December 2016 Update

Hello, everyone,
Happy New Year !!
Can you believe another year has come to an end? Christmas was busier this year since my brother had me wrapping all his gifts for family. He stopped in to see our parents for Christmas Eve dinner and then stayed with us for a few days. The last time I spent any holiday with him was about 35 years ago. The weather was a bit snowy so we brought my parents a dinner for Christmas Day, and they could relax and not have to worry about driving conditions.

I found this freebie pattern when I was trying to organize...

Poinsettia Wishes © 2001 Stitches By Cheri
Fabric:32ct Waterlily Jobelon
Threads: GAST
Stitch Count: 46 x 46, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Backstitch








Then after Christmas, I picked up this freebie design for a quick little stitch. I think I'll finish it off as a bookmark.

Gathering © Mary Olson and Candy Scott, The  Workbasket 2016
Fabric: 35ct WDW Sanguine
Threads: CC Belle Soie
Stitch Count: 68 x 37, 1 over 2
Cross Stitch


 






This month was my birthday.We got about 4.5" of snow that day.
Thankfully my dental cleaning a few days earlier was a good travel day, and my Dad's Dr. appointment a few days later was also a good day for traveling.

We also celebrated 3 years with Samantha the day after my birthday.  We had an arctic blast that reminded me so much of the day she & her brother came into our lives.

She was happy with her extra pampering (and treats).

Mid-month we woke up to a wintry mix. Thankfully we were able to stay close to home.

With all the snow and ice, we've seen a lot more of these visitors...

They love the crab apples that are frozen (even more than the apples that are still on the wild trees.







New (birthday) stash

Sue Hillis a wintry Mix,

Just Nan's Santa mouse and Erica Michaels Brrrberry

...And some threads and fabric.













Thursday brought us another 5+ inches of snow.

Sammy has been a little under the weather since Friday - she caught a cold in her tummy. She seems to be responding well to our vet's advice so now it's just a few more days until she is back to her 100%.

I'll leave you now... thinking about next years projects... Hopefully I'll finish off a few of my starts that got set aside... I'm planning on a few exchanges ... and after that who knows?
Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

November update

Hello everyone,
Thanks so much for your lovely comments - they really helped!


I finished my Silver Needle Little Help From Our Friends Stitching Circle (2016) kit

Fraktur Friends © 2016 Plum Street Samplers
Original designs by Paulette Stewart
Fabric:32ct WDW Beige Linen
Threads: CC,WDW, GAST
Stitch Count: 95 x 74, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch 






I also completed this lovely design published in the August 2016 Issue of Just Cross Stitch

Hope Design by Eileen Gurak of Handblessings Sorry about the wrinkles... I haven't had the chance to iron it yet.
Fabric: 14ct Navy Aida
Threads: DMC Threads
Stitch Count: 64 x 47, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch









Next I found this lovely freebie Victoria Sampler pattern tucked away (stored for quite some time) along with the fabric and threads.

Cardinal Snowflake Xmas ornament (round version) from the cardinal Bellpull available here © 2004 Thea Dueck
Fabric: 32ct Amsterdam Blue Linen
Threads: Kreinik #4, Kreinik Mori, Access Soie Perlee
Stitch Count: 32 x 32, 2 over 1  *stitched twice
Cross Stitch, Straight Stitch, Backstitch, Satin Stitch, Modified Algerian Eyelets, Colonial Knots

and the diamond version.

Now all I need is for a quiet day in my sewing room to get everything finished!

 





That's about it for this month's stitching - Had multiple Dr. Appointments for my Dad, and DH. And my brother returned to the area to start a 13 week contract job - so was busy with all that and pampering Samantha.

Samantha had to go back to see the Dr. as her ear infection needed another treatment - it was bothering her and she scratched her inner ear. She is doing much better now. 











