Quick update - can you believe it - QUICK, I say!

I'll try...quick!  I am a wordy (aka chatty) person, to say the least.  Those of you who know me, quit laughing!!

Pineberry Lane Autumn on Marigold Lane.  I posted it a bit ago, just the house I think, maybe the flower bloom...worked on it off and on at a couple meetings recently.  It's a little larger count than I normally do and pretty easy to work on when around others, or  when I am tired!

Last posting I showed you the start I made on this...I love the strawberries!  Heart's Ease Examplar Workes A Maryland Inspiration is one of the biggies I am working on.  I wondered about some of the colors when looking at them prior to starting.  I am still wondering about some of them, but they are growing on me.  It's hard to see the "8" in the below picture.  I may still have to get a darker color to sub out.  The cartouch items are over one.  Sweet!   

I have not put one single stitch in Ann Dale since I have been working on Maryland most evenings.

The last couple weekends, I have spent most of my free time in the sewing room.  I am getting ready for a quilt retreat; my first sleepover quilt retreat - four days/three nights.  I will show progress next post.  It's coming soon and I can't wait! 

I joined the Jo Morton "Little Woman" club.  This past Saturday I went to the open house at the quilt shop hosting the club.  Picked up these to get my Jo Morton collection started.  We'll see how those miniatures go for me - sounds like another addiction!

It's time for me to head to bed.  I am pretty sleepy and it was a stressful day at work, starting with the drive.  We had wintry mix - rain, snow, ice, sleet - here in the mitten last night.

Take care - stitch lots,

Sherry :o)

Happy New Year!!

Happy 2013!  I hope all my blog buddies rang in the New Year as you wished...us, quiet - just like we like it.  I had to work New Year's Eve day but we were excused early - hubby and I went to lunch at Chilli's - had a drink (a rare occurrence for me) but it was a tough day with over three hours of phone hell help with my payroll software from Microsoft, only to fail in getting pr done for the normal day.  My son was home for awhile...we watched "Ted" with him - kind of a raunchy movie...My husband and I watched "Despicable Me" after - cute with a capital C!  I was asleep as 2013 crept in - but the fireworks in my neighborhood woke me up - wished the sleeping husband a HNY and back to sleep!  I spend New Year's Day reading - the second book in Deborah Harkness' All Souls Trilogy.  I think I blogged about A Discovery of Witches a bit back...well once I got a few chapters in, Shadow of Night did not disappoint.  I usually wait until all books are published when a series, but that this was a trilogy caught me by surprise....write fast, Ms. Harkness!

Okay - so I put in my last post that I had intended on giving a post around Christmas, in which I was going to post quite a few pics...so warning - picture heavy.  I will put in the stitchy pics first, that way you can jump ship before the other blathering if you wish.

I had a absolutely awesome evening with my stitching group of friends.  Boy, I tell you, these ladies are the best friends anyone could ask for and I am so thankful to have them in my life.  We draw names (among the local gals) for a Christmas exchange.  This year I drew Tina's name.  I did the below for her - the scissor fob I made up based on the outside design of the needle/thread book. 

It was designed by The Purple Thread - Close to My Heart - I adapted it to a needle book/floss holder.  The large strawberry is also by TPT.  I had intended it to be the scissor fob but it was larger than I imagined.  I changed up the colors to match each other.  My finishing skills were once again tested big time!

I made a project bag too.  It is BBD Blueberry Crumble fabric - and I thought it was perfect for Tina.  I also included a pin cushion I bought from Blue Ribbon Designs - same fabric.  Add that to a dish I picked up from a local antique store with candlewick edging - Tina collects; you can imagine I was more than thrilled to hear she didn't have this particular dish in her collection.

A close up of the pin cushion with fancy pins and the project bag - lining and outside.  I love this fabric.I made a practice one for myself out of the brown shades of this fabric,

Mary drew my name.  This box is what greeted me upon my turn to open.  I love these types of boxes, don't you?

Inside was this gorgeous Mondo Bag she made from some luscious batiks.  It is a nice size bag, pockets inside.  YUM! 

Some other goodies in my box, a stack of purplish fabrics, the sampler version of micro cloths that clean your glasses/screens, a tiny rabbit floss holder, a notebook.  The square charm in the middle is from Paulette.  The stitched item at the top (attached to the fabric under my goodies) is the inside of...

 THIS!

Recognize this gorgeous piece of stitching?  It's the pattern I acquired and posted a month or two ago - I don't have to stitch or finish it now!  How stunning is this?  I have it in my bag holding all the misc. items in one of the samplers I just started (more on that in a bit).

I've mentioned Pam's husband, Bill, before.   Well they outdid themselves again and gave us each these:

Aren't they sweet?  They are already in use with one of my new starts.  Thanks Bill & Pam - so cool! 

You still there?  I have some more stitchy related items...I picked up a couple items at my LNS when she was having some sales in December.  HAD to make a visit when my linen for one of my samplers came in, so I picked up my items they had stashed for me.

SB Grateful Hearts - started before Christmas and not much progress to post - but...ta-dah!

The Purple Thread - another strawberry like I did for Tina - finished this over the Christmas holiday...not finish/finished yet.  My final 2012 stitch finish.

What have I been working on since - not much since I was reading.  But I did start Maryland Inspiration by Heart's Ease Examplar Workes.  This sampler is beautiful (the linen I picked up near Christmas).  Don't have much to show - but don't you love this border?

How about those knot balls too - aren't they attractive!

And last night, first I have picked up a needle since the new year appeared, I started Ann Dale by Shakespeare's Peddler.  Again, not much to show, but I love how quickly this portion went so far.  Colors are delicious!

Yes, I think I am a little nuts starting two big BIG samplers at one time, but I just couldn't resist.  And after all, life is too short.

Okay, stitchy stuff done.  Christmas Eve at my Mom's we finally had a bit of snow.  So pretty!

I received a present from my niece.  She gave my mom and sister (her other aunt) a picture - both nicely done!  I, however, received a piece of clay work.  We are always teasing each other and she wanted me to have her teasing me always.  I was honored she chose to give me this! 

I can't remember if I mentioned and I am too set on getting this posted to go back and check, but my son moved back home a week before Christmas - the best Christmas present I could wish for. I sure missed him. And I know, he's not around much, but I love to have him at home periodically. I am not the only one who is thrilled he's home either - the dog won't leave him alone.


Christmas morning was nice...presents abound.  Santa had made an appearance.

The dog was very interested in the stocking stuffers and wanted in the action.  Perhaps he knew Santa left him a goodie or two.  

 Tshirt that was on the wish list of the child's!

I leave you with my reindeer table (all joke gifts from my Mom over the years)....thankfully as I type this morning, all undecorating is done, boxes have been hauled downstairs and just need to be put on the shelf.  Dusting, vacuuming done - working on laundry this morning and getting ready to put needle to thread. 

Again - Happy New Year...hi to the new followers, hi to those who have been around for awhile.  I am so thankful for the friends I have made through this blog - it is so fun to see what you are working on, what you covet and collect and to hear about your adventures near and far. 

Smiles,
Sherry :o)

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my blog-world friends!





My intention today was to post pictures of the stitching I gave away at my Christmas party with the best friends a gal can have, to show you what I received and the talent of the makers...

But instead, I want to tell you about my Grandpa - pictured above.  He passed away last night after 95 wonderful years, 49 of which I shared.  He was the most generous human I ever knew, tied on that list by my Grandma who passed 9 years ago. 

They paid for my education, they always, always thought of us grandkids.  They took care of their children and set up a family legacy for us all to carry forward.  I witnessed and learned how a human should treat another.  He was passionate about those he loved and lived to share.  My grandparents retired in the 50's and traveled the world, bringing back mementos from all over.  I traveled with them as a young child, sometimes, along with my cousins. 

Until about six months ago, this man fished each day when the lake wasn't frozen, hunted every fall for deer.  His love of nature carried him through to the last moment as he watched his beloved birds flit here and there from his "perch".  He celebrated each morning with a fried fish breakfast and closed each day with a martini and if company was around, a lively game of cards!

I can't even put into words what an AMAZING man he was.  I can only imagine the reunion in Heaven as he greeted first his wife, then his son, my Dad. 

I will post the pictures and updates after the first of the year - until then, peace to all.

Hugs,
Sherry :o)

A birthday...a finish...Happy Thanksgiving ;-)

 Ta-Da!  Here she is...Elizabeth Mary Gandey.  I finished her last week.  Haven't smoothed out the wrinkles yet, so excuse them.  This is one of Shakespeare's Peddlers samplers.

 Done with Belle Soie silks - beautiful, if I may say so myself.  Don't you just love the color pattern of the steps; and the pink doggie is growing on me.  Unfortunately it will have to wait for the framer until after the first of the year.

