Stitching Strumpet

WIPupdate

2012-02-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

So - time for a howl at the full moon......

My WIP's are seeing some action! I've one finish (as posted before - better picture to follow)

The Prairie Schooler design is finished - woot!

The other project that has seen a fair bit of action is the L. Perrin "One Long Panel" - really a pleasure to work on.

Caroline

First 2012 WIP finish

2012-02-03T10:23:00.000-08:00

Prairie Schooler - "Winter". I think I started this two years ago, and once I knuckled down, it was a quick stitch. So - that's the first one I get to check off my WIP list for the year. Now I get to add another in its place. "Quaker Diamonds" is the one. I'd like to finish that up this year as well.

WIPocalypse postie

2012-01-09T11:33:00.001-08:00

See this? It's missing something. Specifically, one of the seasons.

So - this has been added to the WIPs-oca-pa-looza. (pardon the horrific pictures. if I wait to post until I have perfect pictures, I will never post)

Here's "One Long Panel" - I've chosen a purple colourway. Love it.

This is the Landmark design and please don't judge a project by its picture (which you can barely see.) This is a BLAST to stitch.

Ooooops - how did this stunningly cute, loving scene find its way in here?

Almost out of steam, "Coffee".

The Hooligan Afghan, please may I finish it before she hates the colours that she chose. That's all I ask.

OK dokey.

list

2012-01-07T04:03:00.000-08:00

WIP list since I see that I need to post an update on the 9th.......... This is just a starter list. Why wouldn't it be?? My goal is to finish these four projects and continue working on others.

1. Hooligan #1's garter stitch afghan - to fit a double bed - probably about 1/4 finished. I would really like to finish this for her this year.

2. Landmark design - I've finished 4 of these huge suckers so far and I would like to finish a fifth as this is the number that I need for my staircase. As I wanted the framing to match I'll then take out a second mortgage and have them framed. (Each one is about 39,000 stitches and I adore them....)

3. Laura J. Perin - "One Long Panel" - this is 1/4 finished.

4. Allesandra Adelaide - "Coffee" - stitching this on 28 count over one and I'm about half way done the steam.

WIPocalypse

2012-01-04T06:01:00.000-08:00

Hi - been a while, no?

I was looking at some of the things I stitched last year and was sad that I hadn't posted about them on here as I can't remember some of the details. Getting old, I guess.

So - with that in mind and knowing that if I just make the effort to post I'll appreciate it in a years' time, I've signed up for the WIPocalypse to encourage myself to post.

Details here. I need to work on my list and will try to post tomorrow.

The biggest news is that we have a new furry friend. We had to put Ginger down last summer - it's a long, sad story and not really one I want to share but the house was really empty without a dog for the first time in 15 years. So - we've adopted Daria. She's 5, and so, so lovely. Gentle, loving and quiet - a perfect companion dog. So much so that when the littlest hooligan starts JK in the fall, I may look into what it would take to start working her as a therapy dog. She would love it as her favourite thing in the whole wide world is cuddling.

Send advil please

2011-03-03T09:57:00.000-08:00

So - I've signed up my daughter for oboe lessons. There's a joke in there, surely.

As all Canadians know - Tim Hortons is running the annual "Roll up the rim" contest. Is it just me or have they loaded up those cups with coffee and muffin winners? I've won 3 coffees already and I hadn't won anything in the previous 5 years. Smart business really - I've NEVER seen such busy line ups at the drive thru. Anyone see the Rick Mercer episode where he asked George Bush how he felt about Prime Minister Tim Horton? Hilarious. From a special show called "Talking To Americans". I've never laughed so hard. No offence to my US friends.... :-) Just good clean fun. He actually got Mike Huckabee to congratulate Canada on our new "National Igloo"

Click here to watch

Progress continues on the Landmark design - one of these days I might actually take a decent picture of it. I've also started back up on DH's sweater. I've finished the back so now it just needs another sleeve and the front. I'm working on it in secret since it annoys him to no end that I continue to work on everything else but his sweater...... Passive aggressive is my middle name.

Sadness

2011-03-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

I truly can not stop thinking about Lisa Roswell and her untimely death.

I think I will pull out my "With my Needle" design and work on it tonight.

I may lurk on your blogs, not posting all of the time on what you write or stitch - but you all have become my community and I actually feel like I lost a member of my extended family yesterday even though she never knew me.

I've also just read that Judy Harper passed away a few days ago.

Ladies - to you I raise my needle.

Caroline

What was I thinking...

2011-01-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

15 days is way too long for me to be monogamous to one project. I find my eye straying lustfully over my other pretties and I want to cheat. Then I feel guilty. So - no more. I will stitch what I want to when I want to. There. Phew. (Also - I'm getting tired of my husband asking me when I'm going to put his damn sweater in the rotation and finish it.)

Remind me to tell you about the time that I said I would have the sweater knit by the time he built me a cottage. The cottage is built - with his own two hands. The sweater? Not finished.

Caroline

15 days...

2011-01-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

So in 15 days my Ink Circles Mandala went from this:

to this!

I think it will start to look less phallic once I put in some more colour...........

Next up is the Landmark design (you knew I couldn't stay away from it) So until February 3rd I will be faithful. I'll also try to take better pictures..... as this is about as bad as it gets.... I love me some dot dot dots..........

Caroline

Mandala check in

2011-01-12T15:07:00.001-08:00

It has been a week and I have been 100% faithful to this project which is unheard of. I am a strumpet, after all. I am enjoying it - I don't usually do outlines first, normally the desire to see the colour RIGHT NOW would be overwhelming. This is working for me this time though.

Split pea soup for dinner tonight. Remind me to tell you about the time I gave away a ham bone on freecycle.

Caroline

First finish!

2011-01-05T09:47:00.000-08:00

Ta-Dah! Nancy's Needle "Desert Star"

Started Dec.20th 2010

Finished Jan.4th 2011

I used all threads as charted and loved every minute of it.

