April Stitch from Stash Update

Hello Everyone,
Thanks so much for all your kind words. My computer time has been limited by my Dad's medical appointments - but I wanted to say thanks to everyone who has left a comment.

It's time for my stitching from stash monthly update for April hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching.
Month: April 2015
Budget Amount: $25.00
Spent: $14.00 (Just Nan Strawberry Bunny)
Earned: $2.00 (Stitchworks Fall Heart Free Graph)
Carry forward: $25.00 + 2.00 Earned - $14.00 spent + 113.00 from last month = $126.00

My Dad had his first vascular by-pass surgery for his right leg yesterday. Hopefully he will recover quickly so that his other leg can be scheduled for the necessary surgery.

Spending? Yes, I caved... I saw this lovely limited edition from Just Nan and before I knew it I added it to my cart and checked out. But I am stitching it as a gift for our dear friend JM.















This month, I worked on a bunch of things but have little to show for it....

First is the Cricket Collection  Nutkin Mitten mentioned last month - somehow I made a mistake and have been spending more time frogging than stitching. I only have a few more rows to fix so hopefully I can finish it up for next month.

Then I started a Baseball theme bookmark while at my Dad's appointments. I only got the first letter stitched.

I added a few more stitches to my Snowman Needleroll by M designs but not enough progress for another picture.

I also managed to put a few hundred stitches in my HAED Forbidden Doorway - again - not enough done for a picture.

Lastly, I managed a very small finish. I had this with me yesterday so I was able to stitch it up while my Dad was in surgery.
Free Graph "Fall Heart" from the Heartstrings series © 2008 The Stitchworks, Ltd.
Fabric: 14 ct Lambswool Aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 29 x 26, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch, Long Stitch

Just have to finish it - just the right size for an ornie or a fob

One more picture before I leave... Here is Bucky watching dinner cook. He has a direct line of sight to the tasty treats that are in the oven.  Samantha was asleep when I took this picture. I'll try to have a picture of her next month.

Until next update,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

February stitch from stash update and some love-ly projects

Hello everyone,
It's time for my monthly check in for Stitching from Stash 2015-A hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching.

Month: February 2015
Budget Amount: $25.00
Spent: $0.00
Earned: $4.00 (Charland Heart Fob) + $4.00 (Bent creek Flair Sparkle)+$ 4.00 (Bent Creek All you Need is Love)+ $4.00 (JCS 2000 Ursula Michael's Christmas Quilt) +$8.00 (Midsummer Night Designs Lovebird)+$0.00 (VS Woodland Birdies - Owl)  = $24.00
Carry forward: $49.00 + $35.00 from last month =  $84.00

After my last post, I went through some of my stash and pulled a bunch of February / love themed charts. Wow! I have so many - there is no way that I could stitch them all in one month (LOL).

But first I finished up this lovely snowman. I am planning to finish it as a tin topper. I'll add the JABCO snowflake button when I finish it.
Flair Sparkle @2011 Bent Creek, Inc.
Fabric: 16ct dirty Aida
Threads: WDW, GAST
Stitch Count:32 x 42, 2 over 1
Cross Stitch and Backstitch










Then I found this lovely scissor fob chart that was in my freebie folder. I had gotten it with an online order quite some time ago. I decided to leave off the charm as I liked the fob just as it was. Front:

Heart Scissor Fob © 2001 Charland Designs Inc.
Fabric: I didn't have the banding so I substituted 30ct Natural (DMC 3782)
Threads: DMC, DMC perle8, GAST
Stitch Count: 46 x 21, 2 over 2 and 1 over 2
Cross Stitch and Satin Stitch
I made the cording using DMC 304 and 321 since I didn't have a long enough length of uncut GAST




and back...














Next is this Bent Creek pattern from my freebie binder
All you Need is Love © Bent Creek (I couldn't find the year on it)
Fabric: 32ct Desert Sand (DMC 422)
Threads: WDW
Stitch Count: 62 x 52, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch

I left off the 9 JABCO purple poindexter buttons as  I can't seem to find them. I'm still thinking about how I want to finish this one.

