February SFS 2015

Uh Oh, I am late.

That's ok, I am still going to make my post so I don't loose my place. :)

Month: February
Beginning Balance: $26.50
Spent: $18.96
Finished $ 12.00
End of Month Balance: $19.54

This month found me working on a couple of different things.

I started working on Lizzie Kate's Things Unseen Mystery Sampler but found I ran out of threads. Thank goodness I received a gift card at the beginning of the month. I was able to order them and finally complete the piece. I love how this piece came together and how it looks now that it has had the embellishments added. This piece does not count in the finished bonus because it is not over 6 months.

 

Surprisingly enough, this picture actually shows the fabric color pretty well. (maybe a little darker but I think that is the lighting in my room).  Now let me tell you about my service at 123stitch.com. I placed the order for the threads I needed and as usual, they sent an email stating that the order was processed and another when the order when out for shipping along with the tracking information. I waited impatiently, checking the tracking every day to see where my threads were at (obviously I really wanted to finish this piece) lol. The day finally arrived when the tracking stated that it had arrived in my mail box. What an unpleasant surprise when I checked the box that day and no package. So I waited another day and still no package. I had to wait an additional two days before I could contact the post office and ask what had happened. Of course I got the run around a promise of a phone call (which never came) and another two days of still no package. On Tuesday I contacted customer service at 123stitch.com via email and explained my problem. They were very sympathetic and said that while I contacted the post office they would see what they were able to do. Then on Wednesday I called the post office again and stayed on the phone for over an hour. Spoke to at least 3 people with the result of again receiving a phone call. During this time I received another email from the 123 stating that they were gathering new threads for me and were going to ship them out to me the next day with the only condition that if I end up receiving the original package, that I send it back to them. No hassle, no fuss, no muss. I did end up receiving the original package and contacted them so that they did not send out a second one, but I have to say that the customer service at this company is wonderful. I will not receive any compensation for these statements, I just wanted to share what great customer service this company has.

 

While I was waiting for the threads to arrive I had to work on something, so I picked up this piece. Nancy over at the Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe designed the sampler below. I loved the saying but I am not a pink person and asked if it was possible for her to help me to chart the flowers in a purple color, which she agreed to do. If you know her sight you also know that she also hand dyes her own threads. I love using her colors. So I purchased the chart and asked her to include her own dyed threads to use. She not only provided an updated chart, she gave me two options to use for the flowers and provided the thread for both options. This has been sitting in my to do pile for about 7 months now and decided it needed some loving.

 

 

Next up is my first finish for the month. I used Stitching the Night Away's brushstroke butterfly and added a saying I found a while ago. I stitched this for a group based in Europe - Stitching Out Stigma. I wanted to express that even though we may think the world is ending, I is only the beginning of a new part of our lives.

 

 

Next up is a little flower I found as a freebie from Blueladie Designs for the charity group WOCS. I loved how the little violet came out. I forgot that I started stitching this on 18ct aida, so the flower came out really small. I added a border. Of course, at the first turn of the second row, I forgot the number of spaces I originally intended and by the time I realized it, I was already on the third row of the border. Even with this, I think that It came out looking pretty good if I say so myself.

 

 

 Next up is a piece that has not seen much loving but I did manage to add in another 100 stitches or so. This is not a piece that I normally would have picked up myself, but will finish so I can gift it completed to the co-worker that originally purchased the piece. This is obviously something that she would enjoy seeing in her home. I am so glad that I switched out the fabric on this piece since this has so many 1/4 stiches. I would never have been able to get this done on the 14 count aida that was supplied in the kit..

 

 

Well that is all for now. Need to go get my hair cut and some errands run.

 

Ta Ta for now,

Angela CG

Long Overdue - Final SFS 2014 Report

Here I am back in blogland.

These last couple of months have been difficult. Nothing life threatening but still difficult. This resulted in me not wanting to be near a computer when I am not at work.

Instead I have read and stitched. I have been able to get quite a bit done. I was going through my notebook that I keep track of my projects (both completed and not yet started) because I wanted to transfer to a new journal. As near as I can tell, I have completed 31 projects. There might be a few very small projects that I have not counted. I am pretty amazed at myself.

Even though I have skipped a month, I am going to finish this years Stitch from Stash 2014 with a final entry.

