous backing fabric and some floss for the cording so I am good to go!! Sweet Deb doesn't trust her own finishing skills, which, trust me, she has in buckets!! Gertrude Vile-Emma is proof of that!!
Thank you for all the wonderful gifts, Deb!!

Some more birthday stash thanks to a lovely gift certificate + inspiration from Vonna.

On Saturday I hosted the Stitch and Bitch.... Yes, I know some of you prefer to call it a Sip and Stitch but that just sounds so ladylike and trust me, I ain't no lady... ;o)... Plenty of coffee, tea and FUN, though!! We stitched and we chatted, we noshed on 'broodjes Mario', Margaret tossed her floss, both Heidi and Margaret tried to lure me into the Mary Wigham SAL... and just look at the goodies they surprised me with!!

A stunning box Margaret painted and decorated herself!!

And here's Kisse showing off Heidi's beautiful bag!!
Thank you, ladies, for your gifts and your company!!

Until next time!!

Awesome...

2009-05-24T11:39:00.005+01:00

Anna had warned me to start stalking the mailman, and when he came, good grief, did I feel spoilt!!! She made me the sweetest wee cat that is just the cutest thing ever, she included lots and lots and lots of embellishments, a lovely piece of fabric(!!) AND a chart that I had been drooling over since it first came out... "Miss Mary Mac's Pins & Needles Pincushion" by M Designs... I am thrilled!! Thank you so much, Anna!!

Introducing Kisse to the newbie created some interesting pictures...

-- curious --
Who's the little one then?

-- insecure --
Please tell me I am still the prettiest of all? Please...?? Please??!!

-- completely self-contented --
She can stay, I'm still the most gorgeous of them all...

Startitis & birthday... the aftermath.

2009-05-20T11:00:00.004+01:00

Well, this picture sums up my birthday week quite nicely...

I had enough time to finish all that I started last week which was a gift in itself!
The Angel (Bent Creek) is stitched on one of Staci's fabulous hand-dyed birthday fabbies. And just look at the cutest, tiniest scissor fob you ever did see Helen made it for me. What a wonderful surprise! And the sweet sweet Prairie Schooler ornament is a birthday gift from Mady!! Thank you both, ladies, for thinking of me and making my birthday extra special!

The fancy frames around the pictures symbolize Erik's birthday gift for me. He has offered to have some of my stitchings framed... YEA!! Let's see how many I can slip into the pile... LOL!!

Despite all of that stitching my startitis isn't cured yet, so I picked up "A Weary World Rejoices" (Shakespeare's Peddler) and my need to start a few more (small) projects.

To be continued...

Startitis in motion

2009-05-11T12:35:00.005+01:00

After careful consideration I packed up The Village of Hawk Run Hollow (CHS) halfway through Block #12 and started LHN's Be True.

Words to live by, let's see if I can...

By popular demand (thank you for your comments!!) I kitted up the alien also know as The Angel, a freebie by ~~The Needle's Delight~~... Bent Creek, I stand corrected. The floss and the fabric underneath -- one of my Staci-dyeds!! -- look like an interesting combination.

After that I crossed the first stitches of Tending the Blooms, a kit by Shepherd's Bush. My very first ever SB project, thanks to the lovely Margaret who brought it back for me from Las Vegas!

And finally some crossed stitches in this Christmas freebie...

That's me... embracing my startitis.

Until next time!

Birthday Extravaganza

2009-05-08T20:39:00.004+01:00

It was a birthday extravaganza today and it's not even my birthday yet!! A package from sweet sweet Staci arrived a few days ago and with my infamous self control I didn't touch it until today when I finally opened it (with Staci's blessing). O, how I wish I had done it days ago, then I would have been able to feast my eyes on THIS that much longer!!

A whole stack of the most beautiful original hand-dyed pieces of fabric, aka Staci-dyeds all for me!!! There are 28ct's, 32ct's and they're all GORGEOUS!!!

And the Prairie Schooler floss ring tag and scissors fob...??? Are your eyes poppin' out yet, feel something dribbling from the corner of your mouth? Does the word perfection spring to mind? YES, I hear you cry! Hands off, they're mine...LOL!!!

My goodness, didn't she spoil me?!? The floss ring tag and scissor fob are SO incredibly pretty and delicate and the attention to detail is awe-inspiring!
And did you see the little ducks? Just looking at them makes me smile and they taste darn good too!! They're mints, did I neglect to mention that? You can't really see in the picture, but they came in a little tin shaped like a bathtub... Too cute!

Gifts to be treasured always. Staci, if this is your revenge... Thank You!!

Few Words Wednesday

2009-05-06T12:00:00.004+01:00

Eliza's Pyn Pillow/Pyn Keep (With My Needle)

Gift for world class hostess of last Sunday's Stitch and Bitch Heidi!!

Day: FABULOUS
Food: DELICIOUS
Time had by me: WONDERFUL!!

Heidi's BEAUTIFUL handmade scissors fob and gorgeous colourful floss.

Thank you!!

The Village... progress!!

Inspiration supplied by: Vonna!! Thank you!

Problem: startitis

a.k.a. Margaret's stash... my favourite personal shopper... :o)

b) c)d) all of the above

Odd Socks and Harriet

2009-04-02T11:10:00.006+01:00

Let's start with the odd socks...

Aren't they fun? Obviously they're not finished-finished yet, but you can see where this is headed, right?!!! Since taking this picture I've stitched the remaining charts in the booklets... yes, that's 9 stockings in total, plus the Christmas stocking from the JCS Christmas Ornament Issue 2008. I am hooked, addicted and thoroughly smitten. Please tell me, has anyone seen a preview of the next three booklets (April, May, June)??? I'm just dying with curiosity!!!! Seriously, this is torture! I've already sent the first three booklets on to Staci who is about to become a sockoholic like me (I warned her, but she wanted them anyway), so I'm lost!

