A Stitchity Post

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends I really missed my daily Blog "fix."  Although sometimes I think I drone on and on about practically everything - I find it cathartic to sort out my thoughts and put many of them here.  Don't get me wrong, not every thought gets out and on the Web, but quite a few do!!  :)

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I think today I will devote to some stitching stuff - since that is what binds us to each other - those thin gossamer threads of silk and cotton.

There are three pieces I wanted to talk about....  first up would have to be the surprise waiting for me when I came in the office yesterday.  There was a big box from the Sweetheart Company waiting for me.  Here's a little background- a while back Dena had posted that she was looking for a completed "Christmas Rules" by Lizzie Kate to create a frame - I had my finished piece and it wasn't framed so I agreed to let her do her magic and work up a frame and use it as a model for her site (her site is just darling by the way).  Here is a snap of the wonderful job she did on my piece....

If you remember I stitched mine on 36ct linen so there is tad more "white" space than would be when using the recommended 32ct linen - but what a stupendous job she did!!  All hand done and just too cute!!  Here is a close up shot to show some of the detail...

I couldn't be happier with the finished piece and will treasure it for years to come!!!  Thank you so very much Dena. On the Sweetheart Company site it is in the "New Releases" area.

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Another framed piece I wanted to show is a piece I gave my Mom for Christmas.  It is the LHN's "Sampler Months" - here is a snap...

The frame she picked out is a great blue coloured painted one that fits really well with the piece. My Mom was super happy with the framed piece and that's what counts!!

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The last piece I wanted to talk about today is the ongoing stitching on Mary Ann Hutton....  It was one of the two projects I took with me last week, but it was the only one I got a chance to work on -  here is a snap of how it stands at the moment...

.... it is just bee-bopping along not very fast but steadily.  I am not sure how I am going to handle the name and date - as I don't usually stitch the original stitchers names and dates when I stitch an historic sampler, but with this one  - it's like a banner across the lower part so it will be hard to loose it or stitch something else in it's place....  I have lots of time and quite a bit of border before I need to make a decision, so I won't worry about that at the moment.

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That's about it for today sports fans.  Thanks again for all your kind comments and for stopping by, do stop again!

Take care,

edgar

A Finish, a Start, an Exchange and a Gift-a-Way Drawing

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends - the post title tells all - this will be a stitchity post if there ever was one. Sometimes I find myself babbling along with not a bit a stitching.  It was because of cross stitching that I started this Blog and I really feel bad about not having more stitching stuff.  Oh well - it is what it is and I do what I can do - so enough of that - on to the post.....

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First up, I wanted to post about a  finish I had on Friday evening.  I wasn't going to finish this piece so quickly but it was the one of the pieces I took on vacation with me and it was such a fun stitch.  Here is a snap..

of the top half - and here is another snap...

of the bottom half - and here is an overall snaperoo...

LHN Monthly Squares stitched as one sampler - 32ct PTP Earthen 

Recommended Floss (mostly)

1/18/11 - 6/17/11

If you remember I was doing these squares - one each month, but that fell to the wayside quickly as these squares work up fast and are fun to do!!  I threw in some decorative stitches here and there and changed colours where I thought they needed changing, but mostly I followed the charts as charted - sort of.

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I couldn't let my hands fall still and lord knows I certainly couldn't dig out a WIP so I started up the "Mystery Sampler" and here is the small amount of stitching I have gotten done....

I am loving the colour choices on this piece!!

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The "HOE Snowman Ornament" round piece made it to my partner, Lisa.  

Here is a snap of what I made for her...

For some reason I had the hardest time getting any kind of decent snap of this piece.  It is from the JCS 2008 Ornament Issue and is called "Let it Snow" by CCN.  I used mostly the called for floss - a cute piece, that I may have to stitch up for myself.

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Now to the Gift-a-Way Drawing - The "LHN Monthly Charts" where a wonderful win from Ma Teakettle and I loved getting them and the stitching was super de duper - I think it only fair that I now pass on these lovelies to some other lucky person.  If you would like the set of six charts -  all you have to do is post a comment on this post only - and mention in that comment that you would like to be in the drawing - that's it - so simple.  I will mail them to the winner anywhere in the world, so if you can receive mail - you can enter - no fuss no muss (I wonder what muss is??)  I will get the Hag Claw to draw a winner from the BOD (Bowl of Destiny)over the weekend - the last day to enter will be this Friday 6/24. - I will announce the winner on Monday - 6/27.