Amount Spent: Balance $60.53 (November $40.53 + $25.00 - 20.00 (fabric) = $45.53) December $45.53 + $25.00 - $10.00 

Part 2 of Things Unseen Sampler $10.00

New Starts from Stash:

• November:
•  2 WOCS Pieces (Ladies Fan & Rainbow Mandella)
• September's Morning Glory
• December
• October's Marigold
• November's Chrysanthemum
• Tribal Sand Dollar - White Willow Stitching

WIPs or UFOs worked on: In Harmony - Dimensions Kit, Blue/Cream/Purple crochet blanket

Now for some pictures:

White Willow Stitching - Tribal Pumpkin finished in November

Winter Panel of the My Garden Journal

September's Morning Glory

October's Marigold

November's Chrysanthemum

Part one of Lizzie Kate's Things Unseen Sampler. 

I don't know what happened to my picture of

the completed part one but I do have it somewhere. :(

Part one of the bonus chart, done on 20 ct Aida 2 over 1.

I am just loving the colors in this piece

This is a kit one of my co-workers decided to try so she brought it in to work one day and asked me to show her to to start the project. Of course I was excited to share my craft and proceed to go over the basic concepts. By the time I was done, she was just shaking her head and said "I can't do that, the holes are too small (14ct fabric was included). Here, you can have it" I was a little disappointed but understood that this craft is not for everyone. It didn't help that the kit is for an intermediate stitcher and has many 1/4 stitches. So I changed the fabric to a lovely Mocha colored 28ct something (oops can't remember the type of fabric) and started the kit. Once complete, I will frame it and give it back to her. 

  My measly little start.

I finally pulled this blanket out and worked on it while the weather

was so cold this month. I believe this will fit on a twin bed when complete.

It is sitting on my queen bed in the photo. I figure it is

about only 1/3 of the way complete. I might have to go

and pick up some more cream yarn in order to finish it.

As soon as I pulled it out, my little one asked if I would 

Please finish it so she could have it.

Rainbow Mandella (WOCS)

Self designed Lady's Fan (WOCS)

I am so happy that I have finally finished the My Garden Journal Series. Now I just need to figure out how to frame the pieces so that I can hang them up.

I have started putting together a list of some of the projects I want to complete in 2015. My list is not written in stone. I know that there will be additions and deletions as the year progresses, but I figure that I can at least have a guideline of what projects I currently own that I want to work on next year.

I must go and put a few X's in the next project.

Ta Ta for Now,

Angela

Before I forget, I am going to participate in next year's Stitch from Stash. Let's see if I can beat my ending balance and complete some of those projects on my list.

Halloween & SFS2014 October Update

Hello all!

I haven't really meant to avoid being online lately but that is what seems to have happened. I need to be on the computer for work all day and really don't want to touch it when I get home. Which means that there is not much time for blogging and reading all your great posts. Sometimes a person just has to make some hard decisions...reading the latest book in the series or stitch. Such a dilemma :(

There are some books that I can listen to and satisfy both cravings but not all the authors I love are in audio format so my stitching has suffered. It didn't help that for over a week I was laid low by a stupid cold. I would go to work and by the time I came home I was barely able to function enough to cook dinner for the little one.

As you know, I have been participating in Mel's SFS2014 this year and even though I never really spent that much on enhancing my stash, it has made me be more conscious of the money I do spend. Last month I took my free month, not because I spent too much (I did purchase some lovely threads from a FB group) , but I couldn't seem to get myself together enough to make a post or even an email. Sad I know but there it is. Well this month I am on the ball (maybe a day later than I should but I am here). Mel's precious other half has generously allowed a bonus this month which I am taking full advantage of. I am going to participate in my first Mystery Sampler. Lizzie Kate has put together her "Things Unseen" Mystery Sampler and I just love the colors and motifs that she has revealed so far and I can't wait to get the first part in the mail. Thankfully the first invoice came just before the month closed and I could take advantage of the last bonus of the year. Now onto the details.

Amount Spent: Balance $40.53 (August Ending balance. Since I took a free month I thought that I should not add September's allowance).