In the meantime I've picked up my Village of Hawk Run Hollow again, Block 8, but I'm having a hard time adjusting to the pace after so many smalls and the instant gratification they provide. It's taking forever! Patience is a... ~~yaddayaddayadda~~... not my strong suit!

Last but not least, please say hello to Harriet...

She's a little Easter gift I sent to Anna.

Harriet is from the "Wool Whimsy" series by Heart in Hand.
The carrot is one of Vonna's creations!

Until next time!!!

Oops, I did it again...

2009-03-04T14:54:00.003+01:00

Bluebird's Needles and Pins

from the book: "With Needle and Thread"
Blackbird Designs

This design was so much fun to stitch that I had to do it again...LOL!!! This time I stitched a scissors fob to match the floss ring tag.
I'm not sure if Staci quite realized it but she NEEDED another set...;o)!!

And a huge thank you to Sally for giving me the very sweet and much appreciated...

... award!!
Contrary as I am, I'm not making a list as I think you're all wonderful!
Suck it up!

A pair of mittens and a boat

2009-02-21T13:11:00.006+01:00

As part of our Winter Exchange Julie sent me the template for some kitty mittens, that I could fill with catnip and make into a little cat toy. She even added the fabric, so what was I to do... LOL!! They were super quick and fun to make, but you know, the proof is in the pudding and Kisse can be extremely fastidious!

Here she is 'wearing them'... She was very interested but got spooked by some noise outside... But after that...

... I couldn't get her to stay still... Which can only mean one thing: it's a hit! Thanks, Julie!!

That wasn't the only sewing I did. A while ago a picture of a little pillow ornament caught my eye, but rather than buying it, I thought: why not have a go myself?! So I did...

... and to my own surprise it turned out rather cute, even if I do say so myself. It will be a little baby gift. The parents are keen sailors so the littl' one (yet to be born) had better learn fast... LOL!!

Until next time...!!

Winter Symphony

2009-02-12T20:06:00.004+01:00

The mailman didn't too to shabby at all and my half of the Winter Exchange arrived in good time at Julie's! After checking out her blog I thought this LHN chart would be the perfect match for our Winter theme and Julie's love of birds...

Winter Symphony

by
Little House Needleworks

I stitched our initials on a small piece of linen that I stuck to the back so the fabric would still be visible!

A few wintry goodies, of course: a snowman ornament, a small box of original Dutch peppermints and two sets of ice cold gift tags... ;o)

This was such a fun exchange both to give and to receive!! Thank you, Julie!

A Winter Exchange and a drum roll please

2009-02-09T20:16:00.006+01:00

I received some beautiful gifts as part of my Winter Exchange with Julie!! She stitched me this gorgeous winter mitten (I think it's a JBW design).

Isn't it sweet?!! And she added some winter fabrics with snowflakes, Christmas cats (!!) and a piece of warm soft flannel she used for the back of the mitten!! I love them all!!

Thank you, Julie, for a wonderful exchange!! Stay tuned for the catnip mittens I am making with the template you added!!
My half of the exchange is still on it's way so fingers crossed it will get there soon!!

And now for the giveaway. So many of you were willing to give the kitty pinkeep a new home, how wonderful! Lucky for all of you I could strike a few names off the list, making your odds of winning a little more favourable... *grin*. Yes, I confess I did manipulate a little, but only because these lovely ladies will receive one of the other kitties I stitched. One of them is my mother, who left me a comment very kindly asking me if family was allowed to enter... ;o)... Absolutely, but in this case, there was no need, there's a little package on it's way to you as we speak...!!

As you can tell my lovely assistant was mightily impressed by the proceedings... NOT... LOL!!
But in the end she was a good sport and played along... I wrote all of your names on little pieces of paper, and let Kisse play with them until one of the pieces dropped to the floor...

Here she is watching the name of the winner fall to the floor...

The name of the winner ... tada...with the kitty all wrapped and ready for its new home... tada... Congratulations Becky K!! Please e-mail me you snail mail address.

I'll end with a stitchy picture, here's my progress on Hallow Game Board by The Primitive Needle...

Until next time!!

Thank you!

2009-02-01T11:19:00.005+01:00

Your comments were overwhelming and comforting. I have read them and re-read them and they have made me (and Erik) feel better, they really have. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness and understanding!!

In honour of your truly wonderful selves I am having a giveaway!! Three of the four primitivebettys kitties I stitched have new families to go to, but here is #4...

... in need of a loving home. Fair warning: this is one high maintenance feline who will demand plenty of pins and needles -- it is after all a pinkeep -- so lots of stitching required... :o)

If you feel up to the task, leave me a comment saying so, and on February 9th we'll have a draw to see who the lucky one is...

And here's another stitchy pic. Tanya's birthday gift that I sent out so very late it arrived two weeks after the fact... *grin*... oops. I do hope you had a happy one, Tanya!!!

Flower Waltz
by
Prairie Moon

Until next time,

Gabber

2009-01-18T20:24:00.013+01:00

Ruler of his domain...

... is ruling the heavenly fields above as of this afternoon... So beware!!

Only two days after I showed you my favourite kitties, we had to say goodbye to this very old, very dear friend of ours...

Constant companion through thick and thin of the lovely Erik for almost 22 years...

My trusty friend for five and a half years...

And loyal friend and enemy of our sweet Kisse for nine years...

We miss him...