So - moving right along. The next 15 days (so.. until the 19th) will be spent on this lovely. It's a special one. Ink Circles Designs has designed a special SAL project for my LNS - Thread and Eye. It's called Thread and Eye Mandala and I lurve it. I don't think she has released it generally yet - but you can get it at Thread and Eye (tell Kathy I sent you - she's the sister I never had....)

Click here to get a much better idea of what it will eventually look like and the amazing variety of colours that the stitchers in our group are choosing. That's the beauty of this one - you customize it to your colour loves. As you can also see, I am pathetically behind. So. 15 days - lots of coffee and a sharp needle. Oh - and if the kids could behave I'd appreciate it. Watch out Mandala, I'm going to STITCH you.

Caroline

Desert Star...

2011-01-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

is not finished. When you have young children sometimes there is a warp in the space time continuum and suddenly it's the next day. So - this is my first WIP for 2011. It won't take 15 days to complete (did I just jinx myself?) and it will be satisfying to finish it.

Caroline

Stop the Insanity - love it!

2010-12-31T09:06:00.000-08:00

I just read a blog entry by Susan - and I think she has come up with an idea that could really work for me and help alleviate some of the "OH MY GAWD I HAVE SO MANY HALF FINISHED PROJECTS STUFFED IN THIS CLOSET/DRAWER/UNDER THE BED etc.."

I just can't justify starting 15 new projects esp. since I tend to prefer BAP's and they take a few years usually for me to complete anyways. So - 15 days per WIP already on the go. I can totally do that - how about you?

I'm hopefully finishing up a Nancy's Needle design later today, "Desert Star". I started it last Monday so this has been the fastest finish for me ever. Love it. I'll post a finish pic tomorrow along with a picture of the project that I'll be working on for the next 15 days ;-)

Happy New Year!

Caroline

Has anyone seen my sanity?

2010-12-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

Seriously.

So. The cat survived. Hopefully no one was holding their breath..... It took a month of syringe feeding (5-6 times a day...), a boatload of money and hiring a sitter to come and do it when I couldn't - but he lives! He's back to his lazy, lovey self and I couldn't be more thrilled. This picture I took the day he started eating on his own again. (ooooo - stitchy mess in the background.....)

Our older dog Madi started to have periods of dementia and bit me quite badly as I was trying to brush her outside. This was back in October. As we have young children - we had to make the decision to have her put down. My hand was very badly injured and if it had happened to one of the kids it would have been disastrous. So, we did lose an animal - just not the one I expected to die. I miss her terribly. Ginger - the shepherd pup is now just over a year old and still eating her way through socks, stuffed toys, carpeting etc. Remind me to tell you about the time she got out of her crate - ripped a hole the size of a small child in the middle of the carpet and pooped all over the room. My SIL said that she heard her howling at about 4am but didn't think to come and get me. Guess I've told you all about it now. Good times.

A ton of other things have happened, but I won't bore you with details. I've been stitching a lot - have discovered a new love of counted canvas and am considering this crazy pants January 15 starts. Though I will probably do what some others are doing and pick 15 WIPS that I already have on the go and organize them for the challenge.

I know you came for the stitching so here's the latest picture on my machine of the Landmark Design. I have don't quite a bit more since then - but I'd have to walk upstairs to take the picture. It's not New Year's yet - I don't have to exercise just yet. I learned how to tat at my retreat in October - fun but teeny tiny! And I finished a design that I customized for our family from LHN. I've missed the blogging world, so hopefully 2011 will find my nose more in your business and a few more updates about mine.

Caroline

Fatty Liver fun...

2010-09-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

So. The last three weeks have been spent spending a small fortune on the cat. Remember the kitty who was looking so good, smaller floppy belly -etc.....

He decided that it really wasn't worth living if he had to share the house with the D.O.G, so he stopped eating and drinking entirely. Overweight cats are prone to fatty liver disease if they stop eating for a period of time and that is indeed what has happened. This is not the easiest cat to either pill or force feed (I gave it a go for about 3 days, and he really and truly despised me) so, we had a feeding tube inserted in his neck. For the next 8-12 weeks I'll be syringing his food into him and he better damn well survive. My car drove itself to the vet this morning for a check up on an infection in the tube site. My bill reflected a "premier customer discount" which means that because I'm paying his children's university tuition, they'll cut me some slack. :-)

I am very attached to this kitty, so - fingers crossed.

Who, me????

Progress on Shushi:

Progress on Cirque des Cirques:

A new start - notice anything wrong? It should be a circle instead of a diamond...... So, now it's a do-over.

Keslyn's "Bliss Content" finished - but this is a terrible beauty shot. I stitched it entirely with Crescent Colours Bandana, and it is really lovely.

LHN's Coffee House - finished:

So - enjoy the rest of your Sunday! I'm off to feed the cat.

Caroline

Thursday is thirsty.......

2010-08-19T13:32:00.000-07:00

for Coffee!

This is an UFO from 2 years ago. It's LHN "Coffee Shoppe". This picture was taken on Monday and since then I've stitched most of the bottom half of this design.

I gave a lot of thought this week as to why I am such a slacker on the updates. I can not stand having to take the pictures, load the pictures, choose the pictures, insert the pictures....... I'm lazy I guess. Several times I wanted to write here to tell you about my latest finish - Keslyn's "Bliss Content", but put off posting. I finished it - it's gorgeous, but you can't see it because I'm too lazy to go and follow through the picture taking hoo-ha. The photo above was only snapped since I had my iPhone in bed while I was stitching (any other bed stitchers out there?I adore listening to audiobooks in jammies with my blankie and pillows ) so I took a quick picture. I think this is key. It's quick, and I'm always syncing the phone so the pictures are all right there. They're crap, but better than nothing, no? So - let's see this week if I can get into the habit of snapping more phone pictures. Also - that Noel ornament? Imagine a finished picture right......

