Happy New Year's Eve : )

Three cheers to the New Year ...

Thanks Amanda

I received this lovely ornament in a holiday greeting card. It is from my girlfriend, Amanda. It is on a gold perforated paper & the photo does not do justice!

Reading Blogs now ...

I try to limit my computer time to an hour in the a.m. and sometimes an hour later in the day. 2 much fun seeing all the progress & reading the needlechat. I'm amazed at all pictures I'm viewing on the blogs I've been catching up with ; )

I have a mystery to solve ... some blog accounts I'm not able to leave comments on -- like Kimberly Kali's Creations I don't know why the comment window won't open. But, check out the blog! Awesome needlepoint & stitching. The tiger is delicious. And, Kimberly, I hope you have not blocked me!!

I am giving much thought to my gift list, new 2006 project list, SAL list, WIP list, WTF list -- + think I'll have unobtainable goals. I enjoy putting small projects into the County Fairs (July & August) lots of entries. This Fall, NANI will have an exhibit, too. The chapter has a small boutique of stitched things for sale and opportunity drawings on items like afghans, pillows, etc. I volunteer to stitch.

Yes - stay tuned, no kewl stitching to share .... I'm going to tour more blogs this morning ; ) I hope to head over to LaPorte for House of Stitches end-of-year sale. That starts on Thursday. Between visiting the LNS & viewing blogs, I feel fortunate to have so much inspiration!

Ta - Da -----

Linen & Lace ... a happy dance!

Yesterday, we visited the in-laws. Was a festive + delightful day. Today, Grammy K will arrive around 3pm -- btw, she loved the perforated paper ornaments the boys made for her. Looking forward to another "family" day & sharing all the left overs : )

What do YOU want?

"All I want for Christmas is a nap"

Anne Taintor, Inc

I finished Linen & Lace -- will get that into a box lid later this afternoon. AND will try to remember a snap shot. It is very lovely -- good thing I got it done before a brief illness ... Been down with stomach flu/headache since Tuesday -- feeling ok now -- weak, but ok.

This a.m. I took Tori to work & went shopping at Target. DH & Alex went for groceries. We all met up & four of us went to the movie store AND game store AND Barnes & Noble. Next: wrap the few things we picked out this a.m. Will put a ham in the oven soon ... and figure out some side dishes. While I do that, DH & the boys found a recipe to try. It involves crushing oreo cookies & adding "stuff" + dipping into melted chocolate. Sounds sinful.

However you celebrate this holiday season, I wish you joy & peace : )

P.S. Oh, and Danielle, if you are reading this ... I picked up Woman in White (you had this at the top of your list). I may have read Collins other mystery called Moonstone (I remember the movie version, too), but don't think I've read this one (Woman in White) --- I think it was on Masterpiece Theatre at one time, I look forward to reading it soon. I also have Round Rock & the Changed Man on loan from the library. OOOOhhh ... stitching or reading ...

Showered with Gifts!!

This exquisite ornament was stitched by Jenna Tale of a Shooting Star and I was one of the lucky ones who won one of her prized projects! She had several offered to her blog readers. This is PANSY designed by Denise Harrington Pratt of Amaryllis Artworks; from the Just Cross Stitch, Christmas Ornaments 2004 Magazine. Isn't it beautiful? The stitching and finishing are outstanding. It is hanging in my Creative Corner right now. Jenna has a very cool blog with loads of pictures & needlechat.


This one, stitched by Grammy K for my DH + I. IN A STABLE designed by Teri Richards & Tina Herman of Shepherd's Bush Printworks; from the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments 2004 Magazine.


Grammy K was a busy stitcher & sent this to Tori (each of my sons has an ornament, too - but are sound asleep right now & I don't want to enter their rooms and wake them just yet!) SEASONS GREETINGS designedby Nancy Boyarsky of Glory Bee; from the Just Cross Stitch Christmas Ornaments 2005 magazine.

Yikes!

I need to try another "2" in the 2005 .... yikes! It doesn't look good : (

Worked on this off/on during the day & stitched until past midnight. I have two sides of the outside border DONE. Turned my frame to work on A-I & rest of that darn border. (however, the border makes this project quite lovely) Will finish the alphabet & re graph + restitch the date.

The alphabet is so stylized. I did flip the "J" around. It looked so backwards on the pattern & I figured my in-laws would think it a mistake ... I love alphabets. If I had to select ONE thing I enjoy stitching it would be critters -- but alphabets are right up there.

Linen & Lace

I would like to put Perennial Border on my 2006 list of projects. Wouldn't it make a nice gift for Grammy K?

What a Difference ...

I stitched most of the day ... can you tell?


About the outside border -- there are 19 scallops on each side + 4 corners. Between the straight line of cross stitches AND part of the scallops are Half Cross Stitches. That is why the outside border seems to take quite a bit of time to stitch. Yesterday, I enjoyed the satin stitches & other really interesting hearts. Today, I'm hoping to get the alphabet letters accomplished & the date -- with more of the border ... and more of the border ... and more of the border!!

P.S. I posted my 2005 reading list a little early. My Xanga

Progress Pics

Linen & Lace c. 1998 C. A. Zittel / The Drawn Thread. This is really fun to stitch. I'm enjoying the specialty stitches -- the border ... well ... sorta tedious. I do some border & then return to the more colorful silks!! Think I'll score a Happy Dance in 7 days?

I saw the neatest pattern (on-line) by The Workbasket. I am almost certain it is done with AVAS -- The critters R 2 Drn Cute ... cutie pie bunnies & stuff. Check this pattern out! A Stitch in Time Saves My Mind

Stitching by Nicholas

And, Nicholas asked for equal time ; )


c.2001 Mill Hill (H100 Woodland Tree) Holiday Pins XI. Stitched by Nicholas for Grammy K


Stitched by Nicholas during the Summer of 1994. Pattern is from The Cricket Collection and is called A Walk in the Woods

WIPs

Received more of the Mystery Sampler: lessons 3,4,5 of 15. I finished Lesson 3&4 + still working on Lesson V (four-sided stitch, letters J-R.) They are really fun to stitch. The dividing bands are in herringbone, reversible cross stitch & satin stitches


Mystery Sampler .... so far .... Designer is Jana P. Kerr. Pattern is being published in NeedleArts magazine.

c.1998 C.A.Zittel, The Drawn Thread. Linen & Lace 110x110. Stitched on 32count linen with needlepoint silks. (holiday gift!!!) If the weather cooperates, I'm going to House of Stitches for a Sudberry Box -- ooooh this will be soooo pretty.

UPDATE re. my name

re my name ... My middle name Lee is my maternal Grandmother's Monogram (LEE - Lelia Evelyn E------). My Grandmother passed away 3 weeks after my birth. At that time, my older brother started calling me Lelia or Little Lee. I didn't use my first name until much later in life (when I was no longer "Little"). When I wanted to start a stitching web log -- I noticed there was a Carol (Garden of Stitches) and a Lee (Lake Stitcher). Thus, I chose my more formal name. I'm comfortable with all my names & when in doubt "GF" works : )


c.1991 The Scarlet Letter N. Hinde 1778 - A Miniature Sampler. What a joy ; ) I used AVAS 945 Red Silk on 32 ct Antique Ivory Linen. 2.75" W x 1.75" H (apx) The rabbit motif was from Brenda Keyes Alphabets Motifs & Borders c.1999, published by The Sampler Company.

I think I'd like to try another miniature soon. I like the Mini Flower Basket from EGA. (www.egausa.org under merchandise). Another one in my stash is "Better Late Than Never" Sampler (Circa 1820-1830) c.2001 by Eileen J. Bennett for The Sampler House. Plus, who can resist the wonderful selections at The Scarlet Letter and Threads Thru Time -- so many miniature sampler patterns to choose from! Working over one thread is a challenge & I take a lot of breaks! I try to stitch for about an hour & then put it aside for another day.


c.2004 Mill Hill. Charmed Stocking MHCS43 St. Nick Stocking. Stitched by Alexander for Grammy K (my Mom). Grammy should receive this very soon!

Gifts from Malaysia

Look what came in Friday's mail! I am so excited to share these photographs with you. These were stitched by Margaret W from the Stitching Smalls Group and the Stitching Smalls SAL Group. I sent her an e-mail & asked if it was ok to share these on my blog. Currently, Margaret is not blogging; however, is involved with a Christmas mailart exchange.

This is a pincushion which proudly sits on my desk. The design is by Mary Garry's Sewing Cabin. WOOT.

Along with the beautifully stitched & finished pincushion, was an ornament. Aren't I the lucky stitcher? She said it is a freebie pattern from Prairie Schooler.

This is the back of the ornament. Margaret shares in her note: "the back of the ornament 'Selamat Hari Krismas' means 'Merry Christmas' in our national language--the Malay language."

Prairie Schooler - freebie

c.1985 The Prairie Schooler, Inc. (freebie bookmark pattern).   These Autumn colors are lovely.   Maybe this Spring I'll have to try this pattern again -- using some Spring colors ; )

ID on stitching?

Today’s SBQ was suggested by Kimberly and is:

Do you always sign your projects? If not, why? If so, do you use your first name, initials or what?

What a good question Kimberly. When stitching 'gifts' I think it looks so silly with my initials &/or name - when this is for somebody else who may not understand why it is their gift with MY NAME -- AND, When stitching a reproduction sampler - I'm always tempted to use the ORIGINAL STITCHER's name. Using my name on projects is a difficult task. I'm known by my family as "Little Lee" after my maternal Grandmother - Lelia Evelyn, who passed away weeks after I was born. (LEE was my Grandmother's Monogram) Outside of my family, I'm usually known by Carol or Carol Lee or Lee. so - I don't know what to use & skip it most of the time. Looking forward to reading how other stitchers 'sign' their work.

The Shadow of the Wind

Thanksgiving Holiday was really nice. Had the Chicago & New York parades on t.v. -- and the dog show on tv. Cooked up a feast (14.5lb turkey; stuffing; corn pudding; steamed veggies; hot pineapple/bread; store bought pumpkin pie & ready whip) Around 9pm the children went off to the movies to view Harry Potter (Victoria, her friend David, Nicholas, & Alexander). I got in some major reading after Head Chef duty:
I really like this novel(so far - I'm on pg 120).
I was on the 'request' list at the public library for quite awhile & was delighted to get my hands on this book. New York Times book review. Today, DH & Vickie are working. The boys are sleeping. I'm going to sit around & read ; )

Gift for Aunt Penny

My son Alexander (13yo) made this Mill Hill pin for Aunt Penny.   She received it on Monday & I hear liked it very much. c.2001 Mill Hill. Holiday Pins VIII (H102) Joyful Angel.

Tori arrived home last night & we talked until midnight.   Received another dusting of snow & hear it will melt off later this a.m.    Enjoy the day!

Thanks Margaret

Was a tad stiff from the cleaning (moving furniture around).   Worked on this Prairie Schooler freebie for awhile.   It is interesting ; )

Prairie Moon

Prairie Moon has a web site! Yeeeessss ; ) check it out. I've seen the shop models at House of Stitches in LaPorte, IN. http://www.prairiemoon3.com/

2 busy 2 blog ...

Hi there : ) I've been getting the house ready for Turkey Day -- would like to have everything spiffy by Tuesday. Tuesday Tori is home from college. Haven't seen her since August. She has several shifts at Subway & said she has a paper to write. Not much family time, but will still be nice to have her home.

I was asked about my beading projects ... I've made pins & amulet pouches -- I don't think I have photos. Maybe I'll get them out & post them in a couple weeks.

Some time ago, I told Margaret W (from stitching smalls yahoo group) I'd post WIP photos of my M.Garry project. I didn't get the inside pockets stitched & sewn in(yet). I put it aside for holiday stitching - Here they are (front,back,open):

N. Hinde 1778 WIP

c.1991 The Scarlet Letter: N. Hinde 1778 A miniature sampler
According to the Scarlet Letter Web page, introducing miniature samplers "Girls and women gave each other gifts of their handwork- a meaningful sentiment then as well as now" It also says the samplers were occasionally put into small books.

So I'm thinking, how cool would that be? having a selection of miniature samplers received from stitching pals?

Take the Stitcher's Quiz ...

Look at this ; ) A quiz for stitchers .... check out Wednesday's entry onAnna Van Schurman's blog. Totally creative & fun! I'm gathering up MY answers.

Cross-Eyed Cricket (freebie)

link in sidebar or go to http://www.cecricket.com/gift_design.html for graph and color photograph.

I started Drawn Thread's Linen & Lace ... if I can manage all the specialty stitches, it will be a holiday gift. My Nicholas is home from school today -- just not feeling well. Here we go again ....

Thank you Isabelle & Anna for the links ; ) I appreciate it very much.

Library Lover ...

I usually have 'requests' at the public library, + check them out when it is my turn .... once in awhile, they all become available at the SAME TIME. Yes -- I picked up four books. This book has a lot of pictures -- but they aren't large enough for the stitcher in me:
Maybe I need to find another book with more VISUALS. Anybody have any suggestions?

Inbetween cleaning (gotta do that before the holidays) this-n-that, I'll take some coffee breaks with books. This test was on Jenna's blog (Tale of a Shooting Star) and I just had to give it a try ...

Your #1 Match: INFJ

The Protector You live your life with integrity, originality, vision, and creativity. Independent and stubborn, you rarely stray from your vision - no matter what it is. You are an excellent listener, with almost infinite patience. You have complex, deep feelings, and you take great care to express them. You would make a great photographer, alternative medicine guru, or teacher.

What's Your Personality Type?

another square for my WIP

flower square DONE

Afghan WIP

Mill Hill - Acorn Sampler Afghan. c.1989 Jill Siegler, Samplers from the heart.Stitched with anchor floss on Zweigart Novara Afghan Fabric.
these are the corner motifs
basket square

On a photo hunt ...

I have been trying to photograph the kittens who were dropped off at our home this Summer.   They are very shy.   Today, I had some luck with two of them.   I fed them early (because Alex had show choir practice at 7am).   When I went out to grab their food tray, two of the 3 were sleeping.   When I came closer, they decided I was harmless & let me photograph them.   Wish the tiger striped one was around -- if it was, it was hidden!
This is the shy siamese mix

This is the bold siamese/mix

Good thing this camera has a close-up button! They were not very close to me. Both of these kittens are easy to spot as they have a lot of white fur.   Blue eyes.   Their faces are grey-blue.   Their tails are tiger stripe.   Their legs have a grey/white stripe.   The tiger-stipe is very beautiful with white paws.  

Barbara: These kittens were so small when they arrived (must have been July). We have been feeding them 2x/day & cannot get near them. DH gets closer to them than I. The Mom-cat is long gone as is one all-black kitten. We see the white ones (because of their fur color) more often than the tiger stripe one.

Read it

Add this one to your 'must read' list!
Danielle: Yes, I read Moon Tide ... I thought it was a fantastic story & she wrote with a poetic descriptive style I enjoyed. I wonder what she will come up with next?
Christine: June 2005 -- her first novel was Moon Tide (also very good). I have some excerpts in my Xanga

Happy Birthday Melody

Hi Mel ; ) You need a blog!!

Progress photos of my bookmark:
close-up of the front

front (WIP)

the back looks pretty good, too!

These are bands of blackwork, two-color rice stitch and long-armed cross stitch. I'm using splendor + silk mori. And .... eggs for Alex ...