 
Thanksgiving was a snowy day - so I brought my parents a ham dinner - they didn't need to be out in that weather.  My older brother had to work that day - so decided to do it again on a day he was available. My younger brother spends Thanksgiving with in-laws across the state.

To make things easier,  I cooked a turkey over the weekend to share with my parents. and I've been busy baking the past few nights- our Historical Society has a Pie Sale at the annual Town Christmas Bazaar tonight so the house smells are delicious but not much to eat from the effort. This years donations are a pecan pumpkin cheesecake and a fudge brownie cream cheese with chocolate fudge drizzle and pecans.

Black Friday I spent getting new tires and a new sensor for my Jeep - so now I'm ready for winter!


No new stash this month - but I have a birthday in December... so between that and Christmas I should have something new in my next post.

It's time to end this... I signed up for a Valentines exchange so I'm off to search through my patterns while I wait for the pies to cool.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

October update

Hello everyone,
I didn't get to do a lot of stitching this month - this is one of the most difficult posts for me to write- below you'll see why.

One project I did get to stitch was this lovely design.

Love Dogs part of the Love bits Series
Hinzeit
Fabric: 28ct Antique White Jobelan
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count 31 x 41, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch
Embellished with charm that was included









And I almost finished this  Silver Needle Little Help From Our Friends Stitching Circle Kit (2016) that I started at one of DH's appointments.

Fraktur Friends © 2016 Plum Street Samplers
Original designs by Paulette Stewart
Fabric:32ct WDW Beige Linen
Threads: CC,WDW, GAST
Stitch Count: 95 x 74, 2 over 2
Just need to finish the border and add the gold on the flowers

 







Our first snow was a little early this month - October 22nd. We still haven't gotten our driveway markers set or all of our leaves cleaned up. Then we got about another 4" of heavy wet snow on Thursday - lost power at 1 am yesterday for 16 hours.  (The worst thing is so much to do - but no power means a cool house and not much can be done).

Now for the difficult part...Our beloved Bucky had some trouble with the stairs last Friday night (October 21st) - He decided that he did not want to go down them for his final nightly walk - since we were having a regular scheduled vet visit the next day, we just thought it was a minor problem that could be handled with medication - perhaps his arthritis or a continuing problem with his vision.

His blood work showed that there was improvement in his liver and his thyroid was slightly elevated ... he was down to 131#... all in all ...not much to worry about. We mentioned some weakness in his back legs - Dr. noticed - but was unable to determine if it was a skeletal issue, especially since he was walking fine for the Dr., so arthritis meds were slightly increased, and we went home with snow flurries in the air.  It turns out that later Saturday night he lost all strength in his hind quarters.

We kept him as comfortable as possible until early Monday morning when we could return to our vet. (this picture was taken on October 6th).

R.I.P. Dear Sweet Bucky

born 2002

entered our lives on a cold and snowy December 16th, 2013

passed  on 10/24/2016

You filled our lives with love and laughter during the 34 months you spent with us.


From that cold morning when you arrived with a multitude of  health issues that you overcame: demodex mites, hookworms, tapeworms, internal bleeding, lyme disease, thyroid imbalance, and a liver issue.

Oh, how you loved the snow...You'd run out the front door picking up speed and slide into the fresh snow.








 

...and you had the perfect spot under the dining room table to keep an eye on everything going on in the kitchen... especially when the oven was on and your favorite - chicken was cooking.

It was so funny to see you stretch out you paw to grab a dog bone when it was tossed just out of reach... or the way you tilted your head when asked "who's hungry? "

 

You loved being outside - except when it was rainy.

The jingle of your leash meant that it was time to go for a ride and you always tried to beat your sister to the car door.


 

And you were always so peaceful napping on yous blankets - or sleeping along side our bed.









 

We miss you - the house seems so quiet without you here.

Samantha is getting lots of extra TLC. She has even picked up Bucky's trick of chuffing anytime I sit in my stitching chair.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

September - October update

Hello Everyone,
This month I have some more stitching smalls to share from the last few months.