.....................HERE..................

It's also finished and very cute.

How about a picture of my cat? He's cute too.

See? Since we put the dog's crate in the kitchen, our cat has lost weight. He hates the dog and refuses to go anywhere near him. Therefore he's not begging 4 different people for food in the kitchen anymore. It's awesome - he doesn't look like a blanket roll anymore - just a regular cat with a floppy belly. We match.

Caroline

Gadzukes!!!!!!!!!!

2010-08-06T13:53:00.000-07:00

"No way! You're posting on your blog???? Get out!!!!!!"

That must mean you've been doing some of this:

Trying to survive this.........:

Madi (on the right) is 13 now, practically blind and deaf (though that might be largely selective, she figures she's old now she can do whatever the hell she wants) Ginger, the baby is now 8 months old and is just as destructive as ever, hence the crate. I look forward to getting past that stage....she has yet to grow into her ears LOL)

And drinking a metric tonne of this: (too much of this can make you redundant...snicker...)

In all seriousness - I would like to keep up with this here blog on a more frequent basis but I always seem to let so much time lapse in between posts. Any really good tricks from people who find it easy to post a few times a week?

Also - a shout-out to a very special friend in Portugal who will probably fall over in shock when she sees that I've updated my blog. We miss you here "V" - looking forward to our Wednesdays again soon.

Caroline

Stitchy weekend

2010-06-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

Half of my family is away this weekend - leaving me with one small, easy to care for little boy. :-)

So, some serious stitching has already been under way. I had some good stitching friends over last night and we chatted and stitched until 11:30 - I am so lucky to have found women who share this love of stitching. We try to meet every Wednesday during the littlest hooligans' nap time and sometimes we are lucky enough to sneak in an extra bit of time during the week as well.

I have made a serious start on my 3rd enormous Landmark design, "Shushi". Here is the top left corner. I have completed the black row at across the entire top of the design and am really enjoying this project. Tonight I hope to get a large chunk of that right corner filled in.

I have so many BAP's on the scroll rods right now that I really, really needed a quick and satisfying project that I could actually finish. This Mill Hill Bead kit - "Noel" christmas ornament is perfect!! I like working on the perforated paper and it is such a cute little design that it is hard to put down. I started it on Wednesday night and hope to finish it up this weekend.

Happy Friday everyone!

Caroline

Pattern to give away - LHN's Holly and Berries

2010-06-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

I meant to post this ages ago. If there is anyone reading who would like my used copy of LHN's Holly and Berries design leave me a comment and I'll pull a name out of a hat. It is such a cute pattern and I really, really like the box ornament way that I finished it. I may even still have a copy of those directions kicking around. (No promises on that though LOL, not with my organizational skillz.........) I'll wait a week before choosing someone. so...... that would be next Tuesday, June 8th.

Part 4 finished!

2010-05-29T08:13:00.000-07:00

Papillon Creations - "How Does Your Garden Grow?" - specialty version - 4 of 12 parts now complete :-)

Long time, no post....

2010-05-28T14:36:00.000-07:00

So - it's been awhile. A long while.....

Life is bumping along, children are growing and animals are shedding. Ginger - the puppy is now 6 months and house trained, but still jumping up on all of us despite our best training efforts. We had her spayed just this morning, and she is now back at home, resting in her crate.

I've been stitching a lot - so I'll post some update photos on WIPs over the next week. Most recently is some progress on Papillon Creations "How Does Your Garden Grow?" which is the design for my LNS stitch along.

From now on, unless I'm posting a beauty shot of a finished project, I'll just use my iPhone for pictures so as to update more often as it's pretty easy to do it that way. So, the pictures won't be great but at least I'll keep a better journal of my progresses.

My brother and my SIL had their first baby and I'm the aunt of a beautiful baby girl. We'll meet the newest hooligan tomorrow. Very exciting! Life really is good sometimes, isn't it?

Happy Friday - I wish you all serious cases of stitchy butt this weekend.

TA-DAH!!

2010-02-13T19:41:00.000-08:00

So - I waited until now to post because I felt silly posting more update photos here of the same old same old.....

I am so thrilled that this is finished. It needs a good steam bath to fluff up the stitches and it will look better once stretched but IT'S DONE!!

Makhi by Landmark design - started Feb 2009 and finished Feb 2010. mbroider asked how big it is (and I don't think I've been asked that before!) It is stitched on 16 count aida and is 187x187 stitches which makes it about 12" square. This is the second Landmark design that I've finished of 10 that I purchased 2 years ago.

I finished Kazakh early last year.

I have started a third just today - I'll try to post the details tomorrow. I adore these patterns and hope to one day hang them in the stairwell.

Ginger, our puppy is starting to settle in and it has been wonderful to see our older dog becoming more playful again. The pooping continues, but I seem to be learning her schedule ;)

Do you think she'll grow into her ears??!?

Good night all,

New hooligan in the 'hood and Makhi again

2010-01-23T13:58:00.001-08:00

I can see the finish line on this behemoth. I estimate another month for completion - barring any distractions like......

like this!!! This is our newest hooligan - Ginger. She is 8 weeks old, mostly shepherd with a little lab thrown in for good luck. I am smitten, and Madi - our most senior hooligan of the canine kind has taken to her like peanut butter in a kong. She needs to stop pooping on my floor though - it's really kinda gross. Any tips for house training? Madi was pretty easy - this one, we walked outside for an hour and then she came inside and pooped all over the floor. Discouraging, no? Good thing she's cute.