Bonus used: $50.00
Part 1 of Things Unseen Sampler $69.00 and $0.60 thread purchased to almost finish kitting up a new project (Total $69.60)
Balance: $19.60 to be used against monthly spending

Final Balance: $45.93 ($40.53 + $25.00 - $19.60)

New Starts from Stash:

• 2 WOCS mittens
• 2 Exchange pieces ready for finishing

WIPs or UFOs worked on: White Willow Stitching Tribal Pumpkin (started in September)

I have made some progress though, so onto some pictures.

 This first is a cute little mitten I stitched for WOCS. I completed a second one but forgot to take a picture if it. (Oops) These are the type of projects I love for my lunch time at work. Very easy to follow and quick to stitch up. You really can't see it in the picture but it is stitched on a baby blue fabric that allows the blue and red to stand out.

Updated: I found the picture of the first mitten I stitched for WOCS. 

 Next up is the start of one of my exchanges that I am working on this fall. I could only work on this one after work when I was not very tired. Black 22 ct fabric is a little hard on the eyes, but I love the way it turned out. I used thread from the FB group Fiberlicious and it turned out just wonderful. The colors are outstanding. I have a second piece that I completed on the same fabric but since it is also for an exchange, I can show any more, but the colors just pop.

 This is the other thing that has kept me busy over the last couple of months. I made my Little One's Halloween costume which will double as her outfit when we next go to the Renaissance Faire. I made the skirt and cloak. The funny thing...She wares the cloak every day. It makes a momma feel good to know that something she made is enjoyed that much.

Last but not least I have been working on White Willow Stitching's Tribal pumpkin. I changed the leaves and stem from the brown to green and I love the way the colors are coming together. I am almost done and hope to have a finish this weekend.

Long week leads to a long weekend

Last week was a very long week at work. Nothing went wrong per se but nothing seemed to go right either. This resulted in very little stitching after work.Thankfully we had a long weekend here in the States (still not long enough) so I could catch up on my rest and stitching.

DD wanted her best friend to stay the night and somehow one night turned into 3. :) All is good since she is a very respectful child and I hardly know either of them is there when they are together. This was also the weekend that the PBR with the State fair was in the next town over. Now I have never been to a PBR (bull riding) event before and decided it would be something different to take the girls to. They had a blast and so did I. Below is DD and her best friend.

Since I did not have permission from DD's friend's parents, I hid her face.

 Later that night, I was able to get a nice picture (without funny faces) of DD enjoying herself.

I received a Bucilla kit called "Love Beareth". The moment I pulled it out of the package DD fell in love and started asking if I could stitch it for her. I think bears are very cute but they are no longer my thing. Know what I mean? But there was no way I could resist. So I started (pictured in my last post). I was able to spend a lot of time on it on Sunday and finally finished up on Monday (after my grocery shopping and errands were complete). It is a cute little thing. Now I have to figure out how to frame it since the fabric was cut at an angle leaving it a bit wonky. If I remember correctly I might even have some teddy bear fabric that I can use to make a wall hanging.

As soon as I finished "Love" I went searching for a new start. As I walked into my room, I saw the fabric for the "My Garden Journal" hanging up where I put it to allow it to finish drying. (Somehow it had a small spot near the stitched border that needed washed out. I was so scared the colors were going to run. I did see some pink/red in the rinse water but no color ran onto the fabric. Boy was I thankful). So I picked it up and made a very measly start on August's Poppy last night. I can't wait to get home and get dinner out of the way so I can get back to it.

August's Poppy (My Garden Journal) by Beach Cottage Stitchers

I finally decided that I was going to have a small project for "on the go" meaning during lunch time at work. Since the lighting is not the best for stitching I needed something with a higher count and a simple pattern. The WOCS has a new database open for mittens and they are so cute.

My camera washed out the color, but the fabric is a pretty

baby blue and the purple works perfectly with it.

This is only after two days of working on it

at lunch.

Since I didn't finish my post yesterday before I got home I had the chance to continue to work on August's Poppy. This is where I left it last night, working on a lot of stems. Only about half done with the stems, then I can start on the actual flowers. It is kinda weird working from right to left since I usually start these on the other side. This time it was easier to count on the right side. I do like being able to work in the flower first for a change.

Time for me to let you go, need to actually get some work done today.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Weekend Update and a Great Father's Day Giveaway

These last couple of weeks have been very productive. I started and completed the "My Garden Journal" cover page.