My brother's visit was very nice - He stayed for 9 days - Left the day after Labor Day. Now he is on his way to his new home in the Southwest.
 
I'm a little late in this posting - My Dad had a health issue that landed him in the hospital for almost a week. Lots of tests later they determined that his renal artery was narrowed causing the high blood pressure event... Dr. changed some of his medications - also determined that his balance was off due to an inner ear issue - saw the rehab specialist - now waiting for his blood pressure to stabilize before any more progress can be made for his balance problem caused by an inner ear issue.

Dad was released just in time to celebrate as this week is my Mom & Dad's 54th wedding anniversary. Since they can't go out - I made them a special dinner. And last week DH & I celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary.

Fall weather came about mid-month September.  Pine cones and acorns are scattered among the falling leaves.The apples have continued to fall since the end of last month ....
The apple trees (wild and planted ) and crab apple trees are loaded this year.




















which means more of these visitors.....



 

 
So here are the finishes mentioned in my last post that I wanted to share:

This lovely has been kitted up for awhile... I wanted to try out the GAST wool threads and this seemed the perfect project. I left off the year and did not put in my initials.
Bonnie Rose © Louise Henderson (Cherished Stitches) 2014
Fabric: 36ct.Lakeside Linens  Vintage Light Examplar
Threads: Gentle Art Wool
Stitch Count: 51 x 51, 1 over 2

Found this freebie on the internet
Christmas Hearts by Just Nan
Fabric: 28ct raw linen
Threads: DMC + Kreinik Balger
Mill Hill Petite Beads
Stitch Count: 43 x43, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Satin Stitch, Rhodes Heart, Beading

 

I received this pattern when my LNS was closing
Darling Buds Designed by Carol Tinson ©2006
Fabric: 28ct cream linen
Threads: DMC
Mill Hill Petite Beads
Stitch Count: 47 x43, 2 over 2
Cross, Stitch, Backstitch, Smyrna Stitch, Eyelet Stitch

 

September Leaves ©2008 Handblessings
Fabric: 14ct antique brown perforated paper
Threads: DMC (called for #8 pearl, but I chose to use 4 strands of regular floss)
Stitch Count: 23 x 23, 4 over 1
Cross Stitch
I think this would make a very nice scissor fob if I stitch in on black... hmmmm.....

 

Still working on patriotic projects.. I chose to split this design and stitched the parts separately to make 2 bookmarks
I love USA © Madame Chantilly
Fabric: 28ct glass blue monoco
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count (each 1/2): 31 x 79, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Back Stitch







 And

Stash this month: I ordered one of the Victoria Sampler Hearts of America charts - I'm hoping to make each of the 3 states my Brother has lived in for his Christmas Ornaments this year. This month's mail also brought my kit from Silver Needle which is part of the Circle of Friends... and my Just Cross Stitch Ornaments magazine that is part of my subscription. So many choices... what to stitch next?

Bucky and Samantha have a vet visit and the end of this month - just to check on their liver and thyroid levels...DH also has a few scattered health appointments throughout the month.

Hopefully I'll be back at the end of this month with more to share. I'll leave you with these lovely fall colors.


 

Until Next time-
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

August Update some summer stitching

Hello Everyone,
This month I have some more stitching smalls to share.

I dug out this older freebie that I found when I was organizing some of my patterns
Summer House © 2006 Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 28ct raw Linen (DMC 3782)
Threads: Crescent Colors now Classic Colorworks
Stitch Count: 53 x 53, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Back Stitch

Next...A year of Celebrations -July Published in Cross-stitch & Needlework July 2014 (www.c-sn.com)
Designer Cathy Habermann of Hands on Design
Fabric: 32ct Summer Khaki Belfast  (DMC 613)
Threads: Weeks, GAST
Stitch Count: 50 x 50, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Backstitch