Good evening,

Caroline

Trust Your Instincts

2010-01-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

There has been a man hanging around the school yard at drop off time that I always just assumed was a grand parent since I only ever saw him at drop off time in the morning. Something was bugging me, but I always brushed it off. On Monday, that feeling got a little stronger and I mentioned this man to my daughter and described him carefully. On Wednesday I saw him again with his cute little dog and knew for sure that I had to go and say something even if I was wrong - it didn't matter. What was wrong? I have never, ever seen this man with a child. When I started thinking about it - I knew that I met him on the sidewalk at least two years ago because hooligan #2 wasn't around and I wasn't pregnant. I remember the meeting because he had the sweetest little white dog I've ever seen. Seriously - I'm a big dog person, little dogs not so much. This was a lovely little dog and I commented on it - never thought about it again until everything else started bothering me. I tallied up all the times I had seen him.... nope - never any kids with him. Now alarm bells are ringing wildly...... In two years he has gone from just walking on the sidewalk to now walking his little dog almost right up to the school doors and I think this all started because I noticed he had a routine and that routine seemed to becoming more and more frequent. This morning we confirmed that he was driving his car to the school, waiting until the children were a beehive of activity arriving at the school and then he got out of his van with his little dog and slowly walked up and down the school side walk. When the children were all inside - he got back in his van and left.

Long story short - the police have his address, he has no record - but he will be banned from school property and police will be called if he is ever seen on school property again.

If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

Makhi again

2010-01-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

I think that because I can see the end in sight for Makhi and I find it so easy to work on, I keep returning to stitch on it every night as my relaxation time. Having so many projects on the go is definitely a good problem to have but I need to start finishing a few more things instead of always starting new ones. So this year, I will attempt to cut down on the number of new starts. Makhi is so close to being finished - it's pretty exciting!

Have a good morning,

Caroline

I think I have a problem...

2010-01-04T09:42:00.001-08:00

See this? This is a problem and does not include a few things such as knitting projects (I can count 6 of these off the top of my head) tapestry projects (2 of those) baby quilt (1 of those) and at least 3 other stitched WIPS that I didn't feel like searching for.

We have Of Female Arts, and a Blue Ribbon freebie ornament:

Cirque des Circles:

LHN's 'Hood:
Spanish Rouge:
PS's ABC along (not coming along..... though I LOVE IT!) and good old faithful Makhi:

How Does Your Garden Grow (obvs pretty damn slow...):

Rustic Retreat:

LHN's Coffee Shop:

A Just Nan stocking that I have nearly completed (ummm 4 years ago - I think the prospect of actually turning this into a bonafide stocking has me shaking in my boots):

And, because I am truly insane, a HAED "Big Bear Falls" that will be stunning, if I finish it before I die. I'm 35, non-smoker, a bit overweight, so I figure I've got at least 40-45 more good years in me. If my eyesight goes, I'm up shit creek. And if you've worked on a HAED, you know it's tough on the eyeballs.

Prairie School's "Winter" - I've already stitched and framed the other 3 seasons.

Finishing Holly and Berries has me hankering for a another finish, hence the pulling out of the UFO's, but damn! Well, enough blogging - back to stitching.

Good afternoon,

Caroline

P.S: My favourite LNS has Christmas at Hawk Run Hollow waiting for me....

1st Finish of 2010!

2010-01-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

I finished the stitching for LHN's Holly and Berries on Friday night. Then on Saturday I finished it into a box ornament.

It was a satisfyingly quick stitch.

Back to reality tomorrow - school for Hooligan #1 and work for me. Blah humbug.

I've been reading again, feels like slipping on a favourite pair of old slippers - for those who follow Crazy Aunt Purl's website, I just finished reading her first book, "Drunk, Divorced and Covered in Cat Hair" If you enjoy reading her blog, you'll lurve her book even more. Also just finished "Julie and Julia" - didn't enjoy quite as much, great premise though and I did enjoy the foodie bits. Two different L.Hill's (Book of Negroes - awesome book) are on the pile to be read next as well as M.J Fox's newest - yay for Canadians!

Good night all,

Happy New Year's

2010-01-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

So begins a new year - fresh starts and new resolve. I wish everyone a Happy New Year!

I have been stitching a lot - mostly on Makhi - I had a ton to rip out due to a mistake. I was not happy about that. I had thought that I would leave it in a closet somewhere, but actually, just kept working away at it.

I hope to finish up LHN's Holly and Berries tonight:

Santa was very good to me this year - lots of new stash and a new pair of Gingher scissors (my very first pair!) Plans tonight include lots of stitching and a movie, though not sure yet which one.

Boxing Day

2009-12-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone. Downer post ahead.

I am just glad things are winding down. Overexcited children, too much food, and my house looks like it threw up all over itself. My parents are here for the next few days. I am not enjoying this at all. I have been so disappointed so many times with their behaviour towards my children and why would I ever expect anything to change. My son is almost 2 and wouldn't be able to pick my mother out of a line up. I wish I could say to them, "They don't need more god damned presents from you - they need you to spend some time with them. They're growing up and you've missed it all." There is so much history - so many things wrong with everything between us. A year of therapy wasn't enough.

Please, if I could ask for and have anything this Christmas? It would be that I never, ever become my mother and make my children feel about me the way I feel about her. 12 more hours to go.

Anyone know where I can buy some time?

2009-11-30T07:01:00.000-08:00

I have way too many projects on the go. It is starting to stress me out. Not the number of projects, but the lack of time to work on them. I feel guilty that I wish for nap time so that I can have an hour to myself to stitch. I worry that I'm wishing away the hooligan's babyhood.

Nothing like a bit of mummy guilt.

So - this weekend saw a bit of progress on Makhi and my Papillon Creations SAL. I seem to be focusing on Makhi, and I hope that this will be finished by the end of the year. Of course, I still need to finish the sweater for hooligan #1, so we'll see.

Phew!~

2009-11-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hello out there for anyone still reading! What a month it's been. I have been busy so I'll give a little update on the projects that have seen the most love.

Here is my Papillon Creations SAL "How Does Your Garden Grow". I am now finally finished the first part and need to catch up the the other stitchers who have finished part three!

Makhi: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways....