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That's about it for today sports fans.  Thanks for stopping by!!

Take care,

edgar

Weekend Stitching and Stuff

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends - woowzers - how can I get my BFH (big fat head) through the door anymore?  I was just blown away this morning with all the kind comments about my framed stitching.  As you probably remember I avoid "like the plague" the computer during the weekend.  So I didn't see any of your nice words until this morning.  I have reworked the "sampler wall" but I am still not 100% happy with the results, so I am holding off with a snap of it until I get it fixed.

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I did some stitching over the weekend - I finished up square 6 - June on the LHN Monthlies piece.  Here is a snap-a-roo...

For some reason I really enjoyed this square immensely.  

At the half way point now, this piece as it is making up quite fast.

and

I also started up ATS yesterday.  So I have a snap of the bit I have done so far.....

It looks kind of silly at the moment, but I love the colours and the stitching is easy enough.  I have at hand as I stitch copies of all the suggestions and errors that other stitchers have pointed out or noticed as they worked their way through ATS. 

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We made it out to a few Estate sales and all I picked up where a few books...

I picked up a couple of Christmas books, the second Volume of Mastering French Cooking and a great quilt book.  The Quilt book was printed in the mid 70's and I would presume long out of print.  I love the reading the interviews of these quilters and seeing the quilts they made.

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I also did some baking yesterday.  I made a couple of loaves of Poticia (Potcia) - a Slovenian Nut Roll - I followed the recipe, but made a couple of minor changes....

I added nutmeg (of course) to the filling, and made a lemony icing for the top.  Traditionally only icing sugar is sprinkled over the finished product - but -   I really didn't want to throw away the lemon since all I had used was the rind in the filling.  I had never made this before and learned lots so that next time I make it ( and there  will be a next time) there will be changes....  all that aside, I think it is quite tasty!!  - and I am enjoying some with a cup of coffee as I type this mornings Post.

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There you go sports fans.  Thank you all so very much again for your super comments - I appreciate them and the time you take to leave them.  Stop back again for more of my ongoing babbling!! 

Take care,

edgar

Part II - A Visit to Needle in a Haystack

Gentle Readers and Dear Friends since this was a three day weekend I made plans for a visit to NiaH on Friday.  NiaH opens at 11 am so we coupled this visit with a stop off at IKEA first - they open at 10.  Making our morning a great adventure of getting onto the highway and zooming across the Bay Bridge to Emeryville.  Check yesterdays post for the report about our first stop at IKEA.

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After leaving IKEA loaded down with some cool stuff we headed into downtown Oakland - Rico knew a short cut through town instead of getting back onto the Highway.  Driving on the highways is something I hate to do.  I think my biggest gripe about highway driving is that most drivers treat it like some sort of speedway. Going in excess of 80 or 90+ mph, cutting in and out of traffic and just reckless driving typify the highways here in California.  Saving 3 seconds getting someplace and disregarding everyone else on the road is not safe driving and it makes me just insane.  Getting off my soapbox....

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Getting onto Alameda and finding Niah was so very easy and the parking was plentiful.  We walked in and as usual the store is a dream and just packed with all sorts of goodies.  Here are some snaps.......

There was so much to see and look through.  When ever I make a trip over I go with a list in my head or for specific things.  If I didn't I would go wild and just spend way too much.  This time was no different - I had and idea of what I wanted to get - some linen, some buttons and any chart on my list.  Of course I picked up a couple of other things ...  here is a snap of my little stash acquisition...