Then I stitched this lovely Shepherd's Bush Freebie
Free © 2008 Teri Richards
Fabric: 28ct Newport Cream with Tan lines
Threads: Crescent Colors now Classic Colorworks
Stitch Count: 49 x49, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Backstitch, long stitch

DH had his appointment for another cortisone shot in his back so I took along this project from The Nebby Needle:
© Bonny Wormer 2016
Fabric: 28ct mystery linen that was part of a bookmark grab bag (DMC 3024)
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count:99 x 22, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Back Stitch

I have a few more finishes, but I'll save them for next month as my Brother just arrived from Florida for a few days. It will be a nice visit since I rarely see him and he is moving to the Southwestern US when he leaves.

My Dad had his ear cleaning appointment - will return in 6 months. Dad also had his hearing aids checked - next adjustment and check in 6 months. July has been hot & very dry. The heat this past month has been brutal - Dad had a slight episode the day after his appointment - we think heat exhaustion - so had his rest for a few days in his AC living room.He also saw his endocrinologist a few days ago... numbers are improving - next visit in December.

The heat also affected Bucky & Samantha... thankfully their appetites have started to return and their strength improved after the heat broke. Although a few days ago Bucky slipped while going up the stairs  (and slid down 4 steps to the landing).  Luckily nothing was broken although he seemed to be a bit sore the next few days. Lots of rest and TLC for him.

No new stash this month.

I'm looking forward to the cooler weather and more time stitching my Heavenly (HAED) projects.

Until Next time- I'll leave you with a glorious sunset (do you see the rainbow?)




 

... and a beautiful sunrise.

Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

July patriotic stitching - Update

Hello everyone,
I seem to be back on track.
July has been HHH (hazy, hot & humid).
The deer ate most of my hosta plants so I've been busy keeping the hummingbird feeders filled.

But nothing says summer like some patriotic, reading and baseball themes.

I managed to dig out some lovely projects this month - just didn't have enough time to finish all of them - so maybe I'll have more of them to share next month.

I found this older freebie on the back page of a newsletter (November 2001) from Cross Stitch and More, Inc. that was included in a care package from my brother in Florida.
Land That I Love by Erica Michaels
Fabric: 28ct PTP Fog (3024) ** Pattern calls for stitching over 2 on 18ct mountain mist
and finishing as a bellpull- instead this will be a cute little pin pillow finish.
Threads: WDW and substituted HDF Magpie Tears for the Deep Sea since my skein went missing (found it after I ordered a replacement and had already finished this)
Stitch Count: 22 x 53, 2 over 2 , Cross Stitch

Then I finished this up (This was one of my take along projects to Dr. visits )
Jefferson Quotation Bookmark  Kit PC-1504 © 2012 The Posy  Collection
Designer: Ceil Humphreys
Fabric: 18ct Charles Craft Ivory Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 120 x32, 2 over 1
Cross, Stitch, Back Stitch, Long Stitch, French Knot

Next I wanted a cute summer fun stitch, so I chose this
Hootie Baseball Let's Play Ball (This was a Hootie Single)© PinoyStitch 2016
Fabric: 14ct Blue Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 31 x 37, 2 over 1
Cross, Stitch, Back Stitch, Long Straight Stitch

Then I remembered that I had this lovely design kitted up - from the August 2014 Issue of Just Cross Stitch
Flowers & Flag Hornbook & Pincushion © Designs by Elizabeth Talledo of Dames of the Needle / Finger Work.
Fabric: 35ct Weeks Dye Works Cocoa
Threads: WDW, GAST and substituted  DMC 310 for the Nun's stitch
Stitch Count  - Pincushion: 35 x 35, 2 over 2 **I really should read the directions before starting - It calls for 1 strand over 2

and Hornbook...
Stitch Count  - Hornbook: 54 x 78, 2 over 2 *** I kept using 2 strands to match the pincushion- still have to complete the nun stitch border and paint my hornbook
Cross, Stitch, Nun's Stitch

Then when I was putting away my magazine, I quickly glanced through the pages and found this cute little design that I could make into a scissor fob. Fireworks Tag as published in the August 2014 Issue of Just Cross Stitch Design by Elizabeth Spurlock
Such a quick stitch - I just might do it again on black fabric as I expect the metallic threads will really pop.
Fabric: 40ct Misty Rain
Threads: DMC Light Effects & DMC Metallic
Stitch Count:33 x 33, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch

I also worked on 2 take along projects...will share all the details when I get them finished.