Of course I didn't happen to have the called for threads on hand so I improvised. I love the colors I used instead. Since I am not at home I don't remember which ones I actually used but I think the combination is great. I also just put the year instead of adding my initials. I plan on making this into a small pillow either with just the extra fabric, or a larger one. I haven't decided yet.

I have also started March of the series. I was able to complete the left half of pattern this weekend. I forgot to take a picture this morning before I left for work so you will just have to wait until it is complete before you get to see it.

I also took a break from making X's to sew three bags together for WOCS. Two weeks ago I completed two other bags for them. This is the first time making bags and I found that I really enjoyed making them.

This is a fun fabric to look at. I made this the first weekend

 

This was also made the first weekend. I used fleece and an old pillow case I found at Salvation Army.

 

Another walker bag. For some reason blogger has decided to put this picture sideways. I have it saved correctly. If you look closely those little dots are hearts. I thought they looked perfect with the little girl.

 

Another sideways pic. This one is a wheelchair bag. Quick and easy to make.

 

One more wheelchair bag.

 

I have decided that I am going to concentrate on my personal stitching for a while but I will still put some time into making the bags. This way I can still participate but also get some of those projects sitting in my basket done.

Now, onto the giveaway I mentioned. Kathy at Kathyinozarks has teamed up with Rita of Sticks N Stones Gifts to make a wonderful Father's Day basket. Head on over here to take a peak and enter.

Good luck.

Well I need to get back to work so I will see everyone later.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela CG

Time for an Update

Hello All.

There has been a lot and yet very little going on at the same time. I don't remember if I have mentioned that I finally started working. My job location is about 45 to 55 minutes away. (Sometimes a little less when traffic cooperates). This can make for some very long days. Now that things have finally settled down with DD school troubles we are finally getting on a schedule again. This weekend was the first weekend in a while that I stopped myself from playing on the computer and got to stitching.  I finished up the butterfly below for WOCS and started and finished the cross for Quilts for older children and adults. I wanted to make sure that I was able to get these pieces in the mail today and I did. Now I can start to concentrate on those WIP's that are sitting in my basket(s) calling my name so loudly.

 

 

I have also started sewing for WOCS and I am loving it. The other week I made my first walker bag

 

this is made with cream fleece and an old flannel pillow case.

I wasn't sure that the materials would hold up or work well together but they do. The flannel gives the pockets and back stability while the fleece gives it softness. If figured the colors in the stitched piece and the walker bag are neutral enough to be given to either a man or woman. I am not sure you can tell from the picture but there is a full water bottle in one of the big pockets and I made a smaller pocket from the stitched piece for those little things that a person doesn't want to dig at the bottom of a bag for (change/ID). The second bag I put together was this cute little tote. It came out much better than I thought it would since I started out by cutting my original fabric wrong. (Reminder: always double check where your fold is when cutting your fabric) I didn't and ended up with two pieces when I only wanted one. :( Thankfully I picked up some other fabric (just for stash) that ended up working just as well.

 

Well, that's all for today. Need to get to work.


Ta Ta for now,
Angela CG



Quick update

I just wanted to give a quick update today.


I completed my second piece of the year. This one took longer than I expected. The pattern is deceptively simple but so beautiful.











I started ABCD 1817 by Scarlet Letter for Nicola's Scarlet Letter Year. There are so many wonderful samplers being made by the participants. I made a start...

and then had to run out and get a magnifier to be able to see where to put the needle. This is the whole first line on this sampler. I am working on 30 count linen stitching over one. This is also my first use of linen. I think I like it, but would have preferred to work the stitches over two.







I was selected to participate in a Valentine exchange with Parlsey. Since we are in the process of moving she sent mine early.

I am almost finished with hers so no pictures yet. When I opened the mail yesterday and saw my gift I was oooohhhing and aaahhhing and saying how much I loved it. My daughter saw me and gave me a look and then started laughing at me. I continued anyway because this is such a lovely little piece.







Well that's it for today folks. I volunteered to lead our Girl Scout troop tonight since our normal leader has to be away for a meeting. I am a little nervous at the thought of facing 10 teen and pre-teen girls tonight and trying to keep order. Wish me luck.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela CG in GA

New Year, New Blog Hop

It has been too long since I last posted. I have not wanted to get on the computer. I have not even kept up with every one's news. I am sorry for that. I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. This will be a picture heavy post so pour yourself a  cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy. We are going to start with the first Blog Hop of the year hosted by Stitching the Night Away.

