Musical Sprites

For my final finish of the year I’m not going out with a big bang but a song.  As in “Hey, hey, we’re the Monkees”.  These were designed byDork Stitch and as with all of her other patterns were great fun to do.  I have an idea in mind for the completed finish but I won’t mention it just yet in case I change my mind.  That may also give me a chance to convince my BD (in my world that’s “Brilliant Daughter”) to backstitch “Hey, hey, we’re the Monkees” on there for me.  She likes backstitching (honest J) so if I’m lucky she can squeeze it in between her other projects.  This is what it looks like right now.

As for the Big Bang cast, Leonard is done now.  If I didn’t have this book I wanted to finish tonight I’d start on Amy or Bernadette.  There’s always next week (year?)

Happy stitching World and a very Happy New Year!

Sprites? Elves? No, Sprites!

Two and ¾ sprites to be precise. I did say this would be a New Year’s gift right?  I might make it. J

I did finish off my Surfing Santa.  He looks pretty cute in this little white tree I have.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Happy stitching World.

IHSW - Home for the Holidays?

It’s finally done!! One less WIP to carry into the New Year.

And now back to some of those other things I started instead of finishing the house (or anything elseJ).  I’ve started on the Big Bang Theory cast as created by Dork Stitch.  Penny is done and Sheldon, who I cropped out, is right above her and nearly done.  My plan is to turn them into a bell pull.  Of course the other part of the plan was to give it to my brother for Christmas.  Fortunately I have an understanding brother who’ll like it just as well on New Year’s.

Happy stitching World.

The WIPocalypse approaches! But first, a word from our sponsor IHSW

I’m excited about the WIPocalypse.  Really.  I look at it as a huge stitch-a-long.  A yearlong party is a great enticement to anyone right?  So when I think of it that way it’s easier to forget those other words that keep coming up.  Like list and organize.  Don’t get me wrong.  I write lists every day.  Sometimes I even get around to reading them again on the chance I can cross something off of it.  But organize is not a word that is usually associated with me. J

Still, a new year is soon upon us and a chance to try new things.  Without further ado I give you my WIPocalypse list:

1.     The Summer Ball

You all know this story.  I came across the second part of this in Cross Stitch Collection when it first came out.  Bought the third part when it came out and managed to find the first part on EBay.  Then I actually went and bought all the floss (Anchor no less) and a 3 foot long (!?) piece of 16 count aida to do it on.  The most amazing part of this is the fact that I actually started it.  There’s a portion of a mirror visible in the upper left corner. That’s what I’ve done so far.  Now there’s a quote on this page from the designer, Sandy Littlejohns.  It says “As with any large project there is a need to pace oneself, and not attempt too much at one time.”  I think it’s time to pick up the pace.

2.    A Mythical Dragon

Along with big projects, the other thing I haven’t done much of is work with metallics or blending filaments.  Then I received a package from Kim at  Scully's Cross Stitching .  She was clearing out her stash and sharing it with myself and others.  Along with two Teresa Wentzler patterns, which are tempting in their own right was “A Mythical Dragon”.  Pattern, charms, fabric, floss and filament.  It’s a wonder I haven’t started it yet.  Thank you Kim! 

And since I’m on a roll with picking out pieces that are 3-5 times bigger than anything I normally do, I thought I may as well add in this one.

3.    Do Not Disturb

This was a birthday present for my best friend.  She was there when I bought it and everything.  She stitches too but clever soul that I am I offered to do it for her.  Right.  Anyway, it has all the pieces with it.  I know this because last summer I opened it up to look at it.  I even rinsed out all the floss like they suggested.  I should probably try to get the creases out of the fabric before I start but it’s mostly ready to go.

What do you know?  I may get the hang of this organizing thing yet!

There’s still plenty to look forward to this year.  Including this weekend’s IHSW.  So I’m going for a finish.  It’s time to finish up the Haunted House and get back to my other pieces.  That’s my plan and enough talk for now.

Happy stitching World!

Santa's got his jingle on!

I was flipping through my Christmas patterns for my next Santa and decided on this one.

His face is great but I thought the bell was a nice touch. 

In the meantime I can’t quite bring myself to finish the backstitch on the Haunted House.  So I’ve been doing one thread a day.  Proving that I will go to great lengths to drag this out. Ha.

What I really want to do at the moment are sprites.  Dork Stitch sprites to be precise.  I’m close to finishing Sailor Chibi Moon, which will only leave me Tuxedo Mask to do.  Then last week I started on the Monkees.  Those may not get finished as soon as they should due to Dork Stitch’s post last week of the Big Bang Theory cast.  The whole cast? How cool is that? It will make the perfect Christmas present for my brother so I have to get going on it.  So much fun!

Happy stitching World!

Special Happy Dance

I received my exchange piece from Kate at Momuboocrea Island.  So much fun!!

This banner is so cute.  Santa reminds me of a cartoon character which is cool and I love the metallic threads on his outfit and the words.  This will be a great addition to my Christmas decorations.

That wasn’t all!  There’s a great bag with my blog name embroidered on it.  And now I have a cute little kit which I can’t believe I haven’t started yet.  To top it all off, a cute Santa tray I can put my chocolates on. (I can’t believe I haven’t opened those yet either)

Thank you so much Kate!!  Your talent and generosity is much appreciated.

Holidays

Holidays are so inspirational.  Take this house that’s been haunting me. (Please?!)  A couple of boards on the windows, a light in the doorway and it’s spruced up in time for Santa’s visit.  If the backstitch is done by New Year’s Eve there may even be a party.

While I’ve been neglecting the house and my other two projects I did do a little something else.  My Santa exchange piece with Kate at Momuboocrea Island is called “Checking it twice” by Dragon Dreams.  It’s from the 2007 Just Cross Stitch Christmas ornament issue.  I tweaked a couple of things along the way but I was pleased with the result.  Mine hasn’t come in yet but that just gives me more to look forward to.  Thanks again for doing that with me Kate.  I'm glad you like it. J

I really like Santa.  Traditional and not so much.  Lucie Heaton’s “Have a Cosmic Christmas” and Claire Crompton’s surfing Santa are good examples.   I’m planning on finishing the surfer into a pillow too.  I have some snowflake buttons and the perfect ribbon.

So now we’ve come to the end of this long ramble.  Hope everyone is nice and warm and having a good day.  I’m off to play more Christmas music and find another Santa to make.

Happy stitching World.

Some progress, no pictures.

I’ve finished all the stitching for my Santa exchange piece.  Now as soon as I decide on a backing fabric I can sew it up and send it on its way.

Then it’s back to my ongoing pieces by way of whatever else comes along to distract me. J

Happy Thanksgiving and have a great week.

Happy stitching World.

Wait, what holiday is it?

In this week’s holiday competition between Halloween and Christmas, Santa is coming out on top.  I can’t show you that one yet but I can show you that the Haunted house has a resident.  He’s peeking out of the round window on top.  This week I’ll start filling in the smaller sections.  Right now I’m off to add more backstitch to Santa.

Happy stitching World.

This and that

Three words that could explain why I haven’t finished anything lately.  I work on a little of this, then a little of that.  Still it does keep it interesting.

I did a little of this on the Haunted House.

And a little of that on my Santa exchange.

(Watch this blog for future picturesJ)

In the meantime I’m off to work on something completely different!

Happy stitching World.

So close...

And yet so far.  In the perfect parallel universe this haunted house is done and hanging on the wall.  Since I’m stuck in this universe it’s just going to haunt me until I get it done.  Too bad I’ve been distracted by all my pretty Christmas patterns. J

Speaking of Christmas, I’m off to work on my Santa for my first exchange.

Happy stitching World.

Answering the call

After making some progress on the Retro Cat and Haunted House last weekend I got back to the other member of the trio, Be Hippie.  While still plotting (or trying to decide?) on various color changes I did more stitching on the sun and put on one sleeve.  I would have put on the last word too, but its two different colors and I was too lazy to get up and hunt for the other one.  Maybe next time. J

Kate at Momuboocrea Island is hosting her first exchange and I’m excited to take part.  The theme is Santa Claus and if you’re interested in taking part check out Kate’s blog here

In the meantime, have a great week.

Happy stitching World.