I have put my name or initials on the reproduction samplers I have completed...but I  needed some thing else where Elizabeth's age was located.  I decided to put the current year and her initials.  I have started to write on the back of framed pieces a bit of history or something about the piece so on this one, once framed, I will be sure to note that very thing.  Sorry for the shadow.

A couple weeks ago the group of friends I stitch with and hang with gathered for the (usually) bi-monthly lunch and stitching.  It was my birthday earlier this month and some of us participate in a gift exchange.  This year we did a yard of fabric each.  This was my stash addition.  What did I pick?  Well if you are a regular to this blog, batiks is no surprise!!

Aren't they lovely....hmmm, the wheels are churning on what to do, what to do - with these beautiful fabrics. Thanks to all  my friends who gave me these luscious fabrics. 

While there, Pam's husband came over to talk with another friend about a wood chest he is building.  He is the one who built my cabinet a couple Christmas' ago (I will post a picture sometime - it's phenomenal!!).  Yes, I have a Bill original.  Anyway, he stopped by and we were all visiting and it came up in conversation that he reads my blog.  So - hi Bill!! 

My postman delivered a package from the Attic (in Arizona) that I was desperately waiting for.  Don't they do a great presentation - this is what I pulled out of the envelop.

And this is what I pulled out of the beautiful tissue...

 A Maryland Inspiration by Heart's Ease Examplar Workes and the silks.  Can you say BEAUTIFUL!!  This sampler is going to be a fun stitch and a stunning finish.  Now I thought I had some linen in my stash that would work - but it's about 6-7 inches short on one side - bummer!! 

Stacy Nash Primitives have this beautiful Pears & Strawberries Sampler Sewing Bag that is so sweet. I had to have that one for sure - maybe I will kit that up for the holidays.   And finally, my friend Paulette had this JBW Birds and Berries.  I wouldn't have even looked at this one until I saw Paulette's version - the thread she used was sooo pretty.  This should be a quick stitch.

Look at this - wow!

 My mom is a snickers nut - pun intended.  I saw this the other day and knew I had to put it with her Christmas gift.  Too funny.

Speaking of Mom, here she is, surrounded by her daughters.  We went to a play together a couple weeks ago and then grabbed some drinks and appetizers after.  It was great to spend some time with my sisters and mom -  no kids, no medical crap - just hanging out.  She is slowly recouping from her March illness.  Don't we look all pretty and dolled up. 

Well that's it for today.  My husband is up north with my 95 year old grandpa, deer hunting - so I took advantage of that and invited my friends over for some stitching time.  I didn't even toil over what to have for lunch - can you say Costco chicken noodle soup, some salad and bread and a quick no-bake pie.... Yum...Now to get a shower and get out my needle and thread! 

Oh yeah - forgot, I read a book by Deborah Harkness A Discovery of Witches - tore through that puppy in about three days - part of a series and I am waiting for the second at the library.  I can't recommend it enough!

Happy Thanksgiving to you all - I love reading about my blogging world friends on their blogs and enjoy the comments left on mine.  May you all have much to be thankful for this year and many more to come!! 

Take time to do something that makes you happy!!

Hugs :0)
Sherry

It's a long one!!

I will start with the stitchy/quilty news - that way if you want to bail, you can.  Lots of pics too...

So I last left you hanging as I was getting ready to go to a stitch camp weekend with my buddies.  So this was the cart, entering the hotel...for two nights only - pile of mostly stitching for three people, for the most part.  We had already unloaded some of our bags. 

Great fun was had! We shopped our way to the hotel which is less than an hour from my house. After the three of us gathered, we hit three quilt shops, I think, and also a stop at the shop sponsoring the weekend. And of course, we had lunch in between - have to sustain ourselves!

This is the stash enhancement made to the fabric part of my world.  A Halloweel kit, some Halloween fabric.  Tiny charm packs - Three Sisters "Double Chocolate" which were too, too cute to pass up.  I also picked up two different Christmas fabrics and of course, batiks.

This is the stash enhancement made to my stitching world.   I picked up some of the new Crescent Color and Weeks Dye Works.  LIttle HOuse Needleworks Tree Farm, The Purple Thread is the black & white kit on the right and the bigger in the back - called Pink Lemonade.  It's a needlebook/roll and accessories in a box with ribbons in which to store them.   I've had my eye on that one awhile so it was time.  Another sweet pair of scissors.  The kit to the far let is a Halloween notebook, given to us by the LNS in our goodie bag.  Also received the "S" domino necklace as a giftie from LNS.  I purchased the domino (black with tree) from the gal who came to do our giftie.  I am going to use it as a scissor fob.  And yes, that is French General fabric you see in the middle.  Picked it up from one of the quilt stores - small zipper bag.  It was just too cute to pass up.  I also picked up a bit or my Christmas exchange but can't show that yet.