As you can see I didn't go crazy - but found some things I really wanted.  Starting in the top left - this is my main WIP basket in which I keep my most current projects  - inside you can see that each project has its own zippered pouch - I needed a few more pouches for the secondary WIP basket - I also picked up a PS chart I didn't have, "May," and a couple of other charts - "Mighty Oak Sampler" from Chessie and Me and "Jenny Bean and Friends" from Shakespeare's Peddler.  Moving to the lower middle you can see my completed "Christmas Rules" by Lizzie Kate.  I stitched mine on 36 ct linen instead of the recommended 28 ct.  That meant that the buttons included with the charts never really fit right IMHO - so I took the piece with me to find smaller buttons.  Talking to Cathe I found out that these where the smallest buttons out there and then she suggested using beads - well, I never even thought about beads - so we looked through the huge number of choices and found some sparkly opaque ones that will work just great.  Now I need to clip off the buttons and attach the beads a-  I think then I will be much happier with the results.  Moving towards the top you can see a great needle minder from Klemscott - it is the sheep one that released last year - I wanted it then but never got it - I just couldn't pass on it when I saw it this time.  Next to the needle minder is a great Blacksheep, scissor holder, pin cushion and thimble holder - there were both Black and White sheep - was there any choice??  I picked it up when I first walked in and just loved this little darling!!  I stood there and thought and thought about it  - remembering that I did have a list - and then passed.  When we got into the car to leave Rico handed it to me and said "Happy Easter!!" - wasn't that a sweet thing to do!!!  All of these wonderful things are sitting on the reason I wanted to go over in the first place - for some linen.  I actually wanted a piece of linen to make a new start.... this lovely piece is by Lakeside Linens, 36 ct "Vintage Sand Dune" and a special cut for Autumn at HRH.  It also happens to be the exact size I need to make my start on "And They Sinned."  I really want to start on ATS but didn't have anything near long enough in my stash pile.  I also like to see linen in person since I enjoy over dyed and hand dyed linen - the dye lots between pieces can be really dramatic.  Cathe and Debi were a super help and they hauled out many pieces of linen that would work before I finally decided on this piece. There you go a smallish stash pile, but things  I "needed" or is that wanted.

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I have been stitching on LHN Monthlies and here is a progress snap.....

..... as you can see I have finished up April and May and am now working on June. I am making slight changes to colour placement from the charted placement - just because I think it looks better and for no other reason.   I should be able to finish up June and be able to start on ATS  this weekend - woohoo!!!

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There you go sports fans - a visual visit to a lovely shop with wonderful people and great stuff!!!  Let me know if there is anything specific you wanted to know.  Thanks for stopping by and for your super comments!!  Do stop by again!

Take care,

edgar

A Monday Posting...

Gentle Readers and Dear friend the weekend went by much too fast - as always.

Saturday was just beautiful here, bright blue, breezy and full of sunshine.  A very nice day all the way around.  I made it to two Estate sales, 4 Thrift/Consignment shops and found zero things to buy.  Sometimes it is just that way.  There was lots of stuff to buy, but nothing hit me just right - and I already have a pileo'crap now - There will be other sales and other weekends.

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I did some stitching on my LHN Monthlies - and of course I can't get the colours right - or to my liking, but I want to show a progress snap so here 'tis.....

The linen is not pink by any stretch of the imagination, but for some reason the reds are a bit off and I just can not wonky them back to normal, but you get the idea.  I have started up April and will have it done by the end of the month.

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On other stitchity notes I went through the majority of my stash and found quite a few things I no longer need or have stitched and will not restitch - so I will have that stuff together and up at some point soon.

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Yesterday the city was completely encased in a dense and damp fog for the majority of the day.  It was more on the windy side and less breezy than Saturday - a more typical SF day.  We went to early Mass - and Palm Sunday services where just lovely - and after we got home stayed in for the rest of the day.  It was a very nice way to spend the remainder of the weekend.

There you go sports fans - thanks for stopping by - do come again!!

Take care,

edgar

Chilly Normal Monday Morning

GR&DF I'm back from a 3 day hiatus.  Not too much to report.  

On the stitching front - I worked on a few pieces this weekend - one of them was driving me crazy so I tossed it into the "bag of no return" and put together something else - as it will eventually live elsewhere I am hoping my starting another more likable piece will be a good thing.  I also worked some on "Shores" - here is a a snap of the little but I got done on Square 5...

Its a bit wonky but you get the idea.

I also finished up the "February" square on monthlies.  Here is a snap of where that piece is....

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I also stopped off at Borders to pick up another magazine.  I have been waffling back and forth on buying the most recent issue of Cross-Stitch & Needlework.  I wouldn't usually get one but they have reprinted "The American Sampler" and since it is OOP and next to impossible to acquire a copy of the chart I thought I might as well go get a copy for myself.  This is what all the hub-bub is about ....

Although not really something I want to stitch anytime soon, I would rather have it in the stash heap waiting than try and find it later on at 10 times the cost it is now.  This was the last copy they had so I guess it has been very popular.
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The Estate Sales and Consignment Shop shopping was a total bust on Saturday.  Here is a snap of the few things I picked up....

 Three books and a heavy "Federal Glass" drinks glass.  I loved the illustrated "Christmas Carol", and the Santa Book looks good.  The "1000 Days in Tuscany" should be excellent - I am reading Marlena de Blasi's other book "Lady in the Palazzo" and really enjoying it very much!!

