Stitch from Stash 2014 January Update

Hello everyone,

I decided to join Mel over at Epic Stitching in her quest to stitch from stash in 2014. To do this I had to figure what I had in my stash. After moving into our place almost a year ago I realized that some stuff was put up and organized but everywhere I looked I found more stuff that I didn’t realize I had purchased.

Since this post has turned into such a long post I am going to put my stats at the beginning so that if you don’t feel like reading to the end.

Amount spent: $23.00 US ($16.00 on fabric and $7.00 on threads)

New Starts from Stash: Spooky Welcome (Stoney Creek) & Steam Butterfly (HAED)

WIPs or UFOs worked on: None

To sort and organize was the first step in preparing for 2014 and the Stitch from Stash 2014 Group.

To this end I went all around the house and picked up every piece of stitching stash I could find (yes you read that right, I had stuff stashed everywhere) and dumped it in the living room. The first day the living room was unusable to anyone but me. I started by sorting things into a couple of groups: Kits (or items I have kitted up) that I eventually want to do, Charts (both free and purchased), Items to be sold (or traded), and trash. Isn’t it amazing how much we collect as crafters? This first step was difficult because I had to decide if I really wanted to stitch that particular pattern/kit. Some of them I still really liked but wasn’t sure that I would ever really do. Finally after a full day of sorting I had to get the living room cleaned up so that DD could have her birthday sleepover. Everything then got moved to my bed. My reasoning: if it is on the bed, I can’t sleep until it has been sorted and put away.  It turned out to be a good idea. Not only was I able to stay up late enough to make sure the 3 teenagers finally fell asleep, I had a good list of what I had and a good idea of the projects I tentatively wanted to complete this year. I was also able to go through all the fabric I have and made a list so that I could quickly see if I had the fabric on hand for a project. I measured each piece in my collection then wrote on a scrap piece of paper the type of material, the count and the measurements. Then I wrote the same information in my craft notebook. I started this notebook last year after reading that a couple other stitchers/crafters kept a journal of their starts and finishes. I never really thought to do this with my fabric before, but now I am so glad I did. 

Now that I am organized (to a point) I wanted to stitch something. Last year Over a year ago now, I purchased a couple of HAED charts.

Boo by Randal Spangler (picture from HAED site)

 

I decided that one of my big projects this year was to finally start and make decent progress on this chart. I had already purchased all the threads and even the fabric for this piece before I moved, but never got around to doing more than a couple of stitches before we moved. I pulled out the box with the threads, found the pattern and realized I didn’t have the size fabric I needed. So out to the store I went to pick up some fabric. I went ahead and picked up some fabric for the charity stitching I plan on doing this year. I get home and look at the chart for the dimensions of the fabric needed and realized I am missing the first page of the chart. GGGRRRRRRR!!!! I knew that it was not with any of my other stitching patterns since I just went through all those. Off I go to the computer looking for the original download. Nothing!! Then I remembered I printed the chart at my old job and should have it on a thumb drive. YIKES!! The thumb drive is missing. I think I had two more charts on that drive that I wanted (one already printed). I was so disappointed.  

So back into my journal to find the next project to work on. I settled for Spooky Welcome by Stoney Creek. 

 

I am not an orange fan so into my fabric basket I go diving. I find a beautiful purple piece of 32ct Belfast Linen by Under the Sea that I picked up from one of the FB Stash unload sites. Then I start thinking about the thread. The pattern calls for DMC 310 Black. I thought it looked a little harsh, so into my threads I go alookin’. I finally settled on DMC 796 a beautiful dark blue. I look again at the chart and realized I need 10 skeins. YIKES again. So the next time I had to go shopping, off to the craft section to pick up some more.

 

I have made some pretty good progress on this one if I say so myself. 

I put aside Spooky Welcome to work on a quick chart for Q4OC. I was able to get this completed in just a week. Such a fun little project. 