Craziness - I am hoping to join in on Vonna's PS SAL - fabric is ready and I'm poised over the last chart, needle in hand. See this photo for the full effect: the picture that began teh crazy. Did you swoon a little? I did.

I finished the sweater for Hooligan #2. Since he'll be surprised all over again at Christmas, we decided to try it on a bit early and thankfully it fits. Hooligan #1's sweater is underway - I'm about 5 inches up the body.

So - there in a nutshell, has been my progress on a few projects. I really hope to update this blog more often, so please stay tuned!

oinkers

2009-10-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

My daughter has the flu (oink oink) - I will not be going away this weekend. I really could have used a break, but I know that I couldn't leave her and that my little guy will probably get it as well.

:sigh:

hmmmmm

2009-10-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

So, I'm a pretty shy gal. I've been having major back and neck troubles over the last week and my DH pinched a nerve in his neck a couple of nights ago. We just recently started paying for extended health coverage - which includes a small sum towards massage therapy. Can you guess where this is headed?

His name is Charles and I will be spending a glorious hour on his table tomorrow from 1:30-2:30pm. I'm gonna have to take my shirt off aren't I? It's OK - DH's bliss is named Sandra. Though sadly for him, there won't be a happy ending.

After that? I'm headed up North for my weekend stitching retreat. I'm so excited I'm not sure I'll sleep tonight. It's going to be rather grand. I'll have pictures on Monday!

unfortunately I'll play...

2009-10-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Meme-o-rific

Saw this on another's blog: Type your first name preceded by the word “unfortunately” into Google and see what comes up.

So.....

Unfortunately Caroline:

- unfortunately Caroline's bikini bottoms also got toasted

- unfortunately, Caroline's dreams of a relaxing and healing vacation go up in smoke when the spa's owner, Claudia De Vries, is found murdered in one of her own mud baths!

- unfortunately, Caroline's glorious time with Ridge was short-lived as she was soon diagnosed with leukemia and was told she only had months to live.

- unfortunately Caroline just went through a big growth spurt

- unfortunately Caroline's attempts to settle in Tunisia failed

- unfortunately Caroline died three months later

Well, hopefully I enjoyed my time in Tunisia toasting my bikini bottoms.........

Bread and such....

2009-10-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been so proud of yourself and just had to tell someone? Based on opinions around the innernets I ordered this book: Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. It really, truly was stupidly easy and looks amazing (taste test to come later tonight with dinner) Here's the bread:

We can't wait to eat it!

I'm involved in a SAL with my LNS and we're stitching an older freebie from Papillon Creations "How Does Your Garden Grow?" It's a mystery SAL and our fearless leader is handing out one part each month. I have only a few more days to finish up the first part or I'll be behind - so that's what I'll be stitching tonight. The specialty stitches have been really cool to work and the instructions are very clear.

Happy Monday y'all.

Yellow Blanket

2009-09-28T17:07:00.000-07:00

What a week it's been. I had been feeling really out of sorts about all of the projects under way and NOTHING being finish finished. I started my Christmas knitting (more on that later) but needed a cable from another project that had been on the needles for awhile. When I was pregnant with my son I began a blanket for him - sunshine yellow, soft, squishy superwash wool. It was a lace pattern, and I learned a valuable lesson about dye lots (always order extra...) and gauge - mine was off - but it was a blanket right? Who cared about gauge? Well, I worked away for a good 10 months on that sucker - it grew heavy on my big belly, and heavier on my post partum flab and lap. I was so disappointed with it (dye lot differences - I had tried striping it, gauge - it would be HUGE when done - and I have to finish it - you know - even if its wrong) Then I hated it. I couldn't work on it anymore. So, I abandoned it, and I decided that I would rip it out and use the wool to make something else. I couldn't deal with it, so I left it behind a few piles of stuff and tried to forget about it. Then, last weekend I really needed the cable needle that was buried under the stitches of that blanket. You should know at this point that my son's favourite thing in the whole world is his blue knit blanket that my SIL made - he can not sleep without it. He digs knit stuff. I worked so hard on that damn thing that even if it wasn't right - he would like it - and that was the whole point. I didn't even look to see if I was at a completed pattern repeat - I simply cast that sucker off, wove in the ends and presented it to him.

I think he approved. I now think that it's the greatest thing I've ever made.

I also showed Makhi some love.

Then I cleaned out a stash drawer. This is something I stitched last year for my little guy's room. If you'd like the pattern - I'd be happy to pass it on to you - please leave me a comment. It's LHN "Counting House".

Now, onto the Christmas knitting. I decided to make my kids matching sweaters (just the pattern, not the colours) because I've always wanted to - KWIM? I'm using Wendy Bernard's "Drive-Thru" pattern. Dudes - this is a great pattern. Easy even, and I'm a very basic knitter. So, I've already knit the body of the babe's sweater (in the round, bottom up) and now I'm on to the first sleeve. Here's where I have to give myself props. I taught myself the magic loop method of knitting (with the book - awesome instructions...) Wanna know what's so magic? It's one long circular needle, and I'm knitting a tube that won't need to be seamed!!!

SEE?????
So, thank you and good night.

Hard week

2009-09-18T08:26:00.001-07:00

It's been a very, very hard week and I am glad it is coming to a close. I have therefore made a special date with myself for tonight. My husband is leaving again around 2pm for 2 weeks, and I will miss him terribly. I'll pick DD up from school and we'll have a special dinner tonight together after the babe is in bed. Then, I'm making a large pot of coffee, putting some lindor chocolates in a crystal bowl and I plan on stitching into the wee hours. I have podcasts to listen to and a few movies on the PVR. I can't wait.

How will you spend your evening?

Startitis is a disease.....

2009-09-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

Thank you Carolyn for your kind comment about Makhi. I really love working on it. Even with all of my other projects on the go, I never tire of these designs. They're easy, only 9 colours and I don't need to keep checking the pattern which makes for great TV stitching.

This is my new start! Sampler Cove's "Spanish Rouge" I have "Spanish Bleue" lined up in my queue (hee hee) as well though I may have some issues with my thread. Another story for another day.....

Ready to start back......

2009-09-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

We're home from a great couple of weeks away, decent weather and happy children. School starts back tomorrow and my teaching schedule starts back up as well - I teach private music lessons. It will be nice to see (most of) my students again. I was able to stitch in the evenings after the babe was in bed so Makhi was the project of choice. I did have a new start as well - I love it, but I'll keep you in suspense until tomorrow to see it. I think you'll like it.........

How many points are in this post??

2009-08-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the comments - I'm in good company :)

I low carbed for so many years that going back to WW seems a bit foreign. I really believe in low carbing when it's done correctly - focusing on veg, protein and healthy oils (and then more veg!) but I just couldn't stick with it - and when I eat a slab of cake with my steak and salad that's not going to get me very far now, is it? So - instead of eating myself into the ground, I'm going back to accountability. 3 pounds down, 60 to go. I don't do the 100 cal packs - I'd simply eat the whole box. What I wouldn't give to just be normal around food - why does it have to be my focus? I could certainly live off the land for a while, so to speak.

So - I should have a simple project that's easy to pull out and work instead of grazing the refrigerator. It's so stupid, do I think that somethings going to magically appear in there that wasn't there 1/2 hour ago? I should stitch a little piggy and stick it to the fridge. Forget the fridge, just staple it to my butt.........

Bah Humbug.

2009-08-24T21:03:00.000-07:00

I really hate, hate, hate being on a diet. I know the totally over used expression - "but, it's a lifestyle!" said in a chirpy voice.

I want my lifestyle to include Big Macs and big bags of candy.

Blah.

Mel's give away!

2009-08-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

Check out Mel's blog and her fantastic give away!

There are some lovely things in there!

So - it's Weight Watchers time again. I've signed back up for the online program - wish me luck..... Now I'm off for a lovely cup of coffee to get me moving.

Dear Stewey......

2009-08-12T16:47:00.001-07:00

Since Stella's been getting so much attention I thought it only fair to give Madi an introduction to the blog. Her given name is Madeira and she enjoys long walks and even longer naps. Stewey - Madi hopes that you are feeling better after your visit to the v-e-t, and is glad that it was you and not she that was there.

We love our girl dearly which is the only explanation for why we put up with four months out of every year - a shedding of fur that sorely test the limits of our vacuum.

Stitchy progress on Makhi:

Good night all!

Rustic Retreat start

2009-08-05T09:09:00.001-07:00

This is a fun, easy stitch! 28 count natural linen - lovely natural colours, it is a pleasure!

Carolyn asked me a question - Thanks for reading and posting comments - love it! Makhi is from Landmark Charts. I couldn't find a website for them specifically but I did find a link to their tapesta pillow collection which I'm stitching from.

There are 12 designs in this collection and I will be stitching 10 of them. I'll frame them instead of making them into pillows. I posted a photo of one that I've completed here - Kazakh.

Here's what Makhi will look like once finished.

Good Questions!

2009-08-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

So I found a new to me blog today - and Melissa had some great questions!

1)Why do you stitch?

It calms me. Stitching makes me feel at peace with myself even when the rest of my life is in chaos.

2) On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being least important and 10 being most important what is your cross stitch passion level?

A 10 for sure - a day without stitching is a miserable one.

3)If your only option for cross stitch supplies and patterns happened to be the major chain craft stores would you just walk away from the little X? Kiss it goodbye?

Well - very doubtful, but it would certainly suck a lot of the pleasure out of it for me, as their selection (at least here in Canada) is awful. Usually there are a few kits, a few magazines, some aida in a plastic bag and a wall of DMC. Depressing.

4)Also are you so passionate about cross stitch that if indeed your only option was the major chain craft stores, would that inspire you to create your own cross stitch pieces because you have to stitch and you've stitched your way through the whole of Dimensions catalog--because you must stitch and the thought of life without a relationship with the little X leaves you feeling empty?

Fortunately my stash to life expectancy ratio is heavily weighted to the former so I think I'll be alright.

5)Finally what do the cross stitch magazines on the market offer you? Do they relate to you as a cross stitcher? Do you look at them and think to yourself, who do they think buys this magazine? I guess what I'm asking, when you see the current cross stitch magazines do they make you feel like they know their readers or do you find it's more of the same? What could they do to be ambassadors for the art of cross stitch other than putting a sampler on the cover with "F-U" on it? What are we missing on a PR level that could change the opinion of cross stitch itself?

The only mag I ever buy is the JCS ornie issue. Mainly because I usually just browse and buy patterns from my LNS so I have never felt the need to buy the mags. So, I can't really offer a valid opinion here.

6) And finally, finally, do you do other crafts and if so what are they and why do they pull you away from cross stitch?

I knit. I really like knitting, but my passion is stitching. I would like to learn to quilt and sew, but something about cross stitch speaks to me on a deeper level (and I mean that) I heart it, and it hearts me right back.

Chirp, chirp.. there are crickets in the corner...

2009-08-02T07:24:00.000-07:00

Well - it is official - I am really talking to myself. So - I guess the first person to tell me they want the PA Design gets it.

Here's Makhi - for some reason I'm loving working with the aida though it's been years since I've touched the stuff. It really works well with these designs. I'm almost halfway done!

I have been wanting to stitch this next one for a while. My husband will be away for most of this month and I've been feeling a bit blue about that. As a pick me up, I've got the floss and linen ready to go. I'll be stitching all three designs together within one border which is given as an option within the pattern.

So. My nemesis. This damn red house I have now stitched three times. It will not be done again :shaking my fist in the air: Perhaps I'll even leave it with a crumbling wall as a final "screw you".

So - there you have it. It'll be nice to get back into the stitching groove this month.

Lost camera and giveaway

2009-07-29T07:22:00.001-07:00

GAH!

I can not find it anywhere and I have progress to show! How very frustrating..

I have an older chart from Patricia Ann Designs - Honeysuckle Courtyard that I would like to send on to a new home - see pic here - if you'd like it, please leave me a comment and I'll have my daughter pick a name out of a hat. It's a lovely design, very delicate.

Love

2009-07-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

I can't stop kissing him.... This face is very distracting, as you can see by the pile of laundry behind him.

"Of female arts" was actually worked on last night, just a wee bit of progress to show:

Also - Makhi is a very relaxing stitch with endless x's of DMC 799.

Has anyone seen Revolutionary Road? I'm considering watching it tonight - it looks good.

Have a great evening!

Holidays

2009-07-12T19:47:00.000-07:00

Been away.

Husband's overseas relatives - x9.

Small cottage.

Loud relatives.

No stitching in 7 days.

I think I'll go lie down quietly with a cold cloth and I'll see you in the morning.

(Lovely, lovely Georgian Bay however. I'll never tire of her rocky shores.)

Eh?

2009-07-01T05:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Canada Day!!

Fobs and lobs......

2009-06-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

Here's the fobs I won from Laura

too cute!

Updated Makhi photo:

And now - the Strumpet comes out - I can not remain faithful, lo though I try.... see this?

A week ago it looked like this:

I was using a thread that I hated. My local LNS owner (who now knows me pretty well...) knew that I had put this away and correctly guessed that I had put it away simply because I hated the thread so much - she suggested an alternative and now $50 later (gulp) I have hand painted silk that I am over the moon about (that's it in the before photo - it's like a really wonderful 13 year old cheddar next to Velveeta - no offense to those who like that product..... well, on second hand - dudes take offense, that stuff is nasty.

As of today, both hooligans are home for the summer. The littlest hooligan had his first hair cut, and promptly fell over giving himself a black eye which enhanced the hooligan factor.

As for the lobs - well, it is Wimbledon week after all......... Stay cool!

Linky Goodness

2009-06-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Cindy F. I think I've figured out how to add links! Thanks so much.

So in honour of my new skill I thought I'd share a few of my favourite sites:

hilarious cakes

fellow Canadian knitter - truly a national treasure

a lit podcast to craft by - Heather's podcast is really, really great.

I'm always looking for new sites, what are some of your favourites?

An older finish

2009-06-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

My projects are so large that sometimes I need to remind myself that I do actually finish things. This is Landmark's Kazakh that I finished about 6 months ago. There are 12 patterns in this series and I have 10 of the patterns. Makhi is the second one that I'm working on. They are easy to stitch and really beautiful. As they are a set, I'd really like to match their frames, so it'll be awhile before that happens!

Update on my LHN - I salvaged the roof as it was two squares short in the right direction if you know what I mean. So, I added two more rows to the left side and ripped out the red and windows. Sadly I was using a really nice WDW in "Brick" - and I didn't think I'd have enough to re-do the house, so I switched out to the DMC which I don't like as much but it'll do.

Ode to the Red House two squares too far to the right

2009-06-12T10:14:00.000-07:00

My fingers were flying I thought I was fine

That's when I noticed something amiss with the line

The stitches were even, the colour divine

Yet something was wrong still with my design

Oh no thought I, it can't be, what to do?

My time is so short, my free moments so few

My babes need feeding, bathing and more

The paperwork glares at me there through the door

What a waste, what to do?

Will anyone notice if I just fudge a few?

Yes, I will notice it, for sure most true

Now my language turns the air blue.

So tonight my dear friends I join in the group

My scissors in hand to make right my kafloop

Poop.

Like I needed another obsession.....

2009-06-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

So - thanks to this blog: http://iwasknittogetherinmymotherswomb.typepad.com/i_was_knit_together_in_my/ I've had the itch to learn to sew. Lynne's clothes that she makes are right up my alley. If the link doesn't show up properly, could someone please teach me how to add a link in Blogger - I'm terrible at this stuff....

Well, I found an el-cheapo machine on eBay. It arrived yesterday and I have it out of the box and have admired it. Now, I'll get myself over to the library and find some books to teach myself what to do. I've got that tingly new project feeling going on.......

Strumpety behaviour

2009-06-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

Well, yet again I find myself unable to stick with any one project - so thought I would post an update of the 4 projects that I seem to be going between.

I started the Primitive Needle - Of Female Arts a month ago - love this fabric, and stitching it one over one makes it teeny tiny.

My LHN design is growing, but I'm not sure I'll make my mid- June deadline (OK, so I know I won;t make it to be honest...) The roof on my third house seemed to take forever.

I've put a few stitches in Makhi - love it, love it, love it.......

Lastly, my HAED which is causing me to dream about DMC 809. Blurg.

DH will be home again tonight for the weekend - what a relief! It's been a difficult week with my DS who had a mild reaction from his MMR shot last week. Totally normal, but made my normally sunny little boy a cranky pile of fussiness. Fortunately my DD (8) was great all week.

An update on the swallows - still nesting and her mate is pooping all over my porch furniture. Oh well - babies are a messy business. Happy Friday to all.

I'm a Winner!

2009-06-03T06:59:00.000-07:00

I belong to a HAED SAL blog - http://ourfriendshaedsal.blogspot.com and I've won their May monthly draw!! I never win anything so this is such a treat! I've checked out the website for the business that is providing the prize and she has some really beautiful scissor fobs. Please visit: http://fabulousfobs.blogspot.com/

This is the fob that I chose as my prize and I also get a second one that was a colour of my choosing so I picked blue/ purple since my HAED design is still a big bluish blob. See?

Hurray for Friday!

2009-05-29T04:20:00.000-07:00

Oh, weekend - how I've missed you. My DH will be home for a few nights so we all look forward to spending time with him. It was a crazy weather day here yesterday - massive thunderstorms all day - I think we're in for the same today.

Because there is no sunshine and she is up in a dark corner - it is almost impossible to get a clear picture of the swallow through my window. This one was the best of the (bad) lot and you can just make out how tall she has built her nest. She is sitting on it now and her mate is never far away.

Today is Friday so it's time for a little work on LHN's Neighbourhood - my goal is to finish this mid- June. When I actually put the time into it, it is a very quick stitch compared to some of my other big projects.

Let me out mum!

Enjoy your weekend!

Swallows and knitting - random ramblings

2009-05-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

So, there are swallows building a nest on our porch. Everyone thinks I'm crazy to allow them to stay - that they'll dive bomb us to protect their eggs, that the mess will be horrendous etc...... I am just getting so much pleasure from them being there though that I can't imagine destroying what they've worked so hard to build. What you see below took 2 days to build - now it's 5 days later and the nest is about 4 times higher and both birds seem to be involved in the process. I'll post another pic tomorrow. We'll just have to enter the house through the garage until they're done. I love to see them swoop in under the roof.

Next up is a photo of DH's 3 year sweater - what you see is a finished arm and the back that is 3 inches from completion.........

Cat. Am I crazy or do all stitchers love pets? I think we're wired that way. This is Oscar - king of the castle. He is the laziest cat ever - he's also about 25 pounds........ When he sits, he looks like a giant hershey kiss from behind.

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Makhi mine a double......

2009-05-24T08:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday! I hope your weather has been as great as mine and that my American friends enjoyed their Memorial Day holiday. Makhi is ticking along - I've finished the red motive which is one of 4 identical motives and really have trouble putting it down..

This is my 13 month old son and this is how he sleeps every day. Every day I tuck him in, he snuggles down under the covers and sighs with contentment. I leave, and he rearranges himself every single time without fail. He is sound asleep here:

Be still my heart.

Friday!

2009-05-22T07:48:00.001-07:00

So, tonight is SAL night with the blog "Let's Stitch". I'm working on a Landmark Design called "Makhi". I'll probably focus on the right hand side tonight.

I love Fridays, don't you? So many possibilities stretched out ahead to make the most of..... I'll be spending some time nibbling on these:

Granola

2009-05-19T18:00:00.001-07:00

OK - small diversion. Back to stitching content tomorrow. Still a strumpet, struggling with project monogamy.

Yummmmmmmmmm.

So, every morning for the last two years, my husband has eaten granola with yogourt. I have a very fit, handsome husband......

(The sexiest part of this photo is that he's folding laundry. Uh huh.) So, I decided that since my handsome, laundry folding husband liked his granola so much I would go to the trouble of finding a recipe that I could make for him. I started with a recipe from Recipezaar which is a site that I really like. I used recipe #76560 by NHNichole and only tweaked it slightly. I added two tbs of softened butter and only 1/2 cup of brown sugar.

3 cups oatmeal
1/3 cup coconut
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup raisins

Directions

1
Pour oatmeal into a glass microwaveable dish and cook for two minutes; stirring once. [I think this is to help the mixture to come to be more manageable - you know, the heat will help the oats be coated more evenly?-C]
2
Combine all other ingredients into a bowl.
3
Add in oatmeal.
4
Stir until well blended.
5
To finish, use either the microwave or oven. Both methods are listed below --
6
Microwave method: Pour mixture into a glass dish and microwave on high for 4 minutes or until golden brown.
7
Stir every minute.
8
Cool on wax paper.
1. Enjoy!
2. 10
  OR --
3. 11
  Oven method: Pour mixture into a large cake pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
4. 12
  Stir every 5 minutes.
5. 13
  Add 1/2 cup of raisins.
6. 14
  Cool on wax paper.
7. 15
  Enjoy!
So - let me know if you try it! You can always omit the raisins and coconut, or add in different dried fruit - it would be a very forgiving recipe.

Weekend Warrior

2009-05-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Man, I'm going to have to get used to time going so quickly. I have small children - 8 and 1 and I feel like they are growing up way too fast. Canada had a long weekend just past - weather was VERY cold where we were, -3 degrees Celsius at night - I was glad we weren't camping. I worked on my DH's sweater that I've been knitting for 3 years........ 4 more inches and the back will be done. Then I need one more sleeve and a front. :( I'll try to post some pictures later today when I dig out my camera from the bag........

Hope you all had a wonderful week!

Is it Tuesday already?

2009-05-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend filled with a birthday party, friends and family. Mother's Day was very relaxing and my kids were great. I spent babe's nap yesterday mowing the lawn, so I'm pretty chuffed with the fact that it looks great, but know damn full well that it'll need to be done again in a few days....
Stitching was as usual all over the map - I just am simply unable to focus on one project at a time..... LHN's Neighbourhood did get the most attention however and the top third is almost complete. I think I'll post a list of WIP's tomorrow, including knitting projects. I feel like I need to get a bit more comfortable here - I'm never sure how much to share? Do I want this to be just a stitching blog? Or should I incorporate more of life in general - such as the never ending struggle to find balance with everything in my life? Kids, husband, weight issues etc... Would anyone even care?

What to work on?

2009-05-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

I have way too many projects on the go - I made a decision that something needs to be finished before I start anything else new. I belong to the blog "Let's Stitch" and tonight is the Friday night SAL. I think I'll focus on LHN's Neighbourhood on Fridays until it's done. Many of my other projects are much denser stitch count so this should be a fairly quick finish. Famous last words.

This is an older picture - since this snap I've finished the house in the middle and some of the tree on the right.

The Strumpet is in the House

2009-05-07T17:23:00.000-07:00

Strumpet

Strum"pet\, a. Of or pertaining to a strumpet; characteristic of a strumpet.

Out on thy more than strumpet impudence. --B. Jonson.