IHSW wrap up

I worked on the Retro Cat and have some progress to show.  Ta Da!!  The wall is finished on the left side down to the chair at least.  Then I decided to start on the blue for the window and put off the chair for awhile longer.  Next time I pick it up it will be more blue or maybe the black line across the top.  We’ll see.

That’s all for now.  I look forward to checking everyone’s progress.  Hope you all had a good weekend as well as the week ahead.

Happy stitching World.

IHSW - time for some progess.

It’s off to a good start.  I finished the porch roof on the Haunted House, so now it’s on to the second floor.  Such excitement.

For the weekend though it’s back to the Retro Cat.  It seems to be easier to ignore – maybe I shouldn’t keep it in that box? J  This is the weekend for progress!!

I’ll be back Sunday night with an update.  Have a great weekend.

Happy stitching World.

Ah Life.

That is the biggest distraction to stitching isn’t it?  Well that and wanting to start new projects.  J

While I did start another one of Dork Stitches’ Sailor Scout sprites this week (6 done, 5 to go) link here , I made progress on the Haunted House too.  I should have this done by Halloween, stitching wise at least.

It’s snowing here.  I know its October but I was hoping for cooler not cold.  First snow of the season so I guess I’ll go run my errands and enjoy being out in it.  And then get home and enjoy being out of it.

Happy stitching World.

Happy October

I’m going to try to keep this brief so maybe I can still get to the one thing that hasn’t been worked on this week – the Retro Cat.  Not a stitch was made by me.  Or the Fairies, Elves or Brownies, they must have been busy too.

A little progress on other things to sort of make up for it.

More words on Be Hippie:

And more purple on the Haunted House:

That’s really about all for this weekend.  Have a fabulous week ahead and keep smiling!  It’s as easy to do as anything.  And it does make people wonder. J

Happy stitching World!

I got a little distracted...

From the Retro Cat that is.  I blame it on the extra fabric from the Be Hippie sitting too close to these Halloween designs.  Suddenly I just had to find out how this haunted house would look on there.  The answer so far is pretty good.  That’s mostly because of the purple I think.  Not the first color that comes to mind but it seems to work.

As far as the Be Hippie picture goes there’s some progress to report.  I’ve finished her hair and part of the sun.  Then I started on the words because I like that color. J  I haven’t found a color I like for her headband yet.  I may look at solid colors instead of variegated.

And after that I really did make some progress on the Retro Cat.  I finished all the leaves.  I keep wanting to say that’s one whole color done.  Then I remember the cat’s eyes are green too.  Ah well, getting closer.  I’ll save that picture for next time.

Happy Stitching World.

My IHSW and some progress

It’s Sunday night and the end of another IHSW.  I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s progress.

Apparently taking up larger projects than I normally do has come with a strange side effect.  I want to adapt them.  Take my new project.  It’s called “Don’t Worry, Be Hippie” by Barbara Ana Designs.  The changes to this one were motivated by what I didn’t have.  Like the fabric. J  This is what stash is really for isn’t it?  The pattern calls for 6 different shades of DMC variations floss.  Naturally from the 20 skeins I have I’m still short one.  So the pants become a different color – no worries.  After that it calls for an Anchor multicolor shade I didn’t even know existed.  Good thing I have all those other colors to choose from.  I haven’t decided what I’m replacing that with just yet.

Believe it or not, I did actually start.  You couldn’t really tell at first because the skin tone is so close to the fabric color.  It helps now that I have the cheeks and hair on both sides. 

All that adjusting has caused me to look at my Retro Cat picture differently as well.  While learning to cope with the fact that I’m not going to zoom through the wall as quickly as I hoped (!?) I started considering some color changes to other bits.  The chair should still be orange but the lamp doesn’t have to be the same shade right.  Guess we’ll see if I remember when I get to that part.

Have a great week.

Happy stitching World.

A Finish!!

No, not the wall. (sigh)  But the Halloween Hat is done!  Many things I could say that would seem witty to me.  I’ll settle for its done and I like it more than not.

And what have I started in its place?  Nothing.  I have this picture in mind but after substituting fabric and shades of variegated floss I discovered I didn’t have the color for the face.  Typical.  Lucky for me there’s a Michaels near the library and I have books to return today. J

So no pictures of the Retro Cat (or even the wall) this time.  Next time that and my new start.

Happy stitching World.

Things that aren't progressing as well as they could

You would not believe how hard I tried not to get anything done on the Retro Cat this week.  But you will believe how well it worked.  Ha.

 The Halloween Hat is coming closer to being finished.  Right now I’m thinking of finishing the purple first then the other colors.  This of course could change by tomorrow. J

Speaking of changing (as in my mind), I’ve been reading some other blogs that talk about bucket lists.  I can’t do it.  The other day I went leafing through some of the magazines I’ve collected over the last couple of decades. (?!)  In the space of two issues I came up with about 30 things I’d like to do.  Sigh.  Guess I’d better get busy.  Besides if I start more things I’ll have an even better reason to join the WIPocalypse.  Check Measi’s Musings blog for all the details. Look here. It sounds like fun.

I’m off to work more on the wall section.  Honest.  I want to progress on that before I start something new for my birthday next weekend.  Naturally this won’t stop me if I don’t get it done, but it would be nice.

Saturday, August 27

Where do the days go?  Around here I think they melt away, it’s been so hot.

I did make some progress.  More purple to the wall on the Retro Cat, next comes another stem.  Or is it a pole?  Different color at any rate.  For some reason I want to start on the orange chair but plan to try to finish the wall section before that happens.

Compared to that, the Halloween Hat is really coming along.  Another orange square on the bottom and I filled in the crescent moon on the hat.  I do like it, dye lots aside, but I’ll be glad when it’s done.

I’ll be thinking of the East Coast this weekend.  Hope it’s not as bad as they think it could be.  I was in New York City this past May and the concept of trying to evacuate even part of it is mind boggling.

Finally, thanks for all your kind words everyone.  They are much appreciated and motivational.

Happy stitching World.

Monday

My first “official” stitching weekend has come to a close and I believe I’ll call it a success.  Lately I tend to want to work a little bit on a lot of different things.  This weekend proved to be more of the same.  I had to run over to the library to check out more books than I’ll make time to read and I was a bit distracted by the online broadcast of the Hugo awards Saturday night (thank you Reno!) but progress has been made.  I’ve finished the first batch of leaves and started on the purple wall behind them.  The 211 seems to blend in with the color of the pole but it looks ok in the picture.  Then I added an orange square to my Halloween Hat picture.  I’m not too sure about this one.  For one thing I can’t remember when I started it so I couldn’t tell you how long it’s been in that hoop.  Then because I sat it aside for so long when I started working on it again I ended up with a different shade of 550.  Dye lots, sigh.  Still it’s coming along now so maybe this time I’ll finish.

I’m off now to have a look at everyone’s progress.

Have a fabulous week World and happy stitching.

Friday Night

I’m excited to be taking part in my first International Hermitage Stitching Weekend.  Not that I haven’t spent my fair share of weekends stitching, just that it will be great to participate online with everyone.  I would post a picture of the Retro Cat but so far this week I’ve only added two more groups of leaves.  The incentive is there now to finish the leaves on that post and start on another color.  Mixed in with that will be the other things I’m working on.  I may have to post a picture of the Halloween Hat if I add any more to it.  Naturally there’s always the temptation to start something new.  Such fun!

Anyway, have a great weekend stitching everyone.  I look forward to seeing your progress.

Greetings World!

Welcome to the first post of my new blog.  Trust me when I say that those are not words I thought I’d ever be saying.  It should be fun though.  My basic purpose is to start all those stitching projects I’ve always wanted to do but keep putting off.  To me this means that the pictures are bigger than anything I normally do.  If it takes too long then I get bored and want to start something else.  You know how that goes.

So my first picture will be one that Sue Cook designed that was in World of Cross Stitching a few years back.  The key refers to it as Cool Cat, but I like the other title they gave it: Retro Cat. I like the 60’s look to the picture.  I’ve started with the first one but there is a companion piece I may do later.  I started on the first of August and this is my progress so far.

Those green bits are plant leaves.  Once I get those in then I plan to do the curtain behind them.  After that there are some big blocks of color with the night view out the window and the big orange chair the cat is sitting in.  Gee, when you put it that way it sounds like it will go pretty quickly doesn’t it?  This too shall pass.

That’s all for now, it’s time for more stitching.  Hope you all have a great weekend!