Heidi Stitches When She Can

Spring has sprung

2012-02-15T09:00:00.000-08:00

I worked on these butterflies at the beginning of January thinking that I wouldn't really post them until spring had arrived here in Southern California. Well, we really haven't had much of a winter this year (I know you're probably laughing about So. Cal. even having a winter), and for the last few days I've noticed that the butterflies are already out and flitting around our willow tree. So, if I'm seeing the real ones, I guess I can show you the cross stitched ones!

The patterns are from the March 2011 Cross Stitcher magazine (Issue 236)

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:00

I hope you have a wonderful day!

(This is my Halloween tree and I figured I could use it for all the holidays this year! Now it's my Valentine's Day tree. I made the little heart ornaments by using some baker's twine and just gluing two sequin hearts together. So quick, so simple, so cute.)

Love Notes

2012-02-13T19:18:00.000-08:00

Instead of buying Valentine's Day cards this year for my guys (my husband and son), I decided I'd whip up some "Love Notes" for them. They don't read my blog, so I can share this with you a day early. I always get up before them, so tomorrow I'm going to make them breakfast and they will each have their very own love notes to read. Hopefully it will start their day off on a "good note."

Cross stitch they don't really understand, however they do like the origami I make. So, in my quest to "use what I have," I came up with this simple idea.

Each one starts with "I love you because..."

Both of my guys got one that said this. Everyday they do something that makes me laugh!

I hope you have a great day and maybe, if you're lucky, you'll get a love note too!

The ultimate in cross stitching

2012-01-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading this article and had to share it.

Here's the link to the story about this sampler.

I just had to share this...

2012-01-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

This was the view from my front door yesterday. There is a cement walkway leading up to the door (which you can't see).

This is the culprit. It's our Ash tree and it's between 40-50 feet tall! It finally realized that it was winter and that it needed to shake off all it's leaves.

Here it is all raked up. My son had fun riding his bike through it. If you look in the right hand corner, you can now see the walkway.

I am crafting and I will have things to show in the next few days. I never talk about my personal life but I had to share this. It happens every year and we have so much fun with it.

My Ornament Swap Tree

2011-12-20T17:43:00.000-08:00

Here's my ornament swap tree. I've been swapping handmade Christmas ornaments since 2008. I'm always amazed at how creative people are. I also love that I get to exchange ornaments with people around the world. When you think about it, something I made is sitting in someone's home in Australia, UK, Germany, Iceland, Czech Republic, Spain, and the list goes on. Yes, I've been flaked on a couple of times but I've never let that dim my pure enjoyment of receiving these little packages in the mail every year. I look forward to it for years to come.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm going to need a bigger tree!

This year's mantel

2011-12-10T11:23:00.001-08:00

Trees!

As I was going through all my Christmas decorations, I realized that I have a fondness for trees so I thought I would gather them all together and place them on the mantel this year. I love the way it looks! My dark secret...it's not all of them. I probably have twenty more that I just couldn't fit on the mantel. What does this mean?? I need a bigger mantel! (only joking)

So, here is this year's Christmas mantel. The stockings were all made by my husband's mother and I adore them.

Now, these pics show the mantel during the day. Scroll down to see what it looks like at night.

It's really beautiful and peaceful to look at when it's lit up.

Holiday stitching

2011-12-04T16:20:00.001-08:00

I was stitching during the month of November so I would have some Christmas cross stitch. Except for the red Santa, all of them came from Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments 2009, 2010 and 2011. Santa came from the British magazine, Cross Stitcher.

As always, here are the fronts...

and the backs...

Happy Holidays!

Everybody's a Winner!

2011-12-02T08:50:00.001-08:00

That's right! I had five comments and I can definitely fold five origami wreaths (which seem to be the most popular - I love them too). So, Chris, JoAnn (I have your address), gill, Wagapapa, and Jennifer @ Woodley Cottage, just shoot be an email with your name and address to heidistitcheswhenshecan@gmail.com and I'll send it right out to you. Patterns will vary, but all wlll be beautiful.

Thanks for visiting my blog and for leaving a comment. I really appreciate it.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

Origami tree stills

2011-11-23T18:54:00.001-08:00

I was trying to figure out how to add these pictures to one of my boards on Pinterest and all I could figure out was that they seemed to have to be on my blog to get them there. I don't spend enough time on the computer to figure this stuff out (I'd rather be crafting!).

Anyway...the giveaway is still going on. Leave a comment on my previous post about my tree or on this one. I'll pick two winners on December 1!

My Origami Tree and a Giveaway

2011-11-16T16:21:00.001-08:00

Here's a little video of my Origami Tree. I folded all these ornaments over a three month period. I love all the color! This is a real goose feather tree. I bought it over 15 years ago and I think it will be my "official origami tree" for every future Christmas.

Now the good part...if you would like to have your very own origami ornament for your tree, just leave a comment about which ornament you like. You can even tell me which colors you like best as well. On December 1, I'll pick TWO winners and send an ornament especially made for you! Don't you just love this time of year??!! The giveaway is open to everyone (that means international friends can play too).

I really have been stitching...

2011-11-02T19:35:00.000-07:00

but I'm finding out that I do much better with small motifs. These are all from Just CrossStitch Halloween Collection. Simple, simple, simple to stitch. Just the type of projects that fit into my life right now. I'm still using fabric that I have, so most of these are on aida cloth. It works well with framing them in the hoops. One day I'll take a photo of the wall that all of these are hung on. It's getting quite crowded.

And the backs...

I've already started on some Christmas cross stitch.

...and another Handmade Ornament Swap

2011-11-01T14:03:00.000-07:00

I love freshlyblended's annual ornament swap, but she is taking a break from blogging and a very courageous person picked up the gauntlet this year. I'm very excited to participate but the only drawback is that swap-bot is the host. The one problem with this is that the ornaments you send and receive are not from the same 10 people assigned to you. I'm willing to take the chance on this but others prefer to know that they are only in a certain group for giving and receiving. I get it, I understand.

A group of crafters would like to know who they are swapping with and have started a swap for this year. I've joined in and I hope you will too. Yes, it's quite a few ornaments to make and mail (if you participate in both), but I've found that what I receive is usually worth it in the end.

So, if you would like to participate, just go to this link on flickr. SIGN UPS END ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6! Hurry, don't procrastinate, you will love it!

I love the ornaments I've made this year...wouldn't you like to receive one?

It's that time of year again...

2011-10-28T20:08:00.000-07:00

This will be my 5th year particpating (and the first year I'm NOT stitching my ornaments)! I'm really excited about the ornaments I'm working on. They are very different from years past. It's lots of fun - come on and join!

Here's the link to swap-bot.

(P.S. I have been stitching some small pieces that I will be sharing soon.)

Engagement Gift

2011-06-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

My husband's niece recently got engaged and their engagement party was just a couple of weeks ago. We wanted to give them money to help with expenses but we HATE just sticking money in a card and calling it good. During the teen years, both she and her brother had to suffer from us being "creative" with money gifts. We've rolled it into straws, stuffed it in ugly pottery that had to be broken to get to it, put it between pages in a dollar store book, put it in gumball dispensers, etc. Fun to think up and even more fun to watch them try and get it.