 

What was your biggest stitching accomplishment in 2012?
What was your favorite stash acquisition in 2012 and will you be using it in 2013?

 

 

I think my biggest stitching accomplishment this year was to start back into stitching. I did not realize how much I missed placing color to fabric and have a wonderful picture appear before my eyes.

 

I think my favorite stash acquisition has to be the Scarlet Letter kits

I went looking at these because one of the other bloggers (for the life of me I can't remember who) is doing a Scarlet Letter year I just couldn't pass these up.

 

 

Visit all the blogs in this round of the Stitching the Night Away Stitching Blogger Blog Hop:
Find the instructions on how to participate in this round by clicking here.

 

Now on to catching up...

 

The last couple of weeks have been eventful. When pulling out our Christmas decorations this year we found that we had lost (or given away...can't remember) a couple of stockings. I had to go out and pick up another one but none were to my daughter's taste. We found one that was close and I personalized it for her.

 She absolutely loved it.

We were invited to a couple different friends houses this year to celebrate Christmas. We did not plan on going anywhere this year but couldn't pass up the opportunity to spend time with friends before we move. Just imagine...Christmas morning I woke up the little one (yes...believe it or not I had to wake her up) after fixing my morning coffee. I am sending out text messages to friends and family and I receive a text back saying that one of my friends would be leaving for a family members house at a certain time. Of course I was confused since I did not want to intrude this year and was told that we were expected to be there. ;) So here we go trying to hurry up and get ready to leave. We quickly got ready and met up with our good friends and had a wonderful meal and gift opening session. I made their gifts this year. I had a great time doing it.

 

I painted the inside and outside this one blue to match the colors in the fabric.

The wonderful woman I made this for loves Pooh Bear.

This one I painted a dark blue.

I just love the star pattern. I added a few buttons to add a little something.

I placed a coordinated fabric inside and added a little bit of chocolate and a gift card.

 The little cardinal added the perfect touch.

 

 

We had to leave there because the neighbors invited us over for the evening meal. So we rush back, pick up the pumpkin pie and went next door. The funny thing is we were still full from lunch at our friends. Of course they served a very Southern meal (including greens and macaroni and cheese) which I could not pass up. What a wonderful time we had. Earlier in the week we discussed going over to one of my daughter's friend's house. Of course as we were leaving the neighbor's house stuffed and tired she reminded me. Since I had not heard from them I text'd and made sure that we would not be intruding. They said we would not be intruding and we walked over. After all the food during the day I needed the walk. We talked and laughed for a couple more hours and finally headed home. I have to say my family has been blessed with wonderful friends and neighbors. When you least expect it, they are there for you.

 

We took the next day to recover and started cleaning up and moving things around. My father and his wife were coming to visit for my daughter's birthday. Since his wife will be joining him at his new posting (not military) soon they brought some of her stuff to be moved with his. What did this mean for me? Well out of a 20' room I only am able to use about 8' of it because the rest is packed to the ceiling (you read right, to the ceiling) with her things. Moth balls are great at keeping creepy crawly things away but they smell awful. We had a wonderful time with them though and as my daughter said more than once while they were here, we were spoiled by them. It was wonderful to see my Dad again. It has been over three years since I last saw him.

 

 

 Even though I have not been on the computer I have not put down my stitching. I received this cute little pre-printed kit. It stitched up quick.

I plan on finishing it as a flat fold. Currently it is sitting in my finishing box. :)

I found this cute flowered brown fabric to match.

This orange fabric is going to look great.

 This red is great.

I have been working on some pieces for WOCS. They also have started a new project of snowflakes.

 This one is a gray variation. This piece of gray fabric just fits.

 I saw this purple fabric that will work well with the thread I have picked out. I will complete this one next.

 Finally, I will try and make a third using these blues and pair it with this fabric.

I did not realize how many stitches are included in this pattern. I hope I can complete them in time.
I just love making these pieces. I get such a sense of accomplishment when I complete one of these pieces. I get the chance to work with other stitchers to make amazing gifts.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela