Pin Cube WIP, Alexander's crabbies

Q&A's - I realize I tend to put photos on my blog without much wording. So, here are a couple photos to answer questions. I finished the stitching for 2 sides. The other four sides will have applique pins inserted.I doubt I'll get to the finishing until this week-end. As always, you can click on the photos for enlarged view.

Q&A's: This is a photograph from Just Cross Stitch Magazine, December 2004. This is what the pin cubes look like. Pins inserted on 4 sides & stitched designs on 2 sides. I don't know if these kits are still available. It is one of the items from my Basket of NAY*. The finishing instructions say to lace the linen around cardboard squares & whip them together. They are not stuffed. Perhaps other stitchers have already made them??

Alex has two pet hermit crabs. (another longish story) Yesterday, Alex & I went to the pet store (where Alex works) and bought new habitat gizmos for his crabbies. We have a new tank, new lid, humidity thermometer, temperature thermometer, overhead lighting, day & night bulbs, new sand, new climbing material (not yet in the tank).

We almost forgot to buy the 'lid' - could you imagine the cats in the habitat? Perhaps they'd think it was a litter box?

Aren't they exciting creatures?? NOT!!Thank goodness he didn't want those little snakes that they sell (at the pet store -- yikes). They are in similar habitats and just give me the creeps.

*NAY = Not another year

Pin Cube WIP

I was trying to finish up last night; however, the over-one got to my eyes! This is stitched over one thread on 32-count Fratelli Graziano Italian Cream Sienna Linen -- per the kit! I plan to finish up the stitching this afternoon -- have not decided on when I plan to tackle the finishing!

As for the thread drops, I really like them! You can see the floss which was pulled off a bobbin - with lots of bends. With the thread drops, the fibers are smooth.More about thread drops in previous posts - link here. I put a penny on my stitching to answer the question about 'size'.

As for my book stack, here it is:My list of books read this year, and previous years can be found HERE.

Yesterdays read was from the public library, called Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. I'm about 1/2 way ... Book Reviews HERE and HERE. Some of my friends didn't care for it at all -- and one woman at the library said it was very interesting.

Banned Books Week

BANNED BOOKS WEEKSeptember 27 - October 4, 2008
Frequently Challenged Books
What You Can DoWeb Site Here

This is why I do laundry

I folded up some of DH's tee shirts & work-out clothes & set them on the chair.Did some housework, walked back in the room to find our Honey Bunnyon top of everything!!

Basket of NAY: Mimi's Pin Cube Kit

I had a ball last night at the Cooking School. Here is a picture of the goodie bag handed out & some of the contents:There was an article & pictures in the newspaper. LINK HERE. Was great fun to chat with Mel(ody), Debbie L, Sandy & her Mom, Pat. The prizes were out of this world, dining room set - refrigerator - 2 ovens - microwave - cookbooks - grocery store certificates - sacks of food - oven mits - wine gift bag - ziplock gift bag -- and more that I cannot even remember : ) If you get the chance, go. Whatever you pay for the ticket, you will for sure get enough coupons to cover it!!!

This a.m., I had planned on stitching a sampler; however, pulled out some mindless 4-sided stitching. It will eventually be a Pin Cube. Think it is about time I got around to stitching this one?
Mimi's Pin Cube Kitc.2003 by Pamela D. Reed, Olde Colonial Designs
I managed to get the linen cut into 6 pieces and about 1/2 of the 4-sided stitches done. Of course, had to run errands -- blek. And, need groceries. I didn't have the energy to create the list!

About as far as I can go ...

Measuring Stick & Fob Gift for Theec.2002 by Olde Colonial Designs
This is about as far as I can go with this. I need to check my fabrics to locate something for the back on the ruler cover. The pattern/design has 4-sided stitches to add around the edges; however, I'm not sure I want to put them in - need to see what it will look like with the fabric, first.

Now, on to some ironing & other household chores : (

3 Little Kittens

I was just visiting Coni's Blog and enjoyed her post about customer service.