New Stash!
I ordered : The JCS Halloween issue, Imaginating Wild Animals Bookmarks, Hinzeit Love Dogs & Love Baseball, Just Nan Romeo Mouse, Heartstring Samplery Grand Old Flag Pin Drum - and a few skeins of threads.

After I sent my order in, I found there is a companion piece to the above Dames of the Needle Design - Flowers & Flag Tall Drum  - I just might have to get it!

Samantha went to the vet early this month for her necessary blood work - liver showed some improvement so the Denamarin seems to be working, and her thyroid levels were right where we need them so medication stayed the same. He did find that she had another yeast ear infection so tried a different medicine. Bucky is doing fine although this long stretch of Hazy Hot & Humid has their appetites diminished and their siesta times increasing- only when it is cooler late at night do they have lots of increased energy and appetites.

DH had some eye surgery to remove cysts and skin tags that were affecting his vision - much better now - even has some new glasses coming. Next month is the next cortisone shot in his back.

My Dad had a follow-up for his leg bypass surgery - there is a point in his thigh that has significantly increased velocity - might need a stent in the near future - but primary wants a repeat ultrasound and PVT test done first. So looks like August might be another busy month.

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

April - May & June 2016 & Stitching for Literacy update

Hello everyone,

It's been too long since I've posted. I had April & May's post complete... but not posted - every time I tried we went offline or lost power. So I combined everything to write this post.

Spring came early to our neck of the woods - and with it came lots of outdoor chores - picking up yard debris (branches that came down), tree trimming, digging up the south side of our house as we needed to re-seal the foundation, and getting next winter's wood cut split and stacked.  Then we opened up the swimming pool and found out that we had to change our chlorine system.

May started out very warm. Then a cool front moved in around mid-may and the following week? You guessed it - snow!!!! At least the crabapple and apple tree buds were late enough this year to escape the frost.

Looks like this year will be a good apple year!


We've also had quite a few power outages - usually short in duration (part to most of a day) - but almost always on the day I planned to be on the computer. Luckily this is the year for the power company to have the tree crew in our area clearing the lines.


 





After the last post, Bucky spent a few days at the animal hospital - still not sure what it was but his breathing is better and fever is gone. Dr. was surprised as his bloodwork showed improvement over his January tests. He is still having the occasional bouts of pacing at nights. Then he scratched above his eye. Took awhile, but it is almost completely healed now.






This was also a spring with lots of medical appointments for my Dad and DH.  Also, a bit more driving both my parents everywhere they wanted to go (shopping and other necessary appointments).
DH found out that in addition to his scoliosis- he has a herniated L4-5 disc in his back as well as spinal stenosis. Hopefully the cortisone shots will continue to help him.

A few weeks ago DH & I had the chance to meet up with my college friend & her family - Lunch was great and we had a nice time catching up - and making plans to meet up again in the fall.

So as you can see, it's been busy here - not much time for stitching. Also, I don't do much stitching when I have lots of blackfly bites as I don't want to get blood on my projects. So this is usually when I try to catch up on reading and some other home projects -this year it's been re-organizing our multi-media and building some shelving.

I started a few small stitching projects at various Dr. visits  - just not enough worth showing yet... and my HAED and the Christmas in the Adirondacks projects are just too large and lighting is to poor to work on them there. Hopefully next month.

But here is where I left off before the spring season projects took me away...

Dimensions Gold Collection - Petites Kit # 8720
Christmas in the Adirondacks © 2003 Dimensions Designed by Martha Edwards
Fabric: 18ct Aida
Stitch Count: 90 x 122 varies over 1
Cross Stitch, Half Cross Stitch, Backstitch, Blended, Color Chart

In my spare time,  I managed to get these bookmarks "Finished" and sent out for the Stitching for Literacy Program. Here is the info for all the completed bookmarks.












1. Between the Pages CSB-73 Cross My Heart Inc. Choose A Book ©1992
Fabric: 18ct White Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count:  26 x 100, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch, backstitch

2. From 501 Cross Stitch Designs by Sam Hawkins for American School of Needlework, Inc. © 1993, Baseball
Fabric: 18ct ivory Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 61 x 21, 2 over 1
Cross stitch, backstitch

3. NMI Stitch 'N Frame Kit Item 4112 Dolphin

Fabric: 14ct white Aida,
Threads: single strand included in kit
Stitch count: 27 x 21, 1 over 1
Cross stitch, backstitch

4. Beaded great white Shark
Designer: Lisa Overduin
Published in Jill Oxton's Cross Stitch and Bead Weaving Issue 62
Silamide Gray Thread
Miyuki Delicas
Stitch Count:45 x 19

5. Prairie Schooler Design Book No. 154, July Inset Ornament © 2009 The Prairie Schooler, Inc.
Fabric: 32ct. Lambswool
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 28W x 36H, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch

6. Wonder Bookmark by Ship's Manor© 2011 Ship's Manor and Erik D. Shipley - This pattern was available at the Stitcher's Village as a freebie for the Literacy Challenge in 2011.
Fabric: 32ct Silkweaver Reflections   Rainbow Sparkle
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count:28 x 122, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Back Stitch, French Knots

7. Reformed Day of the Dead Pirate© 2004 Elizabeth Ann Scarborough (I used one earring to make bookmark)
Nymo Black Thread
Miyuki Delicas
Stitch Count:23 x 40

8. I thought this Flower Owl will make a pretty bookmark
Plaid Bucilla Kit #45749 ©2014
Fabric: 14ct Aida
Threads: Included in kit
Stitch Count: 29 x 31, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch, Backstitch, Long Stitch, Running stitch, French Knots

9. I was intrigued by the finishing of this one - so I chose this Celtic Corner Bookmark
Published in Cross-stitch & Needlework Spring 2016 (www.c-sn.com)
Designer Elizabeth Spurlock
Fabric: 14ct White Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 27 x 27, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch, Back Stitch

10. Panda Card Kit #840 © Joan Elliott Needlework Kit by Design Works Crafts Inc.
Fabric: Aida
Threads: Included in kit including metallic
Stitch Count: 43 x57, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch, Back Stitch

and still a few more finished up.....

11. This Space Rocket bookmark is included in the Leisure Arts Bookmarks Galore  66 Designs ©1997
Fabric: 18ct Back Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 27 x 105, 2over 1
Cross Stitch, Backstitch

12. Leisure Arts Leaflet 420 Booklet Collection 10 designs by Terrie Lee Steinmeyer
Music © 1986
Fabric: 14ct Ivory Aida
Threads: DMC   
Stitch Count: 25 x 81, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch, Backstitch, Long stitch, French knots

13. Queen Bee free pattern ©2013 The Prairie Schooler, Inc.
Fabric: 18ct Black Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 33 x 40, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch

14. Plaid Bucilla Kit # 45910 - Bee
Fabric: 14ct white Aida,
Threads: 6 strand floss included in kit

Stitch count:  31 x 31, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch, back stitch, French knots

The rest will have to wait until next year.

No new stash... maybe next time.

The winner of the thread giveaway was Christina!  I'm so glad she liked here package.
Stayed tuned... I have more giveaways planned real soon!

I'll leave with a picture of Samantha...enjoying the summer-like breezes
 

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa