Gifts

Made by Mom for Tori:JBW DesignsAngel Treefrom 2008 Ornaments Magazine
Made by Mom for us:Loopy Lou DesignsChristmas Joyfrom 2007 Ornaments magazine

Gifts from Mom

Made for Alex:Mosey 'M MeFrosty Friends
Made for Nick:Full Circle DesignsA Christmas Song
This the fabric on the back:
Both of these designs are from the 2008 Ornaments Magazine. She made a couple more & I'll get pictures up soon.

Christmas Ornament Meme

Our Honey checking out the tree decs
I saw this on Anna's Blog, and now that Tori chose the ornaments & has our family tree decorated, thought it would be fun to share:
How many angel ornaments do you have hanging on your tree? Three.How many star ornaments do you have?None, some ornaments do have stars on them, none are specifically stars. Do you have a theme tree, and if so, what is it? No. Since we are planting this tree after Christmas, we try to put only light-weight ornaments on.How many Santa ornaments? Four. How many ornaments were handmade by you or your children? Six. Are there any food ornaments on your tree? Several!!! As Tori is a Dietetics Major, she has received several 'food' ornaments.Are there any ornaments that betray your origins, i.e. where you're from? Yes, an Indiana University Ornament.What's the oldest ornament on your tree?This ornament was given to us when we were dating (1980) & was made by my Father-in-Law. At the time, it was popular to purchase styrofoam shapes & decorate with sequins, beads, pins.What ornament do you have that is the least likely to be hanging on someone else's tree?This ornament was made by my Father-in-Law for us in 1985.And finally, do you have any new ornaments this year? No. This is one of my favorite stitched ornaments that I've made & kept for our family -- I just couldn't part with it : )It is interesting which decorations she chose to place on the tree. If I had been picking & choosing, I probably would have selected different ones. I realize I have several made by my Mom. In addition to our tree, I put some ornaments on the railing with the stockings. Most are needlework or small toys:And, how could I not make mention the ornaments received from NANI friends?Made by NANI friend Beverly BMade by NANI friend Janet CMade by NANI friend Chris R

pictures by Tori

As you can see, most of our trees and branches are still full of ice.When the sun shines, it is beautiful.Of course, pretty to look at & terrible to drive on. This afternoon, I drove thru fog, sleet, ice, and snow. Good to be home & I'm ready for some soup.Happy Holidays!Pictures taken by Tori

Do you see it?

Look! The sun!
After a few days of snow, wind, ice, sleet, ice, wind -- power off, power on, power off, power on ... we are left with -3 degrees, -25 degree wind chill and sunshine.
Not any stitching to share. Just preparing for a holiday feast with DH, my Mom, & the kidz. Maybe with some luck, the snow forecasted for Tues & Weds won't be a storm -- just some flurries.
Thx for visiting my blog. I wish everyone a joyous holiday season of peace, cheer and generosity. In our home, we celebrate Christmas with a big family-style meal & some gift exchanging. DH & DS went to the nursery and brought home a tree (with roots) for decorating tomorrow. We have it indoors a couple days then plant it outside. Our hill behind our home is a showcase of Christmas Trees from holidays past. However you celebrate with family & friends, enjoy your blessings and Happy Holidays!

I luv it : )

Many thanks to Karin for offering this stunning beaded scissor pocket in the spirit of Christmas giving : )
I was fortunate to be selected for her Second Day of Christmas blog candy. It is just beautiful. The photos I've taken don't do justice. The beads change color in the light & the workmanship is super. I haven't a clue how she put it together -- it is stunning.
Per Karin: "I decided to give away 12 gifts on the 12 weekend days before Christmas as blog candy"
Ok, so head over to her blog & join the fun.

Tagged ...

I've been tagged by Tammie, A Stitch in Time Blog:
Post the rules on your blog. Write 6 random things about yourself. Tag 6 people at the end of your post. Let each person they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. Let the tagger know that your entry is posted on your blog
I've seen this tag on many blogs already - so, I'll skip the passing along!

(1.) I appreciate the friendships gained thru the love of needlework (non-bloggers and blogers) Sharing their projects, skills, and even windows into their lives.

(2.) I rarely view a movie, sometimes attend the Foreign Films at Valpo University -- occasionally view a DVD with the boyz.

(3.) My favorite hobbies are reading, needlework, and sketching/drawing (and soon sewing once I catch on to the machine.)

(4.) I need to FOCUS on one thing at a time

(5.) Aside from pbs, I don't view much television (tho try not to miss The Mentalist) Esp avoid violet stuff in books & tv

(6.) I like olives from Spain

I'm pretty boring!! LOL. If any readers have not shared, please do!

Outdoor Visitor

Honey watches from inside, while the visitor noses thru the bird seed. Yeah, I'm a softie, I've been putting some cat food out near sunset as this cat seems to browse by frequently
I think I liked this sequel as much as the first one The Friday Night Knitting Club.

My 2008 Book List seems lengthy. I'm looking forward to starting out 2009 with a new list! I do have quite a stack set aside for pleasure reading.

Thx Karol : )

Look what came in the mail! I received a beautiful card & hand dyed silk ribbon from Karol. The ribbon is from Pat's etsy. Thank you so much, I'm planning to use if after holidays.
Yesterday, while out looking at sewing machines, I stopped at Crazy Eighths in Chesterton. Store will be closing mid-December. I picked up some fabric & an assortment of needles, 40% off. Now, I'm getting the final items on my 'to do' list in preparation for our family Thanksgiving.

I've Been Tagged & Awarded : )

By Pat (Gatherings)Requested for the tag: Give 6 obscure facts about me ...
1) I love my husband. He is my light. I'd do anything for him.
2) I listen to all kinds of music, chart toppers, alternative, new age, rock; still, I love Beethoven. Listening to Moonlight Sonata, Fur Elise, I just melt. (Debussy - Clair de lune also a fav)
3) Holidays stress me out. A LOT. I feel like a different person.
4) My crush: If only Perry Mason was a real guy
5) Limelight is definately NOT comfortable for me
6) I'm more zoo-keeper than pet lover (surprised?)

By Marjorie (Moonsilk Stitches) The rules for this Bookworm Award award are: Open the book closest to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, and turn to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following that. And pass the award on to five blogging friends.

I'm reading a few books right now. This one was closest to me when I read Marjorie's blog.

Book: Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland.
Quote: Auguste dropped off the supplies at his studio and walked the half dozen blocks to Gustave's apartment on boulevard Haussmann. Lined with elegant cafes and smart shops, the boulevard was clearly a different neighborhood than his own. He entered beneath the gild ironwook, went up two flights, and pulled the bell cord. Piano music stopped. Gustave's brother, a composer, let him in. "He's painting on the balcony," Martial said. "Then I won't interrupt him."
(This is historical-Fiction, characters in above quote are Pierre-Auguste Renoir & Gustave Caillebotte, around 1880) My 2008 Book list


and by BW (BW's Stitches & Things)The rules for this tag: Find the 6th folder in your photos folder and then the 6th photo in it. * Pray that you remember the details * Post it on your blog Tag 5 others, leave a comment to let them know they’ve been tagged.

This photograph is of our Honey Bunny who enjoys napping on my Martha Stewart ironing board. Me thinks the cat feels like she is in a tree : )

This picture is taken in front of my wardrobe -- my stitching corner is at the left.

Thanks my friends! Since we are heading into holidays, I thought best not to tag; however, I'd really enjoy seeing other bloggers post on any/all of these ...

Don't Miss it ....

The Divine Art; Four Centuries of European TapestriesNovember 1, 2008 to January 4, 2009"See 70 monumental masterpieces from the museum's unparalleled tapestry collection restored to their original splendor"

Web link HERE.

There are photographs and extra information regarding tapestries and this exhibit at this web link HERE

Last Thursday, my husband & I hopped the South Shore train into Chicago. It was windy, snowy, cold, and I enjoyed every second. If you are going to the Museum, get off at the Van Buren Street Station -- the Art Institute is accross the street.

First, we visited the East Asian Ceramics Exhibit, and Jade Collection. Then, off to the Tapestries -- all 70 of them. Most are ginormous -- great big and fabulous. The colors, the workmanship, the detail. Hard to take it all in. I remember the beautiful tapestries I saw while touring Spain (25 years ago) in one of the palaces -- but, to have 70 of them on the walls -- it was overwhelming ; ) A few of the smaller ones from the 14th century were glittery with metallics mixed in with the wool and silk fibers. A feast for the eyes.

I think this one was my favorite LINK HERE. But, hard to select just one. There was a classroom, too -- with exhibition catalogs, and information on how the tapestries are constructed. Diagrams, brief video, photographs. Exhibition Catalog Info Here

We walked to Shaw's Crab House for lunch. Had oysters, fried calamari & beer ; ) Delicious. I'd like to go back today for more!

We stolled the magnificent mile to walk off our meal. We spent some time at Neiman Marcus & Saks before bording our return train.

North Star Quilt Block

North Star (WIP)The Legend of the Underground Quiltsc. 2008 Eileen J. Bennett

Thank you to Sharon H & the members of the Sycamore Ridge EGA Chapter. On Nov 15th, they sponsored Eileen Bennett, The Sampler House to present her class on The Legend of the Underground Railroad Quilts.

I had not taken a class from Ms. Bennett & it was interesting to learn new stitching tips like: try a size 24 needle (which to me, was like using a toothpick), paying attention to thread lengths, using an away waste know (I couldn't get it -- but fun to try), and seeing the difference on the front of our projects in ending threads. I tried a couple pieces of linen, 2 & 3 strands of floss. Eventually, I managed stitching one of 10 quilt blocks in the sampler. When I came home, I found a size 24 Petite needle & was better able to stitch with a shorter needle -- still tough to end threads with such a large needle (IMO), good to try new things.

I had a great time riding along with Karol blogging at Rosebud's Stitching. I know Karol as we are in the same EGA chaper; however, riding there & back was fun chatting away & getting better acquainted!! Our table mates were equally delightful. We were joined by two more NANI members: Sue D (w/o Blog, but needs one) & CiCi blogging at Stash Queen. I wished our table had room for one more NANI stitcher, Terry T (w/o Blog, but needs one)!! Terry recently moved & I think needs to blog for sharing her projects! What fun to sit next to our speaker during lunch. She is a gracious and patient teacher : ) If you get the opportunity, sign up, don't pass on any of her classes.

I'm in the process of buying a sewing machine & stitching a sampler for the 2009 State Day Project (no photos yet). Stay tuned : )

Snow Day in NW Indiana

Blessed Are the PeacemakersMary Garry's Sewing Cabin - oopNot much to share as I am also stitching a 2009 State Day Project sample for our EGA Chapter (sorry, no pictures, yet).
BuddyOur dog, Buddy, enjoys the snow. There is a 2-hour delay for school.

Homespun Elegance

Fallc 2000 Homespun Elegance, Ltd.FREEBIEI finished this Autumn Freebie using DMC floss on red aida cloth. The needlebook has orange felt inside (matches the pumpkin)
Fall - Freebie Here
Link to Pattern here

NOTE: Far better photographs on the Freebie Gallery blog!!!

Thought for the Day

"With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things."
William Wordsworth
Quote is from Tintern Abbey

"In The Pink"

In The PinkMidsummer Night Designs, Oct 2005 Release
Thank you Sandy for generously donating this kit via a giveaway at the Stitch Pink blog. Not only is this a beatiful project, it came wrapped in pink tissue paper & pink ribbon : ) I know I can manage the over-one stitching, the finishing might be a bit of a challenge for me!The kit has DMC & Crescent fibers, 32-ct Awareness Pink linen by R&R, freshwater pearls, beading needle, pin back, button molds, over dye ribbon, and the material for finishing (white lining & printed pink cotton fabrics)

Wool & Flax

I managed to get the border stitched on the front of this La D Da Pinsafe (Wool & Flax). This was the piece I started using one strand of silk -- took all that out -- and with the help of Sue D, who shared her left over silks, was able to get the front stitched.The back of the pinsafe has initials and a couple small motifs. I haven't decided what to do about the back as I don't have enough silks left for initials. I probably should go thru my fiber stash & see what would be ok -- it is the BACK after all. Who will see it?

Marjorie asked if I was able to visit any of the local exhibits. Actually, I did view the current exhibits at the Brauer Museum of Art in Valparaiso, Indiana. There are works by Hispanic Artists from the permanent collection on display and there are beautiful paintings by Joel Sheesley (realist painter & Professor of Art at Wheaton College). I enjoyed seeing the Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Jose Ortega pieces on display. This will continue thru November 21st.