I think that about wraps it up for today sport's fans.  Thanks again for stopping by and for your kind comments.  Do come again!!!!

Take care,

edgar

A Whole Bunch of Stuff - and a Winner

GR& DF so sorry to have missed my usual Monday posting.  I was playing around with my new camera.  WooHoo - a new toy!!  Rico got it for me on Friday and I have been having the most fun.  I wanted a smaller, lighter and more powerful camera.  I have been working with my old camera for 4+ years and it was time.  My new camera is a Sony CyberShot, 14.1 MP and it's a great red colour.  I am still learning what it can do so my snaps may be a bit off for a while.  Thanks you so much sweet Rico!!! and Merry Christmas to me!!!!

Over the weekend there where other high points!!  You might remember - I collect 19th century Transferware - there a few patterns I really look for.  One of them is called "The Sea."  I hardly ever see any pieces in this pattern, like never.  When I do see the occasional piece it is astronomical in price so I whimper a bit and move on.  On Sunday we ran out to the Antique Collective (mall) and were just looking around and in one of the booths was this....

A beautiful rim soup bowl!!  I snatched that sucker off its stand so quick you would have thought I was having a fit.  It now hangs under a large vegetable bowl in the same pattern.....

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For a pidge-lette update - I got a quick snap of the them.  Lolly startled the Mama away for a moment and I got this snap of the growing duo.  They have grown considerably since I last saw them a few days ago.

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I did some stitching this weekend - some I can show, some I can't.  Here's a snap of some I can....  a "Monthly" update....

The colours are off but you get the idea.  I am really enjoying this - and may just push on with the stitching instead of waiting for each month to roll around.

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I also whipped up this pretty tasty treat.....

...a cranberry/orange coffee cake - it has a great crumb and is filled with cranberry deliciousness.  I made a quick orange glaze that pulled all the flavours together.  I'll post the recipe in the next day or so over at Blacksheep Bakes.

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I wanted to wrap up today with the drawing....  I got all the names written on slips of paper and into the BoD....  with a little help from Lolly.... the Hag claw reached into the BoD......

....  and out came the winner........  Mary H.  Congratulations!!  Now if you'll email me your snail mail address I can get the Engagement Book into the mail and on its way to you.  My email in in my profile.  Thank you all for your interest in the drawing.......

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I will be reaching a milestone for me and my Blog - my 1000th Post for the Blacksheep is coming up soon..... so I think I need to have a Super Give-A-Way.  I never thought when I started Blogging I would ever have 100 posts much less 1000 - who could have known??  Oh well, keep a watch for it!!

That's about it for today sports fans.  I do thank you all for stopping by and for commenting!!  It means so much to little old me.

Take care,

edgar

The "B" Word - a Small Give-a-way and a LHN Start

GR&DF another foggy day by the Bay - so much fog that even the news this morning was babbling about the thick layer over us. Thanks for the great comments - Jeanne mentioned another of Rosalind's flickers - "Trouble with Angels" - 1966 and its sequel that is not as good..."Where Angels go Trouble Follows" - 1968. There are other fine performances out there...like.... "His Girl Friday" - 1940 - co-starring Cary Grant and her break out roll in "Craig's Wife" - 1936. So many fine performances check them out if you get a chance.
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About the Give-a-way, Rico got an engagement calendar for 2011 that he will not use and thought that there might be someone out there who could use and appreciate the snarky humor of this little gem. Here's a snap of the cover...


and here is one of the great pages inside....

Some of the pages can get a bit racy, but they are all really funny. So..... if you would like a chance to win this great little calendar, just leave a comment on this post only and we'll get out the BOD this weekend and have the who hound pick a winner. I'll announce it on Monday. Anyone, anywhere may enter and I will send it to wherever you are, but you have to post a comment to win.
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I couldn't help myself.... last night I needed to get a move on the LHN Monthly Squares. I got a great piece of linen out of the stash heap and slam bam I had a new start, Thanks again Ma Teakettle!!!!! Here's a snap..

It's not too exciting but this is the outside border of January. I changed up a floss colour - I think if something says medium green then it should be a green colour and not beige/brown, but that's just me. I think I will go along like that for the whole piece - change out where I thinkit will be a better choice. I have lots of CC Floss and so substituting the colours around will not be a problem.

That's about it for today sports fans. Thanks for stopping by - and remember if you would like a chance at the Give-a-way just leave a comment on this post. Thanks again!!

Take care,
edgar