Well, I wanted to do something more "grown up" and I came up with this vase full of origami boxes. Besides cross stitch, origami is one of my favorite things to do. To keep my folding skills up, I typically leave some piece of origami next to our tip when we eat out. Usually a crane since it only takes one sheet of paper. I've never stuck around to get a reaction from the wait staff, but I hope they enjoy the surprise (right before they throw it away!).

I decided to find some quotes about marriage (some funny, some snarky, some serious) and I printed them out and then rolled a $10 bill within each quote. My favorite quote was "No husband was ever shot while doing the dishes" - amen!

After rolling them up, I put a bow around each one.

Then each quote went into a box and the the last flaps were folded in place.

Ten boxes, each with a quote and $10 inside.

There is an easy tutorial for the boxes at Origami Mommy. You can just Google "quotes about marriage" for tons of ideas. Picking ten was kind of hard to do.

I ran out of time and didn't get a snap of the note that went with it explaining that the small (3" x 3") boxes were just "filler" while the 10 large (4" x 4") boxes were the ones they needed to open. To make sure no friends or other family members thought they could take one (not knowing there was money inside), I sealed the top with a circle of celophane and then added the ribbon to hide where I had taped it down.

They were very excited to see the vase and were curious about what was inside. It was fun to do and a great conversation piece at the party.

I'm back!

2011-06-30T19:22:00.000-07:00

Update: The link to the flower tutorial is at Craft Snob.

So many things have happened since my last post in February. Since I try not to talk about personal things on this space, let's just say one door has closed and I'm enjoying the summer with my family. August will be the month that I start knocking on doors and hopefully one will open for me.

In April, I started making these felt flowers from a tutorial I found (which I now can't find but once I do I'll post the link...sorry). While the original tutorial just hot-glued the petals together, I decided to sew mine (just a simple needle and thread). They turned out great and I've been giving them away to friends and family ever since.

The image I pinned them to I found at The Graphics Fairy, a wonderful source for free images.

I put a bird on it - Ode to Portlandia

2011-02-27T14:12:00.000-08:00

Portlandia is on IFC. One of the funniest segments was "Put a Bird on it." At the same time, the latest issue of Martha Stewart came out and there were some quick and easy cross stitch patterns. One just happened to be the right type of bird. So, in the spirit of Portlandia, I put a bird on it!

She had another pattern that I thought was very cute, so I also "put a mouse on it."

Creative Color Challenge - Complementary

2011-02-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

The theme was "Blooming." You had to create something using complementary (as opposed to complimentary - look them up, I had to) colors. My color choices were blue and orange. I was going to figure out something to cross stitch, but then I started thinking about making something practical, something that you could use everyday, not just hang on a wall. I hope my partner likes what I created. I was really pleased with the results.

After I came up with the idea, I started by creating this:

Once I had the basic concept, I started creating my blooms.

Then I created the "practical" blooms. Blooms that my partner could use everyday. Yes, magnets!

And then I wanted the sun to really shine, so I made part of it into a necklace!

Here it is attached to the card. I must confess at this point, I used the wrong craft punch when I rounded that corner (not paying attention). It became a clever mistake since I was able to do this with it:

So, here is the completed piece that I sent off to my swap partner today. I really hope she likes it.

And, as always, here's what the back looks like.

I used the paperclips to keep the magnets in place, however they still moved around quite a bit. What I didn't take a picture of was that I ended up using clear packing tape to anchor everything down so hopefully it will survive shipping.

What's in my purse

2011-02-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Since I'm trying to stitch more, I've decided to keep a small project in my purse that I can pull it out and work on it whenever I have to wait. It keeps me happy and the time passes much more quickly.

The pouch. I'm not sure where I got it, but I know I didn't make it!

A look at what's inside it.

The pattern, fabric, floss, needle book and fold-up scissors - the bare necessities.

I've got SO much red aida cloth, so I decided I would try and make my first biscornu. I love the looks of them and I've always wanted to make one. Using the black floss makes a very dramatic statement against the red cloth.

And, as always, the back.

Okay, I'm doing it...

2011-01-29T13:34:00.000-08:00

...because it keeps the creativity flowing! There is still time to join. Take a chance, what have you got to lose?

Changing to Blue and White

2011-01-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

In my effort to "use what I have" I've decided to stitch a few lines from one of my favorite bands. I won't reveal the song or the band until I'm finished (although some of you might be able to figure it out!). I've never designed anything on my own, so it's been a challenge picking the right cross stitch font. I'm using "Madeleine" from the book, 'Minuscules & Majuscules' by Valerie Lejeune. It's all in French, but the best thing about cross stitch is that it doesn't matter what language you speak, you can understand a cross stitch chart! I found this book at The French Needle. I do have an obsession with French cross stitch.

I'm still trying to figure out a border or some other motif to incorporate into the piece. It will be fun to see how this all turns out.

I also received another alpabet book in the mail this week, not even realizing that it was also a book by Valerie Lejeune! I must really like her. It's called, "Cross Stitch Letters Bible" and has over 800 alphabets ranging from 1 point all the way to 55 points. The book has over 700 pages (it's about 2 inches thick). I found this book at Nordic Needle.

One last stitch in red and white

2011-01-03T14:44:00.001-08:00

I did this as a prototype for one of the ornament exchanges I participated in this past year. I really like it but it was too time consuming to mass produce. This new year I'm going to try and stay away from red and white (hopefully).

French Country Star
JBW Designs

...and the back.

So would you like to make an origami wreath?

2010-12-02T12:51:00.000-08:00

While searching the web for origami projects, I came across this video. While the gentleman that does the demonstration is "interesting," his directions are clear and easy to follow. Happy Folding!

Packaging

2010-11-28T12:50:00.000-08:00

One of the things I love about the ornament swaps I participate in, is to come up with a creative way to send my ornaments off to their new homes. I do enjoy the presentation just as much as the gift itself. Here is this year's swap packages (more pictures of this than the actual ornaments!).

The 5th Annual Holiday Ornament Swap

Cookie boxes - front

Back

Origami envelope with note inside

Creative Color Challenge Ornament Swap

Creative Color Challenge Ornament Swap 2010

2010-11-27T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Louise Gale. The color choices were using one or a combination of red, green and gold (white and black were also allowed). Of course, I went with red since everything I've done in the last year has been in red! I think I need to step away from red and focus on another color for 2011. Here's my contribution.

...and, as always, the back.

(14 count Christmas Red Aida cloth, DMC white, angel pattern from Cross Stitch Silhouettes by Adele Welsby)

5th Annual Holiday Ornament Swap 2010

2010-11-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hosted by freshlyblended. Here's what I'm sending out this year. Origami wreaths (three-dimensional). I'm sending two out to each of the ladies on my list. I picked up these trees at The Container Store (really cheap) and once I package up my group, I plan on folding some more to fill the trees again. I'm going to put these trees on my entryway table this year. I just love them and I hope the group I'm sending to enjoys them as well. Now I have to finish the ornaments for the other swap I'm in - completely different...you'll see!

I'm back...

2010-11-20T16:54:00.000-08:00

Well, since I received my Kindle last year for Christmas, I became a little (okay, a lot) obsessed with reading. It goes with me wherever I go and has saved my sanity more than once (wait in a long line, pull out the Kindle). But, I have this other side of me that still likes to create things and I've ignored the call to create for quite some time.

I recently (just last week) had foot surgery and I have now gone from 100 m.p.h. to zero. I've never felt so helpless in my life. Luckily I'm married to a great guy and we have a great kid, and they are taking care of me. I've got about 7 weeks to go (4 weeks in one cast and then 4 weeks in another cast) before I get put into a boot and can start walking on it. Not being able to walk has made me listen to my creative voice and sit (with my foot propped up) at my little crafting table in my bedroom and start making things again.

It's also that time of year for freshlyblended's ornament swap. This is my third year participating and it's really fun. I also found another ornament swap via Creative Kismet, and I'm participating in Louise Gale's ornament swap.

Most of my ornaments are finished. I'm just working out the last details so I can take pictures of them. More to come...

Life Lessons 101

2010-05-05T08:59:00.000-07:00

I'm still working the grid on my multiplication sampler so it's really not worth showing any updates. However, I took a moment during my stitching to stitch this little piece up.

I've been listening to a lot of Jim Croce lately and since I've got so much red thread laying around, I thought this would be fun to stitch up.

I was over at this website and added my little piece to the contest pool. If you're a stitcher of any kind, join their contest. It's fun to see all the creativity.

And, as always, here's the back.

I must be in a red phase

2010-04-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I've gone through all my WiPs and I've decided to finish the Multiplication Sampler. This is a sampler done entirely in red (again!). Here's the original post from July 2008. Nothing more to show right now, I'm just working on the grid portion so it's pretty boring. Here's a reminder of what it will look like when it's finished.

I finished my ABCs

2010-04-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

I just finished this about 20 minutes ago. So pretty. Now I have to decide on how to frame it. Instead of french knots, I've used seed beads - love it. Now I'm going to pull out one of my REALLY OLD WiPs and work on it!

Front

Back

Close up of seed beads

Abecedaire coeurs (Hearts Sampler)

14 count Aida, 10" x 12"

DMC 321 and 498

Footprints...for mom

2010-04-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

I did this piece back in 1998 for my mom. It was her favorite story/poem. Mom passed away in February 1999 and one of my nephews asked if he could have it. I gave it to him with strict rules about his responsibility for it and that if he really wanted it, he had to abide by all my rules. I really wanted to take it from him and put it back in my collection, but I was so touched that a teenager (and a boy, no less!) saw it as a treasure. It's one of the pieces I did prior to even taking pictures of my work. Fast forward eleven years and this same nephew is now married and this piece hangs in his house. We were visiting over Easter and I finally was able to get a photo of it. It still reminds me of my mom and I was so happy to see it again.

I'm back (and I'm stitching!)

2010-03-19T19:43:00.000-07:00

So, it's been awhile since I've posted. This is the reason why...

I love my Kindle but it's very addictive. I think I need a support group. I actually get excited if I have to wait in line for something because that guarantees Kindle time! But I do realize, that with all things, I need to bring balance back into my life. I've really missed stitching, and I'm forcing myself to put the Kindle down and pick the needle up.

Back in August 2009, I started working on this piece. I'm now laughing about how I said I would finish it in a couple of weeks...yeah, right.

Fast forward to March 2010, and I've been slowly making my way through it. I'm just about to start on the last section (T, U, V, W, X, Z). So here's what it looks like as of today.

And, as always, here's the back

I'm hoping that I will start posting more. This really is my diary of all my crafting projects and the urge to create something is embedded in my soul.

So Easy, So Good - Cinnamon Nuts

2009-12-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

There are not too many things I make during the holidays, but every year I make Cinnamon Nuts and give everyone at work and our neighbors a box full of these. The original recipe called for walnuts, but I prefer to use pecans. I've never tried it with almonds, so if someone feels daring, give it a go. This is THE EASIEST RECIPE EVER and you can make a batch in five minutes...I kid you not!

Cinnamon Nuts

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp cinnamon

5 Tbsp water

1 tsp vanilla

2 cups nuts (pecans or walnuts are really good)

Combine sugar, cinnamon and water in pan. Boil about three minutes, stirring constantly until it "spins a thread" (I really don't know what that means, but when it starts a full boil, I cook it for 3 minutes from that point and I've never had a problem). Remove from heat. Mix in vanilla and stir in nuts with a wooden spoon. Continue to stir until it "sugars." (You will know immediately when this happens, the liquid all of a sudden just get dry - kind of fun to watch it happen!) Spread on waxed paper to cool.

That's it! I made six batches today and it took about a half hour (I had to keep washing my pans). They taste really good just popping them in your mouth, over ice cream, and I've even got one friend that chops them up and adds them to her pancake batter. Enjoy!

Yummy!

I found these little treat containers at Target to put them in.

I also need to give credit to my mother-in-law for this great recipe - she's the best!

I just finished!

2009-12-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

The deadline is tomorrow to get our ornaments in the mail for the 2009 Ornament Swap hosted by freshlyblended. My guys were very cooperative and left me alone most of the day. I had 3 more snowmen to work on when I got up this morning (they take about 3 hours each)! This is my last swap commitment for the year. Now I can concentrate on our family's Christmas.

Front

Back

A pile of snow...men!

Details:
3 inch hoops, 18 ct. Christmas Red aida cloth, DMC white thread
Design from Made in France, cross stitch and embroidery in red, white and blue

Handmade Ornament Swap

2009-11-03T08:31:00.000-08:00

Go to swap-bot and sign up for this ornament swap. Setting up an account is free - no strings attached. I participated last year and received some beautiful ornaments. Hurry, sign ups end on Nov. 7!

I'm back...and I've been stitching

2009-10-22T09:38:00.000-07:00

After back-to-school and hosting a family reunion, I'm finally getting back to my little blog. While I haven't picked up my ABCs in a couple of months, I have been doing some stitching. One of the swaps I'm participating in is called "Lucky Parcel." You list five things you are willing to do and then whoever your swap partner is gets to pick one of the five things for you to do for them. One of the things I listed was doing a cross stitch piece. My partner picked that. Since it's supposedly fall (we're in the high 80's!), I went through my charts and found a really cute pumpkin that can carry someone from Halloween through Thanksgiving. I really like how it turned out and I hope my swap partner likes it too.

And the back...

I'm now getting ready for freshly{blended}'s ornament swap. Signs up start Nov. 1 on Swap-bot. I participated last year and received some amazing ornaments. I encourage any fellow swappers to join.

Update on my ABCs and new Pendants

2009-08-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest update on my ABCs. This is what I did just this past weekend. It's such an easy stitch and I'm hoping to be finished within the next two weeks.

and the back...

I haven't stitched on it this week because I've been running out of pendants and I needed to make more. So, every night when I get home, I get my guys fed, change into my pj's and I've been making these.

The photo does not do this one justice. It's just beautiful and I'm thinking about keeping it for myself! But, I'll probably just make another one to give away.

Star Ornament Swap

2009-08-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a quick break from my ABCs. I signed up for a star ornament swap on swap-bot so I wanted to get them done as quickly as possible. We have to do two ornaments using a star theme. I did one in a vibrant red and the other in an icy blue. While it's the same design, doing them in different colors gives them each a unique look. I hope whoever gets them will like them. They were fun to make. I also like framing them just off-center to give them a "different" look.

A close up of the stars. I used beads for the center.

And, of course, here are the backs.

French Knots vs. Sead Beads

2009-08-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

I've been working away on my ABCs and I'm really enjoying stitching this piece. This piece has quite a few French knots and somewhere along the way, I've lost my ability to make them. The trouble is keeping them all consistent. I like them nice and uniform and I'm having trouble with them. So, I cut them all out and I'm using seed beads instead. It's a nice change and it does give the piece a nice little sparkle.

I forgot to include a backside photo. I'll remember to do it on my next update!

Working on my ABCs

2009-08-04T07:57:00.000-07:00

I started a project this weekend and I thought I'd show you what I've done so far. I'm still in my "use what you have" mood, and I've got several kits that have been just gathering dust. This one was given to me by a dear friend that lives in the U.K. We've never met (in person), but she's one of my closest and dearest friends. We worked for the same company until she left work to have a baby. We've been chatting on the phone, emailing and sending each other surprise packages for the last 4-5 years...and we've never met (I can't emphasize this enough). She's the one I tell my troubles to and the first one (after my hubby) that I tell all my happy news to as well. Our biggest fantasy is to one day actually meet, without husbands and kids, just because we know we will talk, craft and shop until we are blue in the face and we don't want to feel guilty about ignoring them. It will happen. Once I set a goal, I always achieve it. I'm very patient and methodical (it's a good methodical, not a "psycho" methodical!) when it comes to getting what I want (it's the whole affirmation attitude that I walk around with!). Okay, I could talk about her all day...onto what this post is all about!

And of course, the back.

It's really a great stitch and I'm amazed at how quickly I'm getting through it. I started this Saturday afternoon and after working on it last night, I then took these pictures.

Finally hanging up my pieces!

2009-07-31T17:01:00.000-07:00

I don't have a large house, and luckily, most of the walls in my house have windows in them. So, I don't have much wall space to hang pictures. My MIL is an artist (I'll have to do a separate post on her work someday), so most of our walls are covered with her work. I've been wanting to hang my framed cross stitch pieces but there has never been a "good" place to hang them up. I decided to hang them in my entry way and just make that wall my "cross stitch wall." We have one of those houses where the front door hardly ever gets used (I know you're not friend or family if you go to the front door!). Everyone comes in the back door by the garage. This space is hardly used and no direct light (it's pretty much in darkness 24/7), so I can use this space and not worry about sun damage either. So, here's the start of my cross stitching wall.

Stitching Bloggers Birthday Club (SBBC)

2009-07-23T10:14:00.000-07:00

I just received my birthday package from by SBBC partner. She did an amazing job and sent me some really great birthday treats.

The biscornu, pin keep and scissor fob were all made by her. Her stitching is really good! She sent me three patterns I have been wanting, and also sent the scissors (can you have too many pairs of pretty scissors??), needles and floss. She went way beyond my expectations and I can't thank her enough for her generosity.

A quick note to Edgar for being the host of this exchange. He keeps us all on track and is also able to turn out the most amazing cross stitch I've ever seen. I think he's robo-stitcher! In the time I complete one piece, he's done ten! He's now showing off by framing his own work! He's very inspiring and I always look forward to reading his daily posts.

Favorite Color Swap #3

2009-07-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

For this swap, I chose pink and my swap partner did not disappoint me!

She sent me some origami paper in a pattern I don't have, as well as that gorgeous piece of fabric that everything is laying on! She also included an embroidery hoop, the likes of which I've never seen before. I've stitched so many initials for family and friends yet I've never stitched my own. I think this unique hoop is going to get a pretty, pink "H"! She also sent a small cross stitch pattern which will now be put in my travelling tote bag. It's the perfect size to take out and work on...anywhere. And last, but not least, what stitching gal has ever had too much floss? Thank you for sending such a great package.

Favorite Color Swap #3 - Round 2 swap

2009-07-03T17:55:00.001-07:00

I'm really becoming addicted to swap-bot. If you love getting (snail) mail like I do, it's the ultimate pleasure. I just received a package and I chose purple as my color choice (trying to step away from the pink for a minute, still crave the pink, but I thought I would choose a different color). Here's all the wonderful things I received.

So much fun! I can't wait for my other swaps to arrive. I made the mistake of not taking photos of what I sent to my partners. I'm hoping they will post photos when they receive their goodies so I can steal some pictures.

ATC Swap

2009-06-04T08:22:00.000-07:00

Last night I finished my ATC (Artist Trading Card) for my swap partner. I really wanted to incorporate my love of cross stitch into my design and I used a quote that summed up my feelings about stitching. "All my scattering moments are taken up with my needle." (Ellen Wheaton, 1851) Isn't that statement so true? When you stitch, it gives you that moment to pause from your hectic life. I always feel calmer after I've done some stitching. I even stitched right on the paper (it turned out to be easier than I thought!).

Watercolor paper, using a wash of colors for the background

Orange DMC floss used on heart

Swap-bot: ATC's for Beginners & Newbies

Title of ATC: Why I Stitch, June 2009

Cross Stitch Book - I'm in love...

2009-06-03T10:49:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this book yet?

I subscribe to the U.K. magazine, Cross Stitcher, and in this month's issue, I noticed a small write-up about this book. I decided to take a chance and see if I could get a copy through Amazon (I didn't want to have to pay U.K. rates or international shipping costs). Well, Amazon itself didn't carry it, but the Amazon Marketplace did AND the sellers were located in the U.S. It was $20 (with shipping, the total was $24) and I've wasted 20 bucks on much less, so...I ordered it.

It arrived yesterday and I have been in heaven ever since!

There is plenty of cross stitch and embroidery patterns. Lots of small motifs (which I'm always looking for). Great ideas for upcoming exchanges and quick gift ideas. The book is divided into three sections (red, white and blue) and the themes cover holidays, seaside, country, hearts, flowers, children, sewing, fairies, animals, etc. The list goes on.

I've been thinking about Christmas ornaments for this year, and I've already picked out the pattern I will be using.

If you end up getting this book, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy sewing!

A little bit of stitching

2009-05-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't been in the stitching mood for the last month, but I decided that over the holiday weekend I would do one little project. Check that off my list. I'm not sure where I'm going to put it, maybe in the kitchen as a reminder to my guys that we are a team - one for all and all for one!

I'm still in my "use what I have" phase, and I'm trying to use up all my old fabric. Luckily I don't have too much and I do see that I'm making a dent in the stash.

Design from Donna Kooler's 555 Cross Stitch Sampler Motifs

22 count hardanger, 5 inch hoop

What I've been doing the last month

2009-05-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

Not much! We went to visit family during my son's Spring Break and I've barely done anything since. I did do some crafting with my SIL during our visit and we made lots of pendants. This is just the ones I took home!

I'm now ready for any future gifting for the women in my life!

On a different topic, I'm a big believer in affirmations. When I was pregnant with my son, I used to rub my belly about 50 times a day and say this over and over, "I will have a happy, healthy baby, I will have a happy, healthy baby, etc. And I believe it worked. From the day he was born, we called him the 98% happy kid (slept through the night, never sick, always smiling) and we considered ourselves very lucky. I do believe that my daily mantra did have a hand in his great disposition.

So with all the economic woes that are surrounding us, I decided to cross stitch a couple of my daily affirmations - just to remind myself that at the end of the day,

and when I finally lay down to sleep at night, with my family tucked in and safe, that

Now I have to tell you that a blogging friend just recently went through some surgery. I decided I needed to send her a positive affirmation that "All is Well." I sent her the one above. I even had a clever idea with the ribbon that is attached...it's actually a bookmark! It's just a length of ribbon with a button attached on each end!

The Blue Bunny will be hopping to...

2009-04-05T16:53:00.000-07:00

Jennifer! My son picked your name, so the little blue bunny gets to go live at your house! Just send me an email (heidistitcheswhenshecan at gmail dot com) with your mailing address, and I'll get him posted.

Hopefully he'll be hopping your way before Easter. Thanks for playing along!

You can't ignore the stitching bug

2009-04-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

So, my cousin's daughter turned one today and we were invited to her birthday party which took place in the afternoon. After having breakfast with my guys, I got the stitching bug to do a little stitching for the birthday girl and her older sister. What could I do that was quick and easy, but would look really cute? I found it in one of my French cross stitch books.

And the back:
I also painted the outside hoop black, which really added punch to the white and pink.

And here's how I wrapped them up (cute, glittery chipboard letters).

We gave the birthday girl three of my son's favorite books. My Monster Momma Loves Me So, The Escape of Marvin the Ape and Dex: The Heart of a Hero. Even though she's just one, she will hopefully enjoy them as much as my son (still) does. The illustrator for all these books is Mark Buehner. He's got a great style and will hide images within the pictures. Everytime you read them, you find new things.

We also included a picture puzzle by one of my favorite artists, Charley Harper.

And then peeking out of the top, a little orange octopus I found on etsy!

Such a happy little girl.

Bunnies...and a Spring GIVEAWAY!

2009-03-31T07:22:00.000-07:00

Aren't my bunnies just the cutest? My best friend sent me the DMC metallic threads that I used on these little guys. They just glitter in the light. These are 3 inch hoops and I used 11 count Aida. I've got such a large stash of Aida cloth, and the easiest way to use it up is to make these little hoop ornaments (win-win).

So, for the giveaway, I'm going to giveaway the blue bunny. If you would like to have him come live with you, just leave a comment on this post. I'll close the drawing at 5:00p (Pacific) on Saturday, April 4. This is a worldwide offer!

And, as always, here are the backs.

By the way, is it just me, or are metallics really hard to work with?!

Sometimes I wish I was magical but alas, I'm just a...

2009-03-27T19:47:00.001-07:00

yep, just a muggle! (My husband would say "super nerd")

I'm a big Harry Potter fan and I've been wanting to do this for sometime. I should be working on my multiplication sampler, but I'm too busy having fun doing these little projects. I found a Harry Potter font on the web (sorry, I can't remember where I got it) and just printed out "muggle" in the size font I like. I then went through the tedious process of trying to chart it. (I don't do this very often.) I have created a pdf of the chart that I did if you want to have your own muggle sign. It's not a fancy chart and I'm not an expert, but it will get the job done! Since I can't figure out how to add it to my post, just shoot me an email and I'll send it to you.

And as always, here's the back:

SBBC Gift - Received

2009-03-18T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just heard from my SBBC partner, Amy, that she just received her birthday package. I'm so pleased that she likes everything I sent. Unfortunately, I only have a picture of the main gift, Cherry Hill. I forgot to take pictures of all the other goodies I included. Happy Birthday, Amy! I hope you have a great day tomorrow.

Maybe Amy will have a better picture. The frame is a dark green and I used a piece of 28ct linen that was pale pink with the recommended Crescent Colors floss.

1 lucky slot left for Let's Play! - CLOSED

2009-03-16T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've got one last slot left for my Let's Play post. So far Jennifer, CherryTreeLane, Cornflower, and Jessica have responded and can hardly wait (!) to see what I'll be creating for them! Come on, claim the final spot in my group. I know there are positions open on some of their blogs - check them out, they are quite a creative group. Let's have some fun!

Update: Lynn Z filled in my last spot - congrats! Well, I've now got to get busy and start thinking of some great things to send these women.

Stitching Bloggers Birthday Club (SBBC)

2009-03-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

I just packaged up my partner's birthday presents that I will be mailing off tomorrow. I've been collecting things for this exchange ever since I received my partner's information. I've really enjoyed doing this and I hope I get to participate next year! This is my last exchange for awhile since I want to get some personal stitching finished. Edgar is our host for this exchange and he does the most amazing cross stitch. He posts daily during the week and I look forward to reading about his latest projects and the movies he watches - it's very entertaining. If you haven't checked him out, I encourage you to do it.

Well, here's a photo of everything wrapped up and ready to send. I know by the time it arrives, all the pretty bows will be smashed, so I wanted to have a picture of it while it's still really pretty! Once my partner receives it, I'll post some pictures of the main present (I didn't take photos of all the other goodies I included).

I really hope she likes everything!

How gorgeous is that ribbon?! I wish you could feel how smooth and silky it is. It's hot pink dots with a black background. It's a 50 yard roll that I scored at Costco for $1.97! That's right! They were having a close out on all of their ribbon and I bought 8 rolls of difference patterns and textures and colors, all 50 yards each, and all for $1.97 a roll. I very rarely score great deals - this has to be the best one ever.

This has absolutely NOTHING to do with crafting!

2009-03-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

It was just fun! I found this site that let's you create your own superhero. Once you finish, it shows what you would look like on a comic book cover. I was hoping that the weapons of choice would have something "crafty" but no such luck. Go create your own superhero! I created two identities for myself (of course they had to be in pink!):

Let's Play

2009-03-02T10:48:00.000-08:00

This is inspired by my niece, Jenni. I've decided to play along. Everyone is encouraged to play - worldwide! It's open to everyone who reads my blog.

The first FIVE people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1- I make no guarantees that you will like what I make!
2- What I create will be just for you.
3- It will be done this year. (that's right, before December 31, 2009!)
4- You have no clue what it's going to be. Just because I cross stitch, doesn't necessarily mean that's what it will be (but it might!). I dabble in quite a few mediums. Who knows?
5- I reserve the right to do something extremely strange. But I would never send something that I didn't like myself!

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must re-post this on your blog and make the same offer to the first 5 people who respond on your blog entry, thereby continuing the fun! (Though you can keep it local if you want, I don't fear international postage!)

The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me! Oh, and be sure to post a picture of what you win when you get it! Sounds like fun, right? So, let's play!

Valentine - maybe next year

2009-02-23T11:09:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to post this for awhile and I now have the opportunity. This was the first design I was going to use for the Valentine swap. I think it's really cute, however the backstitching was taking way too long and I abandoned this design after finishing two of them. The balloon is from a Tatty Teddy design and I designed the "love" string.

I wasn't thrilled with the hoops and I was unwilling to get my sewing machine out to make little pillow-type ornaments out of them. I'm keeping the one in the oval hoop and I'm thinking about doing a giveaway for the one in the round hoop (it's a 5 inch hoop), but it's not perfect.

Do you like them? Should I use this design next year if there is a Valentine ornament exchange? How would you finish it? Should I do a giveaway for the round one? The fabric isn't as tight in the hoop as I like it to be but I've already glued it in place!

More playing around with small motifs

2009-02-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

Before the threads came for Cherry Hill, I was playing around again with creating my own designs. I had so much fun with the last umbrella I did, I quickly charted a couple of other umbrella layouts (it's an easy design to figure out). I did two in red and then tried one in a varigated blue. Loved the red ones, hated the blue one and threw it away (do cross stitchers really throw things away? Yes!). Here are the two red ones.

Here's the first design:

And here's the second:

Both of these are on their way to two people who have no idea they are about to receive them. I hope they can find a little space in their craft areas to hang them up and I hope they enjoy them.

My last exchange before I get back to my WIPs

2009-02-18T06:55:00.000-08:00

I have one last exchange commitment that is due in mid-March. It's a birthday cross stitch exchange. I don't know who has me, so I'm assuming my person doesn't know I have them (huh?). Anyway, as I mentioned, I was waiting on some threads awhile ago and they showed up last week. I started working on the piece that I'll be sending her and thought I would share it with you. It's just adorable and I may have to make another one for myself. Since I signed up for this exchange (back in November), I've been collecting little surprises to include in the package. Once I have this piece finished, I'll take a picture of everything I'll be sending. This is definitely an exchange I'll sign up for again.

I haven't decided on how I will finish it, but you will definitely see it when it's complete. After this, I'll be working on one of my WIPs so that I can enter it into the county fair (it's all about the ribbons!). I'm thinking the multiplication sampler. Even though it's a really large piece, I think I can finish it by the end of May (entries are submitted at the end of June).

Finally, a reason for mice to live...

2009-02-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

Using mice to spell out names is quite addictive! Give it a try. You can do it yourself here.

I was really hoping to do "heidistitches" but it was one letter too long...darn it! Have fun. I'm actually looking forward to seeing this movie.

Cross Stitch projects

2009-02-06T20:07:00.000-08:00

I've been waiting for some special thread to arrive for another swap I'm participating in, so while I was waiting, I used up some scrap cloth and did a couple of pieces. I really like them and think I'll do some other motifs in different colors. For anyone that's interested, send me an email and we can always swap for one of these or for anything else I've made (snowflake, crane, heart). These are larger (4 inch hoops) than the normal size ornaments I do (3 inch hoops). They would be cute hanging in someone's craft area.

Part of my blog is supposed to always show the back of my work. I've gotten away from that, so I'm trying to remember to start showing the backs again. Here you go.

I'm curious about your opinion on the backing. I like covering the back with a nice piece of felt. I feel it gives it a more finished look. I've seen others just leave the stitching exposed. What do you think? Do you like a finished back? Or do you like seeing the stitching?

Valentine Ornament Winner

2009-02-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

Well, my son and I folded everyone's name up and mixed them around. He then closed his eyes and picked...

Congratulations, Muriel! I laughed when he picked your name since we've done previous swaps together. You must be destined to have the whole collection of my cross stitch ornaments!

Thanks to everyone for playing along. I think I've decided I'll be doing more giveaways. They are quite fun and I'm meeting people from all over the world. I think my next one will be an Easter ornament. I'll keep you posted.

For those of you that mentioned you would be interested in side swaps, I'll send you a separate email and we can start chatting.

Thanks to everyone for playing along!

Valentine Giveaway

2009-02-02T12:27:00.000-08:00

I was part of a Handmade Valentine Ornament Swap and I decided to make an extra ornament to giveaway. You can see what everyone created in our Flickr group. This time I'm only giving away one (I wish I could giveaway another five!). So, please leave a comment and I will randomly pick a winner on Friday, February 6 at 5:00p (Pacific). Wouldn't you just love to have one of these hanging in your home?

Also, if anyone is ever interested in doing a side swap for one of the ornaments I have done (snowflake, heart, or crane), please let me know - maybe we can work out a nice trade!

Winners of the 2009 Birds of Change Giveaway

2009-01-24T18:08:00.000-08:00

Without further ado, here are the winners:

Guilitta
turquoise cro
Annette
Alisa
Judy Streger

Congratulations! If you don't see an email from me by Monday, please send me one. I'll just need your name and address to send out these lovely cranes.

Thanks to everyone who left a comment. All the comments were just so nice and I really appreciate them.

2009 Handmade Valentine Ornament Exchange

2009-01-23T18:35:00.000-08:00

So, here's what I did for this exchange. I think they really turned out well. I just posted them off today to the five people on my list. I hope they enjoy them. Come back to my blog on Monday, February 2. I'll be doing another giveaway for the extra one I made!

Giveaway Now Closed

2009-01-23T18:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much for the wonderful comments everyone has left. I'll have my son randomly draw the five winners tomorrow and then I'll post them as soon as I can. Good luck to all!

Birds of Change Exchange Giveaway

2009-01-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: It appears my fellow exchangers are keeping their giveaways open until Friday, I'll follow their lead and do the same. I'll close mine at 5:00p (Pacific) on Friday, Jan 23. Good luck to everyone! These birds are just itching to fly away and share some peace!

Okay, today's the day. As part of the exchange we are encouraged to give one bird away on our blogs (however we want). Well, since I'm new to blogging, I'm willing to send out 5 birds. So if you leave a comment, I will randomly select 5 and send a Peace Crane out to each of you. Hopefully these photos will entice you!

Birds of Change Swap

2009-01-13T19:37:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I'm participating in this Birds of Change ornament swap. You make 5 birds and you will receive 5 birds in return. I decided I wanted to get out of my comfort zone of cross stitching and do something completely different (you know, change!), so I'm doing this...

Origami! I'm loving it. I decided to do the Peace Crane. Not far from my home is an art supply warehouse that has an amazing selection of origami paper (directly from Japan). I picked out some amazing opalescent origami paper to make cranes. I've also added a crystal bead at the top and bottom of the hanger. When placed near a window, these birds just sparkle!

I thought it would be nice to have a bird to remind us not only to seek peace in the world, but also peace in our home. Here's the link if you'd like to learn how to make them. You can read about Sadako and the peace crane here.

As part of this exchange, you are also encouraged to give one of the birds you make (5 +1 giveaway) away on your blog. So, please check back on January 20. Since I don't get much traffic, I will actually giveaway 5 other peace cranes. So, anyone who leaves a comment on that day's post (random selection) has an opportunity to have a little peace in their home.

2008 Holiday Ornament Swap

2008-12-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hosted by Freshly Blended and Cake + Pie

Would I participate again? Absolutely!

Will I encourage my crafty friends to sign up? Absolutely!

This is the first swap I have ever done and I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I'm even thinking about what to do next year. The talent that is out in the world is so amazing. It inspires me to be more creative. Here's a photo of everything I received. I even did side swaps (participants contact each other and swap on the side). I received 9 out of 10, but I'm hopeful that the 10th one is on the way.

There is also a flickr group that almost all the participants have uploaded photos to. Check it out - it's a great source of inspiration.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/holidayornamentswap08/

Kids Ornament Swap 2008 - Recap

2008-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Would I do this one again? Absolutely.

A big "Thank You" to The Crafty Crow for hosting this swap. As you can (hopefully) see by the photo, we received 7 very creative and charming ornaments. It was fun sending out our acorns, but it was more fun for my son to receive packages in the mail. If The Crafty Crow is willing to host a 2009 Kids Ornament Swap, I encourage everyone to participate.

There is also a flickr group set up to view everyone's ornaments. Check it out!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/925869@N24/

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T09:41:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful day tomorrow. After all the opening of presents and such, I'm hoping to get in a few hours of cross stitch. I'll let you know if I'm successful.

Umbrella Trees

2008-12-09T13:12:00.000-08:00

These umbrella trees were in Martha's magazine last year. I always thought they were cute, so I came up with my version. I still need to figure out something to put around them. Martha used fake snow but with a cat in the house, I think it would be too tempting for her to play in. This little tablescape is sitting in my entry way.

I ran out of ribbon, so I need to buy more and finish the bow on the tree in front.

(FYI, the picture hanging on the wall is a watercolor of the church we were married in. It was done by my MIL.)

The umbrella trees at night. I have used battery-operated LED lights. It looks a bit pink in the picture because the threads that hold the umbrella together are all red. A very fortunate accident.

2008 Kids Ornament Swap

2008-12-04T19:34:00.000-08:00

I was also able to get the Kids Ornament Swap completed today as well. My son and I worked on glittered acorns to send out to my swap group.

My son stamped the envelopes containing the acorns with a branch stamp.

The acorns are all wrapped up.

I finished by getting them ready to mail and I was also able to mail them out today. I hope everyone enjoys their acorn!

If anyone is interested in a side swap, I have a few more that I could give away. Just let me know and I would be happy to swap with you.

2008 Ornament Swap - Mailed

2008-12-04T18:45:00.000-08:00

Today I got everything packaged up and mailed off. I was so happy to have it done. I really hope that the people in my group like what they receive. If you've never participated in a swap, I highly recommend it. This is the first one I've ever done and it was great fun.

2008 Ornament Swap

2008-12-01T21:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I've completed the stitching on the ornaments I'm sending for the swap. I think they turned out really well. I chose to cross stitch snowflakes and hang them using 3 inch hoops. I used Navy Blue Aida cloth and white DMC thread. A tremendous shout-out to The Floss Box because she has created wonderful cross stitch snowflake patterns and makes them available as freebies on her site. I used her snowflake patterns 8, 11, 25, 30 and 31 (I made two of each pattern). If you ever just want to look at some great embroidery or the freebies she offers, please check her out.

I'm hoping to package these up and ship them out tomorrow.

P.S. I've already received one ornament from each of the swaps I'm particpating in. They are really wonderful. Once I receive all of them, I'll post them.

Hedgehogs in Chocolate and other creatures...

2008-11-10T19:13:00.000-08:00

I received the latest Plow & Hearth catalog today. Flipping through it tonight, the first page I landed on had chocolate hedgehogs. I thought these were adorable enough to share. While I do think they are incredibly cute, you get four of them for $9.95 - pretty pricey! I may have to try and make some myself. I could see using a truffle recipe. I'll let you know if I end up experimenting with it. Maybe I'll poke around the web and see if anyone has a hedgehog chocolate mold. If anyone finds one, please let me know.

They also had great brush animal ornaments. Every woodland creature you could want. They appear to be a good size (4" - 6" H), all 13 animals (this is just a few) would be approximately $120. I'll stick to admiring them in the catalog.

Ornament Swap

2008-11-10T10:49:00.001-08:00

I've signed up to participate in this ornament swap. I've never done one before so I'm looking forward to seeing what I receive. I think I've come up with the ornament I'll be making but it's still too early to show anything. Once I finish them, I'll show them off before they get mailed out.

I haven't cross stitched for about two weeks but signing up for this exchange has fueled my creative energy.

I've done a little side project

2008-10-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have put all my regular WIPs aside to work on some Christmas gifts. Here's the first one I finished. My wonderful friend who will be receiving this gift regularly checks my blog, so she's getting a sneak peak at one of her gifts - she just doesn't know how it's going to get finished up (and I already have her main gift so I don't mind sharing the little extras I include!). I'm planning on doing a few more. I think they are just beautiful and so elegant. I hope she likes it as much as I do!

Marie Claire Idees

Point de Croix

Abecedaire ancien

Stitched on 16 ct. Cream Aida

DMC Floss - purple (226)

I Love Etsy!

2008-10-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

I'm constantly making lists and I usually have a small notebook in my purse or tote. If given 5 minutes of quiet time (standing in a line, waiting for the light to change, etc.), I will usually pull it out (if I don't have a sudoku book on me) and start making lists. Things to do, projects to start/finish, groceries, etc. I'm sure you get the picture. Well, I love cruising around Etsy and looking at all the wonderful things to buy, when I came across this seller. She makes covers for the size of notebooks I usually tote around, so, I bought one. It arrived today and it's really cute. It even came with a new notebook. There's nothing so wonderful as a fresh pad of paper! I just had to show it off.

(The pictures are from her shop.)

I've joined "Let's Stitch"

2008-09-27T20:24:00.000-07:00

While I was reading Teejay's blog, The Passion of my Needle, I learned that BeckySC was starting a new blogging group called, "Let's Stitch". She kindly let me join. She formed the group to get stitchers together to encourage each other to finish their WIPs and UFOs. She's hosting a weekly SAL where everyone works on their pieces on a certain day and time and we are encouraged to post the piece we are working on and then again after we have stitched to show our progress. The world of blogging is brand new to me and I have been overwhelmed by the talent that's out there. So overwhelmed that I tend to be a lurker on most of these blogs. This seems like a very friendly way to start meeting other stitchers. There is only one downside to this whole thing. Once you see what others are working on, you want to run out and purchase the patterns so you can make it yourself, thereby increasing your already large stash pile!

Christmas Holly - FINISHED!

2008-09-27T19:52:00.001-07:00

I haven't completed a project in so long that I commited myself to finish the Christmas Holly before working on any other piece. I think it really turned out nice.

Christmas Floral Trio - Holly

from The World of Cross Stitching magazine, Issue 130

done on 14 ct. Navy Blue Aida using DMC floss

And here's the back.

Time to do a happy dance!

Mushrooms

2008-09-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

How fun does this look!?

I'm in the process of updating my supply of mushrooms for the upcoming holiday season. I like to include one with any hostess gifts I need. I also like to throw one in when I'm giving a present to someone. I've even written on the bottom of them with "Love you" or "Thank you" and left them with a note for someone who I want to acknowledge. I sometimes like to leave it somewhere that I know the person will find later. It's just fun!

Here's a (blurry) picture of the underside. Sometimes I paint the stems white (as shown) and sometimes I leave the stem just in it's natural wood state. Once I finish all the dots, I then use Triple Glaze to give it a really glossy finish (and it only takes one coat).

Christmas Holly update

2008-09-10T18:24:00.000-07:00

For the past few evenings I've been trying to finish up Christmas Holly. I've completed the holly and now I'm working on the borders. I've never used metallic thread and now I can see why...it's not that easy to use! I think it will be very elegant once it's finished, but it's going to be a tough stitch.

Here's the front.

Here's the back.

Here's a photo with the metallic thread. You can see I've started it up in the corner.

Red Thread update

2008-09-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

I just finished the third square last night. Here's the latest pictures.

The front...

and the back...

This has nothing to do with cross stitching

2008-09-02T19:47:00.001-07:00

I was just cruising around the internet and found this. I love cupcakes and think this is adorable. You can find it here. The only thing I can't justify is spending $60 on it. How cute would this be for someone on their birthday!

Great On-line Magazine

2008-08-25T07:40:00.000-07:00

LMNOP is a free, downloadable magazine that features cool things for kids and parents. They just released their latest issue. Once you're there, you can see the past issues as well (and even sign up to receive future issues!). I've got quite a few new moms in my family and I think they might like this as much as I do. Enjoy!

The Red Thread update

2008-08-24T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've finished February's square and I've moved on to March. This is such an easy project and quite enjoyable. So, here's the front...

And the back.

Crew's Sampler - Framed

2008-08-13T18:05:00.000-07:00

I just got Crew's birth sampler back from the framer's today. This is always the most nerve-racking part of the entire process. You just never know until you see it framed if you picked just the right matting and frame. I think it turned out really well. We will be seeing my great-nephew in October, so we'll take it with us. Hopefully Crew's parents will like it as much as I do. It's pretty large, 19 x 19 (including the frame).

I was hoping that the photos show the grey mat. It matches the elephant perfectly and has a mottled effect to it. I hope Crew's papa likes the fact that I included an airplane!

WIP Update - Christmas Holly

2008-08-13T17:58:00.000-07:00

I got some of the berries done on the holly piece. This piece is really stunning. The greens and reds offset by the dark blue are really nice.

And the back.

WIP Update - The Red Thread

2008-08-13T17:51:00.000-07:00

I was able to get some more stitching done on this piece. The first block is finished, only eleven more to go!

And the back.

How many pieces can you finish before you die?

2008-07-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

I think anyone with a craft obsession has a hard time not buying "more stuff" for that craft. The thrill of looking at new kits, the possibilities, the excitement when you finish a piece, all keep feeding that desire for more. I don't know if I'm there yet, but I sometimes wonder if all the kits and charts I've accumulated will exceed my life expectancy! With this in mind, here's a few new charts I just recently purchased.

I've added to my Charley Harper kits (notice I included my giraffe chart). I buy these when I find them since they are hard to come by.

I don't have any Halloween or fall pieces, so I found a couple that I liked. Neither one should take very long to make (it's just finding the time between all the other charts that are in progress).

And here are some Christmas charts. It's unbelieveable that I have never completed a Christmas piece either. I'm hoping to finish one of these by this Christmas.

Another start...The Red Thread

2008-07-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing this piece in quite a few cross stitch blogs and I've found a Stitch-A-Long (SAL) group that's doing it as well. It's quite charming and so I thought I'd give it a go. It's stitch on linen (which is quite different from aida cloth) so it gives it a nicer feel and sharper look. It's a series of 12 pictures (one for every month) that are tied together by a red thread that weaves through all of them and the quote at the bottom says,

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break." - Chinese Proverb

The Red Thread series is a Bent Creek design.

And the back.

And here's a picture of the rest of the charts that make up this piece.

I'll keep looking, but I can't find a good picture of the entire piece (you can stitch them individually as shown, or as one continuous piece). If I find one, I'll post it.

UPDATE - I found a picture...yeah!

A quick stitch

2008-07-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

When you buy UK craft magazines, they almost always have a free gift included. The cross stitch magazines usually have a free cross stitch kit. Here's a sample of the kits I have received. When I want to do a quick stitch, I pull one of them out and do it.

This doesn't even include other gifts like scissor holders, thread cutters, thread holders, diaries, calendars, magnifiers, etc. It's always fun to see what's included. If you look closely, you will see that I have numbered the kits. They correspond to the magazine they came with because the chart you need is in that issue.

Here's one of the kits I did after finishing Crew's sampler.

It's a little card, about 3" x 3". No picture of the back of this one. The one I took was way too blurry to actually save.

I've started another large project (which I'll talk about in another post) and to give myself a break from it, I opened another one of the free kits to work on.

And here's the back.

Sandy's birthday, continued

2008-07-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally put together Sandy's present for her birthday on the 15th. She's such a great woman that I not only like, I also admire her strength and spirit. So, this is what's inside.

The cross stitch'd S is sitting on top. (I forgot to take a picture of the back and I'm too lazy right now to do it.) Then, underneath the tissue paper is...

...the rest of her presents. There's a Re-ment box, a miniature hutch to display the re-ment, a couple of Envirosaxs, a paperweight with crystals rolling around inside (I put this together myself. I plan on doing some more and now know I need to add more crystals!), a spool of red/white baker's twine, a little Winnie-the-Pooh charm in the blue capsule and a couple of prizes from Kinder eggs in the yellow and orange capsules. Her main presents are the pink case (explained below) and a nest egg necklace with a hot pink egg that's inside the button box (both of which I got on etsy). Also, underneath all of this is some butterfly transfers (also from etsy) and a miniature princess castle that when you put it in water, it grows.

This is a watchmaker's kit. It's what they use to hold all their findings for watch repairs. Sandy makes necklaces and braclets and I thought this would be a cute case to store some of her stuff. I covered the lid and the insides with some really pretty scrapbook paper. I got this idea from either Country Living or Country Home magazines (I can't find the reference).

And here's how I finished off the box that her presents are in. I just put some cute cocktail umbrellas thru the box lid.

It makes a great 3-d effect on the box.

And here's what it looks like from the inside. I clipped the umbrella stands down to about 2". I wouldn't recommend this for a kid's present.

I didn't win a ribbon...

2008-07-14T18:45:00.000-07:00

We went to the fair yesterday to see if I'd won anything. Nope, not this year. The lighthouses were grouped with everything that had a lighthouse theme, so I don't know if the judging was based on that general category, or by needlework. I always thought it was the needlework until I saw it displayed with this group. Oh well, I'll try again next year. I told my husband that I should have gone with my initial response (the giraffes) and not what everyone in the family voted for! It's still fun to enter but it's more fun to win a ribbon!

Here's part of the grouping it was with. Hardly anyone had ribbons in this group so that's what makes me believe it was based on just the category of "lighthouses."

WIP - Multiplication Sampler

2008-07-10T18:29:00.000-07:00

This is a sampler from the Historical Sampler Company. It's quite large, 54 cm x 45 cm. For the longest time I could not find this pattern in the U.S. so I drew up a pattern on my own. Everything was going well until I realized I did not calculate my fabric correctly (after 30 years, this is the first time this has ever happened.). I blame it on karma. I was trying to duplicate something that I should have just bit the bullet and paid for it in the first place (even though I could only find it at U.K. online stores). I was probably 3/4's of the way through when I realized my mistake. I have no picture of it because I couldn't bear to look at it. It was trashed. I then did the right thing, and just over a year ago I purchased the entire kit. I still could only find it in the U.K., but I spent the money (because I wanted it so bad!). Well, here's how far I've gotten in this past year just because I've had to stop and do other projects. I want to have it finished by next summer because I'd like to enter it in our local county fair next year.

And here's the back.

WIP - Paddington Bear

2008-07-10T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here's another WIP that I've pulled out of the closet to document. By documenting all these pieces, I'm hoping it will motivate me to finish them. Again, I'm left with only backstitching to finish. I don't know why I pick pieces that have so much backstitching!

This is a series that places Paddington Bear in different cities (London, Sidney, NY, etc.). Of course, being an anglophile, I chose London.

Here's a close up on the front (it's blurry, I'm trying to get better at taking photos!).

And here's the back.

Sandy's Birthday

2008-07-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful co-worker that I've been working with for 9 years. Our birthdays are only a few days apart. This year, I've tried to make the majority of her gifts handmade, either by myself or finding something on etsy. I need to photograph the box that I've put all of her birthday treasures in, but I wanted to show you the last part of her present.

I'm seeing this all over the web lately and I think they are very creative. I figured I could do one just as well. I really liked the way it turned out. It's the same navy blue aida cloth that I'm using for the Christmas Holly. The floss is hot pink!

Here's the back.

It's hard to see, but I've just glued the fabric to the inside circle. Once it's completely dry, I'll trim the excess fabric and take another picture.

WIP - Christmas Holly

2008-07-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

I was able to get a bit more done on Christmas Holly. Only a photo of the front for now (and it's blurry). It's amazing how much you can stitch in just a day or two!