Now, I have to share my story, too. A few weeks ago, I was sorting thru older kits & patterns and put them all together in the basket of NAY*. I was pulling out the next sampler by Waxing Moon Designs, settled down to stitch & opened up the folder to find the pattern missing. How odd, I thought. What a mystery. What could I have done with the pattern? I looked everyplace without any luck. I had the three buttons, over-dye fibers (priced at $1.50/each -- must have bought them some time ago -- and have no clue which LNS they came from), the cover -- hmm. I called my LNS and explained how I wanted to contact the designer and request a replacement. They shared the information, I sent an e-mail, and within days ... received my replacement pattern fom Jacque Fox. Isn't that kind of her? Thank you Jacque! I just noticed she has another web site called Waxing Moon Studio with awesome stuff, including punchneedle & greeting cards!

So, here is the picture & goodies for starting my next project from the basket of NAY*:

I have avoided punchneedle so far. But I may have to give it a try!!!

I was so angry with this cat!! On Saturday, she snuck out during the day. I was busy with the sweeper, laundry, etc., and didn't realize she wasn't in the house until late afternoon. DH & I called her and called her. We were outside about every 20 min to 30 min -- & the mosquito bites! The neighbor had their cows in the pasture & the cows were calling back -- quite comical. About sunset, three racoons showed up at the back door. I went out to shoo them off & heard our Honey Bunny meowing. I was so relieved - still irritated - but relieved. After about an hour, she just curled up in her basket.
Sorry about the late-last-night photo ... I managed to work on two of the motifs yesterday. As for the questions, it is a 6" brass ruler ... this was a kit I've had for a few years. I'm not exactly sure how to finish it. I think I can find some fabric for the ruler cover, back ... and hopefully get it to look nice.
*NAY=Not another year

WIP: Measuring Gift for Thee

The next one out of the NAY* Basket:Measuring Gift for Theec.2002 by Olde Colonial DesignsThis kit came with the ruler, linen, fibers, & cording.This piece of linen is for the back side of the fob
This set (ruler cover & fob) has some stitching over-one-thread -- so, I probably will have a small sampler project going, too (fabric needs to be ironed). I usually stitch over-one for only an hour at a time.
Will reveal photograph of Sarah's Marking Sampler (The Goode Huswife) on or after October 1st
*NAY: Not Another Year

Cooking School

Several weeks ago, my GF Sue D (w/o blog) sent an e-mail re. Taste of Home Cooking School. I confess, I was so excited!! She has tickets & we are going on Sept 25th.I'm not sure what to expect. There are vendor booths 12-9 & cooking school show at 6pmticket info here & tickets available at the Star Plaza Theatre Box Office (219.791.1234)I looked up Taste of Home's web site and could probably surf around that site for hoursDH will be in charge of the boyz schedule ... this cook is going out!!!Stay tuned ...

WIP: made some changes ...

I added more motifs & completed the alphabet (at the top part):I was stitching away, and decided to change the alphabet characters inside the rest of the diamonds. I think I've figured out what I want to stitch next.


Be sure to check out the When Pink Matters blog!!

My Favorite Kitten Pinkeep

I was delighted to see this Primitivebettys design available at House of Stitches.
I have been following Primitivebettys Blog and enjoyed the freebies she has at that site -- for needlework, punchneedle, etc. Nice etsy, too.

WIP progress pic & Ornament Mag

Received a phone call from House of Stitches this morning, the JCS 2008 Ornament magazines have arrived : ) I hope to pick mine up this week.

More progress on the motifs inside the diamond shapes. This marking sampler is delightful to stitch.
Thx to the on-line stitching friends who sent e-mails after seeing our region on the tv news. Yes, Northwest Indiana is recovering from all the rain over the week-end. We are doing ok. We had 11" of rain Sat-Sun. Lots of roads are closed & school cancelled today. Our home is fine - our drive had some water damage. Looking foward to sunshine in the next few days.

I'm also hoping to spot a new Gingher Designer Scissor called Roberta. I've seen a picture; however, haven't been to the fabric store to see if they have arrived.

WIP: Marking Sampler

Some progress as of last night:I added more alphabet in the top row & filled in a couple of the diamonds. The flowers are a grey-blue color that isn't showing up well in the pic. It has been raining non-stop for a couple of days. I look forward to seeing some sunshine and a break from this rainy weather.As for What Else is in my basket of NAY* ... stay tuned ...- - - - - - On my "to read" list ... for too long:
If I had a dollar, for every time I've been asked about this book -- well, I'd have more than enough to buy a hardcopy!!The Alchemist
I checked it out from the public library. So far, it reminds me of this book:
The Little Prince
English Translation - online here
I continue to jot down names & authors when I'm browsing thru blogs. Sometimes, I am afraid of story spoilers - and just scan info about books. It is great to get tips on awesome reads : ) My 2008 Book List

*NAY= Not Another Year

GH: Sarah's Marking Sampler

The Goode Huswife: Sarah's Marking Sampler, Anne BrownHere is another WIP from my basket of NAY*. I am using suggested DMC floss on 35-ct Ivory Linen.
This is what it will look like(Photo w/chart):
*NAY = Not Another Year

My 17th c. English Band Sampler (WIP)

This is the Scattered Motifs section from my WIP:I took an ICC course, 17th c English Band Sampler, thru EGA to learn specialty stitches and the various techniques used during that time.
I am sharing this section as it has several motifs that are filled with queen stitches(As always, click to enlarge)The flower petals (picture above) have tons of queen stitches, upright & sideways, over 4 threads or more. Using several shades of silk, one strand, the flowers have a beautiful textureAnd, I am still not finished with the motifs!
Pictured above, the queen stitches are the same size; however, with the different colors of silk, create a wonderful repeating pattern in the large motif -- and awesome texture in the thistle & lady bug.
The largest motif in this photo (green,blue,red,gold) is solidly filled in with queen stitchesIf you get the chance, try grouping the queen stitches together to fill in an area. The results are beautiful - IMOI was so attracted to this course and enjoyed learning how to create all the bands & motifs. The course material has patterns taken from real samplers and it was delightful to make stitch samples.And, one of these years, when I feel more ambitious, I just might get around to finishing this monster sampler.It has sections of White Work; Alphabets; Double Running Patterns; Scattered Motifs; Variations of cross stitch; and finally (still working on this part) - embellishments & finishing

queen stitch motif

As requested, here is a close-up of the queen stitch motif:It is a motif taken from a C Street Samplerworks project, the cover sampler from SAN-Q Magazine:I had stitched this last Summer for a NANI demonstration, post HERE.Since I had some odd threads on my desk, and more room on the 28-count waterlilly fabric, I decided to stitch up another one!!

Not much time for the computer -- will catch up later this week : )

Doll Show Finds:

I attended the Valparaiso Doll & Bear Show yesterday morningWhat a fantastic display of dolls from all eras and all price ranges. The antique dolls were beautiful. Among all the clothing, dolls, + accessories ... I found these dresses made from antique handkerchiefs. And, they are a perfect fit for my Penny Wooden Doll
Other than the doll dresses, I didn't find much in the way of doll making supplies -- just a snipet of lace
I did stitch up a quick fob (on the left) side of the doll. I have stitched this motif once before. I used the over-dye fibers I had after stitching Free, Shep Bush Freebie design.I have not decided on finishing for the S.Bush design - probably a small pillow.

Shep Bush Freebie + List of needleworkers w/blogs

Barbara, please don't fall off your chair : ) and Kathy, I stitched the stars again -- you were right, the blue looks the best!I decided to use GAST Tarnished Gold for the windowpane -- or the boxes. IMO - the design just needed some gold or yellow. The blue for the stars was supposed to be DMC 823. I originally used GAST Royal Purple & took it all out. Just wasn't the right color. I found some GAST in my stash called Black Crow, a nicer navy blue. Keeping my fingers crossed this looks good in daylight -- & I"ll sew on the flag button -----------Have you visited The Passion of my Needle blog lately?

Tracy put together a list of bloggers who are active needleworkers. She has put together an awesome list! Information: HERE.

Stitching Blogger Links HERE

Thx Tracy : )

Rip it, rip it, rip it out ...

I was catching up on blogs this week ... and, read a post by Anna about a new, great, time-saving, needlework new thing. Ok, Anna, go ahead, correct me -- but I think "needlework new thing" describes it well. I followed the link in her post, read the article, watched the video & burst out laughing ... there goes several minutes of my life I'll never get back. Then, thud - slapped my forehead. Something about all that basting with red nylon thread ... yeah, I just knew there was a special pattern in my basket -- started -- and set aside because I was not confident about the color choices I made ...
This is Free c.2008 Teri Richards. This is a photograph of the freebie from the Shepherd's Bush web site: It is supposed to be stitched with overdyed floss by Crescent Colors (DMC number provided) on 28 ct linen - with tan lines. I was given the pattern & the flag button. Naturally, I found some linen in my stash & pulled out fibers and basted the areas where the tan lines were supposed to be & started stitching. Selecting the blue (lettering) & red (flag) were easy -- then, finding a good green, red (same as the flag), pink for the vine -- ok, going well. Pulled out some yellow & gold -- just not sure about the dark blue stars. That navy blue ... nope, not right. Set it aside.

As I said previously, after reading Anna's post, I got this out again & started removing the navy blue stitches -- I removed the blue stars (corners of the flags & two of the now empty squares). And, IMO - this project is ready to FINISHED ... and I am thinking to follow my first instinct, to make the stars GOLD or YELLOW - instead of the navy blue suggested. Might perk up the piece. Last, I'll get the grid around the motifs stitched in -- I'm thinking to use london fog or something that looks good with the linen + motifs.
Stay tuned. - - - - - - -
The Valparaiso Dolls & Friends are having their annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show 9/7 at the Porter Co Expo Center (Valparaiso, IN)10am-4pmEntry $5.00 Per the newspaper: " There will be more than 100 tables of dealers with all kinds of dolls from antique to modern and lots of bears. Proceeds benefit local, regional and national charities. Phone: 219.923.3803."

Needlework & book news:

IMO, the Flowers & Friends Stitching Club patterns are great. Not only are the designs delightful, the patterns are large, diagrams are large, and who could possibly resist the little birds?Forest SongDesigned by Elizabeth Fosterc.2000 Elizabeth's DesignsI used suggested fibers on 25-count raw linen by ZweigartBarbara, the green leaves are stitched with Sheep's Silk Dark Moss (The Thread Gatherer). That fiber & charm were with the pattern.Imagine this little thing has been sitting in my closet for eight years, and is finally STITCHED! I have too many WIPs tucked here-n-there!- - - - - - - - -
Is the lace being read, bobbin lace?? Sounds like it might be... Has anybody read this one yet? I've heard a lot about it & read an excerpt / first chapter. Sounds like there is another book, sequel, being released, too. Please advise if this is a no-miss!!!Web Site here
Blog here
I cannot help wonder how much is about bobbin lace making vs a mystery or whatever. Next time I'm at the bookstore, I'll have to look this one up. The library has it on order and a ton of requests.Like I need another book on my pile of must-reads!!! ---------- Looks like the next novel in this series is a story that includes recipes.
It is being released in October. The Quilter's Kitchen by Jennifer Chiaverini

Forest Song

Forest Songc. 2000 Elizabeth's DesignsI did have time for some stitching this week-end. I have some stitching (maybe tomorrow) before completing this wonderful design---------I enjoy Martha Stewart e-mails & this was yesterday's organizational tip of the day ... how cute!!!Sewing Kit in a Jar

Maeve Binchy

Whitethorn WoodsI really enjoyed all the stories which were woven together for this novelMore information HEREWhat a storyteller!Book Excerpt on the web site