Then I picked up my Just Cross Stitch Ornaments 2000 and decided that this would make a lovely tri-fold needle wallet. Front
Christmas Quilt 2000 © Ursula Michaels Designs
Fabric: 28ct White evenweave
Threads: Kreinik#4
Stitch Count: 40 x 40, 1 over 2
Cross Stitch, backstitch











and inside...

I only had a small amount  of the pine boughs and the buttons to complete this one. My small cut of fabric is just the right size to stitch up the remaining 2 from this booklet before I "finish" them in tart tins.

Owl- Woodland Birdies Christmas Tartlets #3 design by Cathy Jean for the Victoria Sampler © 2013
Fabric:28ct summer khaki
Threads: GAST, WDW, I substituted DMC for the colors I couldn't find right away, and I also substituted Miyuki delica beads for the SJ beads
Embellished with 4mm red buttons
Stitch Count: 32 x 33, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch, Back Stitch, Long Stitch







Lastly, I found this lovely freebie on the internet here.
Lovebird © 2008 Midsummer Night Designs
Fabric: 32ct Country Mocha
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 59 x 69, 2 over 2
Cross Stitch













I also put a few more stitching in the M Designs Snowman Needle roll - just not enough for a picture.

So now it's time to go through my stash to see what I'll stitch next month. Will it be a March theme? or maybe I'll finish some more of the February / love designs... or perhaps grab one of my bigger projects...Hmmm. we'll just have to see.. Until next time -
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa M.

October Stitch from Stash Update

Hello Everyone,

Thanks so much for all your kind comments.

It's time for my monthly update for my stitch from stash hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching.

October has been a busy month - We celebrated 16 years married in early October. DH surprised me with two Blackbird Designs hidden in a card - Reward of Merit Pinkeep In Full Glory, and Reward of Merit Pinkeep Peace Rose.

DH is now home recovering from his total hip replacement surgery.  His staples come out at the end of the month and then he will start outpatient therapy.
 

I did get a small amount of stitching done - I found this design all kitted up - I don't know why it took me so long to work on it.
 

Howlers Spooky © 2009 Charland Designs Inc.
Fabric: 12" 70mm Limited run hand dyed banding - Mandarin Madness
Threads: Weeks Dye Works, DMC, Kreinik#4
Stitch Count: 36 x 145, 2 over 2
Finished with Pewter Halloween Bat Mini Bellpull by Charland Designs Inc.

 

 

 

and...

Autumn (Freebie) © 2010 The Stitcherhood LLC
Fabric:Silkweaver Solo 28ct Cashel from October 2003
Threads: DMC and hand dyed Var lt pumpkin and "D" green from Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe
Stitch Count: 28 x 80, 2 over 2

 

Mel offered us Special Exemption for the Nene Thomas charts at Heaven and Earth Designs that were to be retired on October 15th. I took advantage of this exemption- adding to my already sizable stash of Nene Thomas charts.

Lullaby, Prophecy, Lord of Snows , Mini Power and Prestige, Mini Astranaithes, Mini House Divided, and Mini Lovers (left this one out of picture).

I suppose that I shouldn't admit to the HAED Nene Thomas Charts that I already have... but here goes: Mini Queen of Shadows, QS Direwood, Mini Asiria, Mini Chorus, Storykeep Winter Wings Owl, QS La Victime, QS Whispers, Storykeep Dragon Moon, QS Storykeep Winter Wings, A Chance Encounter, Memento, Firemoon, Storykeep Ravens, and Corsair Daemira. Just a few - LOL!!!

Some of these will be perfect to work on this winter. and yes, winter is coming - October 19th we had our first day of  snow flurries - a bit early this year.

So after my online shopping for Heaven and Earth charts, I did a bit more online shopping - this time at The Floss Box. I ordered biscornu pack #32 (which consist of biscornu patterns #549 to #556) and 2 other biscornu patterns: #599 and #656.

 I spent a total of $12.50

Mel also offered us a bonus amount of $50.00 to count before our monthly budget. I'm going to save that for next month.

Here's a few more smiles from Bucky (left) and Samantha (right).

Until next time,

Have a wonderful day!

Lisa M.