Now for the progress made that weekend:

Lizzie-Kate - Mystery Sampler....

 Not much progress made on this one!

Elizabeth Mary Gandey by Shakesphere Peddler.  I made progress on this one - steps -check!  Only have the border to complete now and then a small something or another in the middle by my name.  Oh yeah, and the trees to the left of the church.  When it's finished, I will post some close-up photos for you.

Strawberry Hill by With Thy Needle & Thread - progress made!  This represents about one-half of the box top.  Plus a little over half the house.

Another little something added to my stash - Chessie & Me's Joy To Ewe.  The sheep needs to have his fur stitched - french knots.  Once done, I will make this cutie into an ornament.

I also picked up this cutie for my Halloween collection - will it be done by Wednesday - I think not...nor will the L*K one above - but there's always next year, right!!  I do have the cat stitched on this, but certainly not enough to show off .  I may have to take the cat out and redo - stitched it last night watching the world series...'nother story there - see below.  Tension in my stitching  just a wee bit tight.

So this morning, I was filling out my absentee ballot and pondering the upcoming events for the day while enjoying my iced coffee (in an ugly insulated glass) and a pumpkin bagel with honey-nut cream cheese.  Yum....

Later today Iwill hand out the pretzel rods covered with chocolate mummies to my nieces and nephews.  I made these for them (along with some of the immediate neighbors who will be begging for treats Wednesday).  Took me 'freaking' forever last week...but they are cute!



We then carved pumpkins (my sisters and I - along with families) have always gathered for this event annualy since my son was born - kinda evolved to include my dad (who carved pumpkins with me even ater I was an adult) and my mom.  Couple were missing this year - oldest niece is away at school and oldest nephew had a high school play.  The left two gals are nieces - my son is the tall one, not smiling so much, other two are nephew and the youngest niece.  My pumpkin is the fourth from the left - always a hack job!  My son's pumpkin will be living here for Wednesday too, as he will be working.  I get about 400 beggers - used to be a bit higher but quite a few are my son's age and older... I live in a pretty big sub and the surrounding "country" areas come where the houses are closer.  I love it!

I took these, plus gouhl-lash to eat.  The skeleton removes his head and sings a verison of the "hokey-pokey" a.k.a. "hocus-pocus" and shakes...he also glows in the dark.  The wine - has some spices and is served room tempurature or heated.  It was quite tastey.  It's a potluck and I really ate too much.

  

So a couple other updating things - my back, as it turns out, is most likely sciatic.  Thank goodness it's not the virus I had last year - which made the back surgery necessary.  I am back in physical therapy.  Yuck and Yeah - yuck cuz it's not fun, costs copays and is painful.  Yeah cuz it's helping, so far.

I have a new phone - taking me some time to learn the sucker.  It's a Motorola Droid - Razor Maxx.  It's taking me some lessons from my son - WHO moved out a little over two weeks ago.  I agree with so many others - empty nest is not easy.  It's okay, but not easy.   I really, really miss him.  He has been working afternoons for so long and with that and school and me working days, I didn't see him a lot but I still saw him.  I do hear from him at least every other day.  I simply text "hi" and get same back - that's it...but it's something.

So what the heck is going on with the Tigers?  I watched them SWEEP the Yankees a couple weeks ago.  Thought they had shot at winning the World Series.  Tonight, as I type, they are loosing game 4 to the SF Giants.  I remember when they won in '84, not so much the '68 series as I was pretty young...but I heard about it alot.  My Grandpa and Dad are/were huge Tiger fans. Until his passing, I took my Dad to at least one game a year (from the age of 12, with babysitting $$).  It's always bittersweet to watch them now - I miss my Dad - so Dad...how about a little heavenly help...Go Tigers!  I am still believeing you can win this one!   Update - while proofing Tigers scored 2 runs and are now in the lead - but it is only the 4th inning.  Those fans have got to be cold - 42*.  And thanks Dad - keep sending the power to win this one!!

Well if I want to stitch a bit, I better get to it.  Happy Halloween everyone!  I will try to do a shorter post soon - when I wait so long between I have so much to tell you.  Welcome to new followers and welcome back to everyone else.  Spellchecker not working tonight so I hope I caught all of the errors. 

Stitch lots -
Sherry :0)