Last week I was looking at the HAED site to see about purchasing my Boo pattern again and found that they are having a sale. Can you say “TEMPTATION”? I decided against purchasing a pattern this time and instead decided to work on the other chart in my stash:

 

Steam Butterfly by Brigid Ashwood (pic off of HAED site)

I pulled all the threads that I had and realized I am only missing 19 out of the 90 colors called for in this pattern. I did have to pick up some of the background color that I was missing to be able to start. So Saturday I finally sat down to start and started with 2 over 1 tent stitch on 22 ct Aida. The threads didn’t cover enough so I decided to do a small test area of 3 over 1 tent and still did not like the way it looked. I frogged all the stitches I had done (about 400) and started over with 1 over 1 full cross. Again after about 300 stitches, I decided that there was still too much fabric showing so I frogged all those stitches. They say that the third time is a charm, and they are right. This time I tried 2 over 1 full cross and like the coverage. Did you know that 310 and 939 look the same when stitched next to each other? Neither did I until this project. This is my progress after 405 stitches (out of 134,808). A long way to go yet, but it is a start.

 

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Cat Colage and 1st Finish of the Year

I was able to get a couple more cats done last month...

4 more cats completed

I needed to put this one down for a little bit. I enjoy being able to feel like I had a finish with each box but I wanted something bright to work on... So just before Christmas I picked up Ursula Michael's Trick or Treat.

My first finish of 2014

I tried to get it done on the first but I didn't make it. I was able to get all the back stitching done on the hat and the web done on the second.  I just loved these colors.

I am not yet ready to go back to the cats yet so onto another Halloween stitch. I picked up Spooky Welcome when Stoney Creek was giving it as a free chart. I just love that site!!

I am not a big orange fan so I decided I wanted a purple background. I figured that I could stay with the program of using black but why be normal? lol

I decided to stitch this using DMC 796.

I think the blue will look great with this piece. I figured that I will stitch the words "EEK" and "BOO" in black along with the spider web and the vine near the bottom of picture.

It is time for me to check on my house full of teen aged girls (DD is having her birthday party/sleepover tonight) then make a start on Spooky Welcome.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Cat Collage Update, a Field Trip and a new Recepie

Hello all,

I was finally able to get all the brown outline completed on my cat collage. At first I was only going to do the box that I was working in, but after a while the cloth I am stitching it on would get heavy and cause my fingers to cramp. My thought was that if I could finally get the whole outline done, then I could safely cut the excess material away and make the whole project much easier to handle. So I stitched and stitched with the same drab DMC 610 until it was all finished. I actually did pretty good and only had to frog two sections. Now normally I won't wash a piece until I am completely done, but this piece has been sitting around for over a year and has survived a move. It was very dirty. So in the wash (in a lingerie (sp?) bag) on delicate, hung up to dry and ironed.

Thank goodness all the dirt came out. I was able to cut off the excess fabric and sew the edges. I also removed all the tape that I had on the edges. (I did that before I knew not to use tape). As you can see I still have aways to go, but I feel pretty good with my progress. I know I have enough material and I have each section ready for me to stitch it's occupant. Below is a close up shot of the completed occupants.

 

 

After getting everything cut down to size, I asked my little one which cat I should do next and she picked the box with the words. What is funny is that this little kitten is my 13th stitched cat and he is # 13 on the pattern. I was going to go back to the other side ( am am kinda near the right side of the project) I would continue where the hoop is so I did not have to move my hoop. (Being a little lazy :) So cat # 14 will be stitched in the box to the left of the kitten and under the words.

 

 

 

While I was finishing this one up and starting # 14, I had a stitching buddy.

 

 

Last weekend my brother really wanted to attend Mudfest again for his birthday and he wanted me there. Boy was it COLD!!!! We had some barrels set up so we could TRY (and I mean only try) to keep warm. In the picture the truck with the Rebel Flags is a friend who was with us. He has a great looking truck up close. I didn't think that I would really like attending this event but after my second experience, I think I will keep attending. With one exception...I will NOT EVER attend the winter event again. It is too cold!!!!

 

Below is a little video of a silly little jeep trying to pull out a stuck truck. He had the power but not the weight.

 

 

There have been some pretty nice looking recipes on Facebook lately. One for a Pepperoni Stromboli sounded easy enough to make. And with simple ingredients something even my little one would eat.

 

I like mushrooms on my pizza but the little one does not, so...we made two. I split the dough in half (pre-made pizza crust), put half the ingredients (pepperoni, mozzarella cheese, seasoning mix (two egg yolks, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup oil) on mine and the other half on hers, then added mushrooms to mine. Rolled them up, pinched the ends closed, twisted a little bit of leftover dough into a ribbon to mark one of them, spread the egg whites on top and Ta Da!! Personal Stromboli. Delish! The little one ate all of hers and she is a picky eater. I am not sure where the original recipe came from so I can't post it.

 



Well, I've got to run and get some things done.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Quick update and a couple of Giveaways

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Good food, family, some laughs...and of course, some drama. I am very thankful that it stayed to minor verbal comments (that were not directed at me).  We are probably going to go back and spend Christmas there. Hopefully things will stay calm.

I was able to complete a couple more cats.

Cat # 10 is now complete. I tried four times to fix his eyes. This last time I left as is.

Cat # 11

Cat # 12

I have been working on stitching the boxes for the rest of the cats. I wanted to do this so I can cut some of the excess fabric off the ends. It is getting to be a little too cumbersome to hold as I am stitching. I currently have masking tape on the edges (I restarted this project about a year ago before I knew better). When I cut off the extra I am going to sew the ends. I'll take another picture of the full piece when I get the edges sewn. I need to put this aside for a couple of weeks so that I can get some presents for the kids of the family done.

I took a quick stitch with me to my Brother's but forgot to take a picture of it. I have not touched it since we came back. I think I am going to use this as my traveling piece. I might make a pillow out of it when done.

Now on to the Giveaway portion of our program today.

First is a wonderful pamphlet of snowmen give by the wonderful Parsley at Seasons of My Mind.

Next is another wonderful giveaway by Nancy at Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe...


Fourth Day of Christmas Give-away....LOTS of FLOSS!

On the fourth Day of Christmas Nancy gave to Me:
25!!! yes 25 skeins (20 yards each!), 500 yards!
of floss from the 1795 Sampler Collection! One lucky winner. You pick the colors!

Stop by both these beautiful ladies pages and tell them I sent you.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Update - Cat Collage

After a week of little to no stitching, I was finally able to get some stitching done this weekend.

I finally finished cat # 8

Purple Cat W/Yarn Ball

and completed # 9

Calico Blue Cat

I have started cat #10

Green Check Cat

and closed in the box for cat # 11 Cat Playing with Ball. For some reason I seem to be on a roll with this one. I am about 2/3rds done. I am trying to get this one done soon. I promised someone when I purchased my stash start that I would finish this. It has taken 13 years but I will get it done yet.

I will update again soon.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Cat Collage Update

As promised I took a picture of Cat #5 after finishing #6.

I was able to get cat #7 started and completed as well this weekend.

I started cat #8 and will get a picture posted soon. Number 8 is at the bottom left so at least I finally know that I have enough fabric going from top to bottom. The next test is to see if I have enough to go from left to right.

Fought a sore throat this weekend but other than that a very quiet weekend. Really just the kind that I like. Plenty of time to stitch and just enough time out of the chair cooking or picking up to make sure that I don't get too stiff.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Let Us Begin Anew

This post has been a long time coming but work and life seems to have gotten in the way of posting online. I have not even been able to keep up with any of the blogs I have been following. I am still having some hard times but I am going to concentrate on what I already have and what is currently good in my life rather than things that I can not control. That means going back to the beginning and remembering what I have loved about my craft and my life. This will be a picture heavy post so if you have the time please continue, but if not that is okay too.

There have been quite a few small finishes for the charity groups I belong to...which of course I don't have any pictures of with me today. I have had to made the hard decision to stop stitching for them for a while (not forever, but just until I can get myself back on track both financially and emotionally). I tend to try to bite off more than I can chew (both money and time wise) and my sewing skills do not seem to be up to par. The last time I tried to make some bags, I messed up my fabric twice. Good thing that I did not yet try to sew the stitched pieces onto the fabric. So I have sent off (or am sending off soon) those pieces I have already completed and going to concentrate on the things that I already have in the house.

I do have some pictures of my recent finishes.

I participated in a SAL with one of the Facebook groups I belong to. I sorta enjoyed the stitching, but love the result. I still need to figure out how I am going to finish this little piece.

I actually tea stained the fabric (using a berry tea). I really like the pink of the fabric. It helps the variegated threads stand out.

Next up is the newest STNA October Ornament. This one was completed on 28 ct Christmas Green Jobelan that was in my stash. I don't remember where I received it, I am just thankful that it was there. Well...I was going to add, but for some reason this one picture will not upload. Maybe next time.

 

 

Next is a quick Christmas ornament from JCS Christmas 2011 issue also stitched on the Christmas Green Jobelan. Plan on making both of these up into pillows to display in a bowl on the counter.

I finally finished my Oriental Butterfly. To remind you where I was at last time I picked this up...

 

And where I finished. I decided that the characters on the side would make the piece too busy. I have not decided how I will finish this so into the finish pile it goes. :(

 

 

 





 

I won an autographed chart of Rosine's Sampler by C Street Sampler works from Norden Crafts Ltd on Facebook. This was stitched on 18 ct Aida that I dyed myself using The Gentle Art Sampler Threads Deep Sea. I decided that I wanted a more personal sampler so I added the current year in the center and used my initials instead of Rosine's. I plan on framing this piece eventually, but until I get the courage and or money to get it done, it will have to wait.

 

 

 

After this I picked up what I call "Cats Collage". This is where I left off last time....

 

 

 

I finished the cat that is in the empty square but forgot to take a picture before I moved the hoop to start another cat. I will get a picture of the two of them together once I finish this one.

 

Just one last note...

 

Nancy at Victorian Motto Sampler Shop is hosting another wonderful giveaway. Please stop by and let her know I sent you.

 

Hope you have a wonderful stitch filled day.

 

Ta Ta for now,

Angela

Bloglovin Why oh why?

Hello all,

I have been reading all my blogs on Bloglovin but in order to "claim" my blog I have to make this post. The things we do. :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I will be back later with a longer post with pictures after the weekend.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela

Pictures finally!!

I finally remembered to take good decent pictures last night.

First off are a couple of soon to be Halloween ornaments. both of these are done on a lovely orange 28ct (something). I don't have the piece of paper that my wonderful LNS puts with the fabric. It is a little stiff for my liking but I couldn't pass up the color.

This was done 1 over 1 using 310.

 

This little cutie was done 2 over 1 using JAR Designs Pea Green.

 

At first I couldn't decide if I wanted to let the orange come through on the eyes and mouth or not. Then my little girl told me that I needed to fill them in. I think she had the right idea. I will go through my fabric this weekend and see what I have that will set these two off.

 

Next up is my progress with March's Daffodil from Cottage Garden Samplings.

 

 

A few more flowers and some of the border and I will be onto April.

 

I didn't get any stitching done last weekend because I went to the Outlaws Muddfest.

I think I was the cleanest one there. lol

 

I had thought to bring my stitching with me but then I remembered...stitching + mud does not equal a happy time. Even though this is not an event I would normally go to, I ended up having a wonderful time.

 

Ta Ta for now,

Angela CG

Settings Change and a Good Read

Hello everyone,

I finally had to change my settings to not allow Anonymous commenter. I seemed to have acquired a major spammer. I didn't realize how bad it was. I receive and comment via my email. I don't know what made me go to my comment section but I had almost 200 spam messages!! Yikes!! If that doesn't fix the problem I am going to have to put comment verification on. I want to apologize for not realizing sooner that this was a problem. Why must some people create such havoc?