 

September Stitch from Stash update

Hello everyone,
It's time for my monthly update for my stitch from stash hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching.
I've worked on a bunch of smaller projects this month. DH had lots of Dr. visits and tests to find out why his knee was bothering him since his fall last winter. After quite a few tests to rule out possible infection/ rejection of his replacement knees and several follow up appointments the Dr. determined that his problem is caused by his right hip - and it needs to be replaced. So now we are spending the next few weeks getting all the necessary chores done since he will be laid up for awhile. And I am kitting up a bunch of smaller projects since he will have lots of therapy visits.

So here is what I managed to work on since the last update.

First up is this lovely dimensions daydreams kit (#72713) Designed by Hunter Brown© 2001 that will be a gift for our dear friend. Stitching area was 3" x 3"

Hmmm. I seem to recall buying a few other of these kits... now where did I put them?

Next is Winter Fawn by The Victoria Sampler - Designs by Cathy Jean that was published in the 2012 Just Cross Stitch Ornaments magazine.
Fabric:28ct summer khaki
Threads: GAST, WDW, DMC (I couldn't find my terra cotta skein), Kreinik #4
Stitch Count: 32 x 33, 2 over 2


I have the tart tins for finishing - but my fabric piece is just the right size for 4 of these so I started the next one.

Owl- Woodland Birdies Christmas Tartlets #3 design by Cathy Jean for the Victoria Sampler © 2013
Fabric:28ct summer khaki
Threads: GAST, WDW, I substituted DMC for the colors I couldn't find right away, and I also substituted Miyuki delica beads for the SJ beads
Stitch Count: 32 x 33, 2 over 2

Just a little more of the pine boughs to complete.

So then I did a little big of web-surfing a came across this lovely free pattern by Lynn B. here.
I grabbed a small scrap of antique white and since I plan on finishing this as a small bookmark or fob, I left off the wording and the borders...this is the result.
Fabric: 32 ct antique white
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count:53x 60 for the whole design, 2 over 2

And another freebie, this one was mentioned in the weekly Stitch 'N Things newsletter. When I saw one of the free monthly patterns was the 2014 Little Santa by Prairie Schooler, I sent off my SASE to get the freebies. Instead of immediately starting the PS Santa, I grabbed a piece of leftover fabric and began this lovely fall piece. It will make a lovely fall fob.
Free Graph- Halloween Heart from the Heartstring series ©2014 The Stitchworks
Fabric: 14 lt. oatmeal aida
Threads: DMC
Stitch Count: 28 x 29, 2 over 1

So now we come to spending portion of my update. After one of DH's tests, we stopped at Barnes and Noble. Somehow the Just Cross Stitch Halloween Special Edition hopped into my shopping basket. With my member discount it came to $8.99. Then earlier today, I ordered the Just Nan Miss Witchy Mouse from1-2-3 stitch cost $12.99. Total spent= $ 21.98
I stayed within my monthly budget but I did see several new designs calling to me... and I really haven't spent that much money this year....hmm....I might have to splurge next month...

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

August Stitch from Stash update

Hi everyone,

As you can see our leaves have already started to change. Acorns and pinecones are dropping. Our hummingbirds have been tanking up getting ready to leave sometime next week.

Temperatures are getting cooler.










I finished up the model stitching project You can see it here.

I did not do much other stitching as it was a busy month trying to get some outside projects done before the first snow arrives (usually around Halloween). I did start the Prairie Schooler 2013 Santa when DH had a Dr. appointment, just not enough progress for a picture. Hopefully I'll get some more done this week when he goes back for the results.

I spent the rest of my time plowing through boxes that I had in storage. Here is the first set of duplicates. Jeanette Crews Designs Book #812: The Onmibook of Winged Things © 1996 and a Dimensions Gold Collection Winged Elegance Ornaments Set of six  Designed by Todd Trainer © 2000. If anyone would like these, please leave a comment. If more that 1 person is interested, I'll have DH draw a name on the weekend of Sept. 5-7.




Now, for my monthly update for my stitch from stash hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching.

Mel gave us an extra bonus to spend this month - I did see some new designs that I would love to have - hopefully I'll be good... but some have been calling my name... among them... the Just Nan Miss Witchy Mouse, I'm not sure why I want another mouse... as it was a mouse that had made a nest in my car vent system.  Took care of that and a few rainy days later we had a mouse move into our enclosed front porch.

also...the Lone Elm Lane Designs Halloween Resurrection. I'm not really into Halloween but I just love  that little skeleton dog out for a walk.

and Blackbird Designs Rewards of Merits new offerings are another group that are calling to me.

So far I did not spend anything.  ;)

Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

July update and Stitch from Stash

Hi everyone,
Where did July go?
Bucky and Samantha had their vet visit for their rabies shot and health check and were given a good report.



(one happy boy)

sleepy girl...

anxious to greet our UPS delivery











We also found out some more info about them from a friend who knew their original owner. They are indeed brother and sister; but not from the same litter. Bucky is 11 years old and Samantha is 8.Their original owner had their beds in his kitchen - that explains why they like to be in the kitchen so much!

DH was sick with a fever on and off for about the past 2 weeks. Waiting to find out if it is from the kidney stone - although Dh thinks that it was just the flu. Got in my JEEP to pick up his medications, only to hear a strange noise coming from the passenger air vents (we figure some critter built a nest). The earliest appointment I could get is later this week.

As my parents are preparing to sell the family home, things I had forgotten about that were stored in their attic have found their way to our front porch - now filled with boxes of craft and stitching kits and magazines. Some of which I can now say "what in the world was I thinking - or what was I going to use that for?" So I expect the next month will be filled with finding long forgotten treasures, some duplicates, and more of the above expressions.

Now, for my monthly update for my stitch from stash hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching.

My pre-order of  Just Nan design The Charming House of Lindy Mouse from the Silver Needle- was shipped and it just arrived today for a total of $34.00 spent.

So far that's all I spent for the year... I did see some new designs that I would love to have- hopefully I'll be good and stay within my budget for the next month.

I'm finishing up the model stitching project - had to fix a mistake. I am so looking forward to starting something new this week.
Until next time,
Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

Where are the robins and Stitch from stash update for March

Hi Everyone,
Since my last blog post, I have spent so much more time shoveling and chopping ice than stitching. This is the year for more ice and colder than normal temperatures.We had more snow today and are expecting another 4 to 9 inches this weekend. Last year our robins and red winged blackbirds had arrived by now. Hopefully they will show up soon.

But in case you miss winter, here is a picture from today.

Our turkeys are back.. as you can see... more snow. They have been eating up all the frozen crabapples.













Now for my monthly stitch from stash update for March. (hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching)
I didn't get much stitching done at the end of February through early March as I had injured my hand when I was chopping ice. So as a result, I am behind on the model stitching that I mentioned last post. Sorry- can't post a picture.. but I dug through my finishing basket and found that I had this lovely finished in early January that I had forgotten about.

Dahl horse from Nordic Holiday Booklet 191 © 2013 The Prairie Schooler, Inc.
32ct White Jobelan (yes it is white... I took the picture late and forgot to adjust for it)
DMC Threads
Stitch count: 62 x 40, 2 over 2

When I saw this pattern last year, I knew that I had to stitch it... A few years ago before my dear grandmother passed she gave me a special present. It was a little wooden box that contained three little wooden hand made Dahl horses. She told me it was part of my heritage. (my Aunt had a similar package - hers were cream colored and mine were the red ones - We traded one so that now I have 2 red ones and a cream colored one). I had them tucked away in my doll cabinet and showed them to my mother recently. Mom did not know that my grandmother had passed them along to me. Shortly after, Mom gifted me with a beautiful candy dish in the same shape of the red dahl. (I'll share a pic when I get this beautiful piece all finished up).

I stayed off the computer for most of the month so DH could work on our taxes. So I am happy to report that again this month I spent $0.00.

Bucky is doing better. He went back to the vet for a follow up as he got sick from the antibiotics. Samantha went with him, for moral support... but got a quick check up at the same time as we mentioned her energy level was less than Bucky now that he was getting better. And that she loved to lay in the snow banks. Dr. tested her and found that Samantha had hookworms. Luckily we were able to get the medicine for her and her energy level is now improved.
Here is a picture of Bucky now that he is feeling better.
Until next time...Have a wonderful day!
Lisa

Stitching from Stash update for February

Hello everyone,
Thanks so much for all your lovely comments. I've been trying to respond to you but my phone line  doesn't like me - every time I get ready to reply to an email, we lose our internet connection. Then when we do have an internet connection, it's DH's time to use the computer.

Now for my stitching from stash update - hosted by Mel at Epic Stitching.
This month I pulled out

Victorian Love ©2004 Charland Designs
Fabric: 28 count Platinum Cashel
Threads: DMC & Needle Necessities Threads
Stitch Count: 127 x 71, 2 over 2

I still have to add the heart charm in the center of the "O", but I need to pick up some clear nail polish first.






And I found this lovely freebie in my freebie binder.

Snowman's Quaker Christmas ©2008 Midnight Stitching
Fabric: 32ct Lambswool Linen
Threads: DMC & GAST
Stitch Count: 41 x 41, 2 over 2








I also started stitching & frogging a model piece. Sorry - can't show any pictures yet -. Hope to have it finished sometime next month - just depends on how much the froggy visits.

I'm sure you are wondering how much I spent - especially since we were given a splurge exemption allowance for the Nashville Market. I did internet window shop... I picked out a few patterns and kits that I would love to add to my oversized stash pile, but due to our poor phone / internet connection, I didn't purchase a thing. 

Now for an update on Samantha & Bucky. When we found them in December, we contacted our vet and found out that they had no openings until mid February.  So we took the appointment we could get. In the meantime, we noticed that Samantha had tape worms. Vet was able to take care of this over the phone - they suggested we treat both dogs for the worms.

Shortly after that Bucky was feeling unwell. We got an emergency appointment in late January and they had to keep Bucky for a few days. He had a very sensitive stomach, and was unable to keep anything down. After a few blood tests, he was diagnosed with hemorrhagic gastroenteritis,  lyme disease, and anaplasmosis. So he's on a round of antibiotics for 30 days. Luckily, the vet was able to also check on Samantha at the same time. Her blood tests came back fine - however,  she had an ear infection that had to have medication for 2 weeks., and they both tested positive for demodex. Now that she is feeling better, she likes to climb to the top of our snow banks and dig herself in. I wonder how she'll be when the warmer weather arrives?

Bucky didn't want to pose for a picture today as he is feeling a bit under the weather today (upset tummy). The vet assured us it's due to the medication. So hopefully next time I'll have a picture of both Samantha & Bucky.

That's all for now.
Hope to have another post soon.
Lisa

Stitch from Stash update for January

Hi Everyone,
Last post I mentioned that I joined Mel's group at Epic Stitching  of 130 stitchers who have committed to keep our stash spending to $25.00 or less each month. This idea sounded great to me as I have stash spread out in every room of our home, and we plan to renovate another room this summer to turn it into my craft room. Often I know I have something but just can't seem to find it - whether it is a thread I need or a pattern I know I purchased. So I am trying to put projects together, and make my shopping lists for those that are incomplete.

Part of this challenge is to  report our success or failure to stay within our budget on our blog by the 28th of each month.

This month I am happy to report as a success - mostly since we've had so many days of shoveling and chopping ice that I didn't get out to spend any money. I even managed to stay away from my Internet stash shopping - although I still have a December birthday gift card and a couple of Christmas gift cards to use up.

I did however get to do a small amount of stitching. Sorry my pictures are a bit dark - guess I forgot to turn on the flash.

First up is this Shepherd's Bush freebie I found here.

Happy Snowman © Tina Herman 2014
Fabric 28ct periwinkle colored evenweave from a grab bag
Threads: Called for WDW except for the linen color (I know I have it - just where is it?) substituted DMC ecru, and the called for DMC thread
Mill Hill Petite Beads
Stitch Count: 33 x 46, 2 over 2

I know I have multiple packages of snowflake buttons...hmmm...where did I put them?

So this is going into my finishing basket where hopefully I'll soon find the buttons I want so I can finish it up.

Next up is this lovely complimentary mini chart that I received last year with an order that I placed from Rosewood Manor.

Snowflake Trees II © Karen Kluba 2013
Fabric: 28 count Antique White evenweave that was part of a grab bag
Threads: DMC
Mill Hill Beads
Specialty Stitches: Algerian Eyelet
Stitch Count: 60 x 60, 2 over 2 and  1 over 2


I also worked a bit on my WIP HAED Forbidden Doorway - just not enough progress yet for another picture  (now at 12,222 stitches).

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