I have been stitching like crazy this week but still have not taken any pictures. *sigh* One day I will remember. Since I can't seem to get into a good rhythm stitching on my lunch break I have been reading. I originally purchased my tablet thinking that I could play all the same games as my I-Phone but since I didn't purchase the I-Pad (it was going to cost $700 more than what I did pick up) I can't play all the same games. But what it does have is the Kindle app. So now I can take a book everywhere with me. Don't get me wrong, I still love paper books. I enjoy the way they feel in my hand and even the way they smell. But there are sometimes a book is too cumbersome to fit in your purse or pull out while waiting in line.

Following links in other blogs I stumbled upon a wonderful author Susan Shay. (follow the link to her blog) I picked up both her books and love them. I can't wait until her next one comes out. I have picked up quite a reading list by the reviews other people have posted. I have also found that some of the classics can be picked up for free. I remember reading quite a few of them when I was younger. I am very happy that I have picked some of them up again. As an adult you have a different perspective of what a book is about. For example...The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. I think I first read this book when I was twelve. When your that young anything secret is a draw. I remembered the book as a nice entertaining read about a girl who is sent somewhere that had a great big garden and she found a part that she was not supposed to be in and her adventures there. Reading it as an adult you see so much more. The transformation from unhealthy to healthy children both physically and mentally. And the virtues of children being allowed to play outside. I am not very good with reviews so I will stop there. But I did want to mention that sometimes it is good to re-read books. You may be amazed at what new wonders you will discover.

On that note I will take my leave. Must get back to work.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela CG

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



Long overdue update

 I just love looking at all the different fabric choices offered at 44th Street Fabric who is having a wonderful giveaway this month. Stop by for a visit.

Absolutely no update on any of my Scarlet Letter pieces.

My Garden Journal has January complete and February almost completed. I will post another picture when I complete February. I received the chart for March and will start on that soon.

WOCS - two snowflakes are complete and just need to be sent. I am working on a butterfly

Q4OC - Mystery Heart almost complete but had to stop for a little bit because it was becoming one of those "Have To" stitches that just didn't want to get done. Need to complete my butterfly and cross pieces.

Still no job yet. The last interview I went on was perfect. The interviewers were very impressed but was then told that they are going to wait a while before the job becomes available. Just received a call and have another interview set up for Friday. I liked being at home but now I am ready to be around people (sorry to say that baby girl is not quite old enough to count right now). I need to have conversations with other adults.

During this time I was picked as the second winner from CraftyCat's Grow Your Blog Party Giveaway. When I found out that I won my daughter happened to be in the room. She said "Aw Mom, you are always winning stuff. I really like those colors". I kinda had to laugh at this and mentioned it in my email to Cathy. My plan was to give her the bracelet when I received it. To my surprise there was a second bracelet made just for my little girl. She was soooo happy to receive it. Thank you so much Cathy.

Here they are together. It wasn't until I was getting the pictures ready

 for posting that I realized we were photo bombed by our eldest Tigerlily.

I have been reading every one's blogs but have not had the energy, will, desire whatever, to make comments. I will not boor anyone with all the details but I am having a hard time trying to keep it together lately. Not quite sure what to do but I do know that somehow things will all work out. Hopefully before too much longer.

As far as this whole Google Reader going away I don't seem to have a problem with Bloglovin. When I signed up I wasn't required to post anything about people following me (maybe I didn't do something right?). I tend not to read the snippets on the front page and just go straight to the blogs. What I find nice is that when I click on the name of the post I can go to that post and on the top of the screen is a place that I can go to the next blog I like to read without having to exit from that screen and then there is to counter up there as well so that I can know how many new posts I have not yet read. I find that I like this method because I enjoy seeing the original post. I guess I am simple that way.

Ta Ta for now,
Angela