The Twisted Stitcher

The last ornaments of January...

2012-01-31T15:15:00.003-05:00

Success...

I kept my promise to myself to stitch 4 ornaments for next year's Christmas tree this January! Yesterday I stitched my 4th ornament and today I finished both #3 and #4. Without further ado, may I present to you:

"Noel"

designed by: Bent Creek

design found in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Magazine "Special Ornament Issue"

Stitched on: 28 ct. Mocha linen

using Gentle Art Sampler Threads and Weeks Dye Works Threads

Finished as a mounted flat ornament

The ornament I stitched yesterday is this cutie:

"Home for Christmas"

designed by: Heart in Hand

design found in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Magazine "Special Ornament Issue"

stitched on: 32 ct. R&R Candlelight Linen

stitched with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads and Weeks Dye Works

Finished as flat ornament

And may I show you...

my basket of ornaments that I have stitched since December! If I keep this up I'll have a loaded basket, right?! Exciting stuff!

2012 ornaments to date

Since...

February is a shortie month and also because I have two Love Quilt Squares to stitch in February, I'm challenging myself to stitch only 3 ornaments in February. Fingers crossed that I can meet my goal!

Until next time...

my dear friends and blogging buddies, I wish you happy stitches and warm smiles while I'll continue on keeping my hands to work and heart to God!

Hugs and love,

Vonna xxxxx

Evan Cheryl...

2012-01-29T18:17:00.001-05:00

Hello sweet friends and blogging buddies!

In December my brother added to his family with a sweet baby girl. She was named Evan Cheryl and today I finished up the stitching and finishing of her baby sampler. May I present my new niece's baby sampler stitched for her with love by Aunt Vonnie:

"Baby Line Up"

Designed by: The Trilogy

Stitched with: Gentle Arts Sampler Threads and Week's Dye Works as charted

Stitched on: 32 count Vintage Light Examplar

Finished as a Wall Hanging

I just love...

how sweetly it turned out, and I hope that Evan's Mommy and Daddy love it. Congratulations to my brother Jeremy and my sister-in-law Ryan!

I've got...

two more days left in January to stitch one more ornament (I'm shooting for four this month). I've already finished the stitching on #3, I have #4 kitted up and if I get him knocked out by Tuesday, I just have to finish-finish them into final ornament form. So wish me luck!

We've had...

a very mild winter here in good 'ol Bloomington, Indiana. I sort of miss the snow, as we sure haven't had much. This morning on our way to Bible Study, I commented to Keith that it sure looked like Spring. I know we're not out of the woods yet as far as winter weather goes, but it is supposed to be 57 balmy degrees here this week. I guess I'll be able to do my walking with out freezing my hind-end off.

I suppose...

that does it for me for today my friends. May you all stitch in good health and happiness and until next time, I'll be keeping my hands at work while my heart is with God.

Hugs and love,

Vonna

February's Cottage...

2012-01-18T09:10:00.002-05:00

Happy Hump Day to all my blogging buddies and stitching pals!

I had a finish over the weekend and thought I'd share with you:

"February Cottage"

Designed by: Country Cottage Needleworks ~ Nikki Leeman

Stitched with Crescent Colours and DMC

Here is how...

both of my cottages look on my big piece of 32 ct. Toasted Almond linen:

I'm really pleased...

with how they are turning out so far. I've stitched them over two linen threads, and put two stitches in between the months. But since now I'm looking at my picture....I see that I've made a big faux pas....look at my bottom row, I'm off one stitch - I put it too close to my January cottage, so guess what?! Ribbit...I guess out comes the seam ripper!

Until next time...

whilst I rip and re-stitch, I'll definitely be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!

Hugs and Love from your resident dimwit,

Vonna

2012 Ornaments...

2012-01-12T12:17:00.001-05:00

Happy Thursday blog buddies and stitching friends!
I've been busy trying to kick a week old cold, and much to my regret I'm on the losing end of this battle. Alka-seltzer and my rear end growing roots in my stitching chair has been the only comfort I've had these long days. So I've put myself to good work making lemonade with my lemons.

As you know...
I mentioned that I would like to stitch at least one ornament per month in 2012 so that I can bedeck and bedazzle my Christmas Tree next Christmas season. I've made good on my promise to myself with this finish. Please let me introduce the 2011 Prairie Schooler Yearly Santa:

2011 Prairie Schooler Yearly Santa

Designer: Prarie Schooler

Stitched on unknown 40 ct. linen

with DMC as charted

finished as an ornament for my future Santa tree 

And since...

I'm OCD and always want to push myself to do better than I originally plan. I kitted up 3 other ornaments with hopes to finish all of them in January which would be four ornaments (my math skills are amazing!) for this month. Well, I'm on my way because yesterday I finished stitching this beauty:

"Sleigh Bird"

Designer: Little by Little

Pattern found in the 2003 Just Cross Stitch Special Ornament Issue

stitched on 32 ct. R&R Candlelight linen

with GAST as charted

finished as an ornament for my Christmas tree

I have loved...

this little ornament since I first saw it, lo those many years ago, and never stitched it. I don't know why because this little fella is a cutie pa-tootie if ever I saw one. I wanted to remain true to the folksy, primitive feel of the design so twisted some jute to make cording and finished it simply. It turned out just like I had it pictured in my head. I'm please as punch!

Remember my idol...

Carol, she wrote me the most wonderful little note encouraging my quest for stitching one ornament each month, as I have watched her these past few years stitching her own ornaments each month (and of course many, many other beautiful things) and her finishing....stunning! Well with her encouraging words I haven't floundered yet. See Carol! Let's hope I hold steadfast in my pursuit of that splendidly decorous, bedecked and bedazzled tree for 2012!

I'm on my way...

between these two and the three that I finished at the end of 2011. That's a total of FIVE for 2012 (there goes those math skills, again!).

So...
until we meet again my sweet friends - as I sit witnessing a snow storm outside my window with my rump growing roots in my stitching chair - I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, just like always. Take good care of yourselves, it is getting to be cold and flu season, let me be the example to a healthier you.

Hugs and love,
Vonna

Anniversary of My Heart...

2012-01-09T12:46:00.001-05:00

Good day to all of my blogging buddies!
I hope this finds you well and hearty. Here we are already on the 9th day of the New Year, and I just finished my New Year Start (of course I have lots more blocks to go, but you understand). May I present, Snow Garden, the first in the Anniversaries of the Heart Series by Blackbird Designs:

"Snow Garden"

designed by: Blackbird Designs

Stitched with GAST/WDW/DMC as charted

Stitched on 32 ct. Toasted Almond Linen

I have...

officially stitched this chart twice, as I stitched it last year on a different piece of linen. Hated the way it looked, got disenchanted with the whole thing and quit working on it for the remainder of the year. Toward the end of 2011, I saw my forlorn Anniversaries of the Heart patterns all thrown in the corner, ignored and decided to take another shot. So January 31, 2011 had me putting my first stitches in. I'm pretty pleased with the way my new start looks and am looking forward to the next chart.

Now about my personalization...

I stitched this block and incorporated my paternal grandparent's names and wedding anniversary year. Here they are standing by their block. May I present my anniversary of my heart, my grandparents, Stanford and Frances Eleanor Epperson. This was on their wedding day - a snowy day and standing in a snow garden - January 11, 1945.

I always think...

my Grandma had the most chic boots, and my dashing Grandpa was handsome and suave. My Grandfather passed 12 years ago when I was in the hospital having my boys. He got to see a picture of them before he passed away though. And my eldest twin, Ian, looks a lot like him. My Grandma is alive still, and not a strand of grey in her hair. She is a tough old bird and she'd be the first to tell you so! :)

So to my paternal grandparents...

the first block on my trip of my anniversaries of the heart...

I've got more stitching left to do today...

so until next time, I'll be keeping my hands to work and my heart to God, just like always!

Hugs and love,

Vonna

2011 Finale...

2011-12-31T12:17:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year...
to all my blogging buddies, stitching sisters and fellows! I hope that 2012 is a year filled with health, wealth, happiness and many contented hours filled with your needle and thread. I always find this time of year poignant...things I want to forget, things I want to celebrate, things I want to improve, things I want to accomplish...but most of all I just get this overwhelming sense of I'm right where I'm supposed to be, doing just what I'm supposed to be doing and feeling very blessed and humble. I'm very thankful for what I have been given in this life and I try very hard to return that to the world by giving back the best way I know how and to open myself to God and his plan for me.

This week...
has been a super-fantabulous week of family. Ellie has been very ill (we were in the ER on Christmas morning) but she's rebounded, however not before infecting her siblings - we've had at least one fall prey and another that has symptoms (but no progression yet)...so since we've been a herd of sickos this week, its been pleasant just to be here at home with each other. Mr. Pfeiffer took the week as well so it was fun having Daddy here with us to play each day! We love Daddy! And Daddy being here gives Momma some time to do what she does best.

Here's the finale...
of my 2011 stitching. Please let me introduce:

"Poinsettia House"

by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

copyright: 2009

Stitched with DMC and Crescent Colours as charted

on 25 ct. lugana Country Vintage Mocha one over one

Here's some...

detail on the stitching and finishing. Notice I changed "Poinsettia House" to "Christmas 2011" while stitching. Then while finishing, I rusched some satin ribbon and found the most perfect olive colored beads to use for the pin heads to accent the ornament.

As I was stitching...
this beauty (and let me tell you stitching it over 1 made it the most gorgeous finish) I kept thinking about that urn of poinsettias next to the house. What about those? They'd make a cute ornament, right?! So off I went to my scrap drawer and come up with these:

"Sister Ornaments"

motifs taken from Poinsettia House by Little House Needleworks

stitched on 28 ct. unknown linen with Cresent Colours and DMC as charted

Before I...

even stitched these I had them envisioned as an oval ornaments. So I executed them as my vision detailed and finished them as the house ornament:

Last night...
I had a very productive finishing evening! These turned out fabulous and put the exclamation mark (!) on the end of our holiday time together and also of my 2011 stitching as the finale to a great year! It was a fabulous week and this set of ornaments will always remind me of this time together during our Christmas 2011. Plus a little side on this design: it was the first assignment over at 2012 Year of Smalls and I think I'm going to ask to join in the fun over there.

This Advent...
I had a very wonderful thing happen for me in my religious life. A little "back history" is that none of my pregnancies were normal and everyone was delivered in an "emergency" situation. There were periods of time with the boys pregnancy and Ellie's pregnancy that I was on complete bed rest. During these times, I could not attend church. But I had this wonderful lady that came and gave me communion. It meant so much to me when she came and visited, prayed with me and brought me Jesus. I still can remember her rubbing the pyx on my belly (when the boys were still inside) and praying with me for a delay in their arrival (as I was in labor at 28 weeks gestation). This past November, our church put in the Sunday bulletin that they needed extraordinary Eucharistic ministers to the sick. I knew immediately that I had to help others as I was once helped. On December 14, 2011 I was commissioned by my parish priest and given my tools to take the Eucharist to those sick of our parish. I'm very humbled by this and hope that I will just be a flicker of light to those in need. Just like the lady that came and gave the Eucharist to me when I was in need.

So that...
wraps up our December and holiday season! Now for the 2011 in review...

I have had...
only 37 finishes this year, down from previous years. But this year I've had some fabulous firsts that I'd like to remember.

I created...
the embroidery hoop box. I don't own it as I donated it, but I sure did like it whilst it was here. I will definitely be stitching another of these for me someday.

Blackbird Designs "Summer House Pincushion"

mounted onto my embroidery hoop box

I taught...
myself counted thread needlepoint. This first project turned out successfully. It was framed this fall and given to my Mom for Christmas. She loved it. I'll be doing some more of this in future.

"Amish Trip Around the World"

by Nancy's Needle

I went...
to my first Stitching Retreat! WHOO HOO! That was a super-great, good time and I'm going again in 2012. I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new!

"Beauty and Grace"

retreat design by Tree of Life Samplings ~ Jan Alexander

My Mom...
retired in February and I was trying to think of something to interest her. I read Brenda Gervais' blog and found out about the Iowa Eagles and found the link. Gave it to Mom and she watched those birds constantly. She even would call me and we'd tune into the nest cam together on our computers and talk on the phone about them with each other for an hour or more each day. It was a non-thinker when Brenda advertised her "Soar Sampler". I got it and stitched it for my Mom. I'll be stitching it again for me, too.

"Soar Sampler"

by Brenda Gervais of With Thy Needle and Thread, "Country Stitches"

I had...
always loved this simple design and its little prayer. So I stitched it up for me this year and it hangs right over my stitching chair. It sums me up pretty good, I do believe

"Stitcher's Prayer" by Little House Needleworks~Diane Williams

But I must say...

that my all time favorite finish for 2011 is:

"The Family Sampler" by Little House Needleworks~Diane Williams

The Family Sampler...
was my second finish of the year. It was the first thing I ever entered into our county fair, which I had wanted to enter things for years - but was afraid that I wasn't a good enough stitcher. But the stars aligned and my sampler won some really great ribbons! But how could you go wrong with a design so pretty and that fabulous frame from Valley House Primitives ?! Winner, winner, chicken dinner! I say...

2012...
I hesitate to even begin to acknowledge what I would like to stitch this year. Every year I make these grand plans (or delusions), and for the first month or so, I execute and then I move on to something else that I hadn't planned...to which the whole great debate I had with myself at the end of the prior year falls apart. Sound familiar? ;)

So...
with held breath I will say that I would like to focus on: The Elizabeth Hancock Adaptation , The Monthly Cottages , The ABC's and some Ornaments . In the grand scheme of things my only true goal is to stitch - which I'll meet because my life isn't complete without stitching. After that I would like to be sure that I stitch at least one ornament per month. Just like my Idol, Mistress Carol over at "Stitching Dreams" blog. I've been following her since shortly after her blogs inception and I just well, salivate every time she posts. I aspire to be just like her! period.

See...
I have no delusions (or allusions) of grand plans. No 500 starts in 500 days or whatever (although I probably would do a bang up job of that too!). None of that only stitching on what I have or what I've started. (That's like a diet and I suck at those already.) Nope, nope, nope. I'm just doing what Vonna wants to do when she wants to do it. Smile! Live Life! and Be me! Because I like me and I like what I can do when I put my mind to it.

But...
for inquiring minds....here is my grand plan for this evening and tomorrow. MY New Year's Start - let's hope this is not a delusion:

and here it is all ready to slip inside it's envelope in case I need to take it travelling with me:

Happy New Year...

thank you all for visiting with me all year long. I'm ready to see you in 2012 and see your stitching, read about your life, visit with your family, lend a shoulder to you when you need it, applaud you on your stitching and take my hat off to your fabulousness!

Until we meet again...

I'll be keeping my hands at work and heart to God, just like always.

Love and hugs,

Vonna

Cross Stitch for the Holidays...

2011-12-25T16:08:00.002-05:00

Recently I was sent this lovely magazine:

The magazine is filled with lovely detailed ornaments, stockings, full size pictures, tips, hints, finishing ideas, etc. I would highly recommend your getting one to add to your collection of holiday stitching projects! I will be stitching designs from this magazine in the future for sure! Thank you to the crafting editor for sending me this lovely surprise!
Here is a link to the publisher: Future US
Here is another link to purchase copies: Stonehouse Publications

Give me a "B"...

2011-12-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

The Jolly Man...
has almost arrived! And I just slipped the last few stitches into this:

"B"

Designed by: the Prairie Schooler

stitched 1 over 1 on 25 ct. lugana

using DMC as charted

I issued a challege...

over on the Prairie Schooler ABC Stitching Bee to refresh and renew our pledge to stitch the ABC's and finish one block by the end of the year. I thought I was going to embarrass myself and not meet my own challenge. But thank goodness, I met the challenge and I still have a week to go before the end of the year! Hmmm...what is next?!

So here is my...

efforts to date. I am hopeful that by the end of 2012 I'll have a lot more blocks than these two sorry ones I have already.

These pictures...
honestly do not show the loveliness (nor the daintiness) of these piece. It is much more pretty in real life. Honestly its really is!

Until next time...
I hope you all are on the "nice" list...heaven forbid being on that "naughty" list!

Merry Christmas!
~Vonna

Santa Claus is "Comin to Town"....

2011-12-15T17:59:00.001-05:00

Happy Day Blog Buddies and Stitching Friends!...

It is my sincere hope that all of you are enjoying your days of good cheer! I squeezed a few minutes out today to finish my Prairie Schooler project that I showed you the other day.

Here is what I came up with for a finish:

"Comin' to Town"

Designed by: Prairie Schooler

Limited Edition Santa Kit 2011

Stitched on: 28 ct. natural raw linen

Stitched with: Crescent Colours

I finished "Comin' to Town"...
as a plate/wall hanging. What that means is, that I added to the back a ribbon hanger so that I can hang it on the wall if I want, or display it on easel. I have visions of having all of the Limited Edition Santas on my mantle. Now this part is between you and me...I have all of the limited Santa kits...this is the only one I've ever opened and finished. Shhhh.... There is always 2012!

As I was stitching...
"Comin' to Town", I kept thinking that the waving Santa was cute as a button. Then I got to thinking about my "vision" of my Santa mantle, then I got to thinking about how I lust after a Prairie Schooler Santa Tree. I got to thinking really hard after I saw THIS ONE over at Pricilla's, (be still my heart) and you know how it goes when I start thinking. So to bring a vision one teeny, tiny step closer to fruition, I stitched up this:

"Comin' to Town" Santa Ornament

taken from motif found on the Prairie Schooler

Limited Edition Santa Kit

Stitched over two using three stands on 25 ct. French Country Mocha Lugana

Turned out...

Just like my vision! now I have a pretty picture to display and a sweet ornament to hang on our tree. And I'm one step closer to my Santa Tree! In fact, in 2012 my goal is to stitch at least one ornament a month so that I can see that Santa Tree standing smack dab in the middle of my house someday!

Here's the pretties...

I stitched and finished this week. It's been a productive one for me :)

"Comin' to Town" Plate/Wallhanging and Ornament

Alrighty folks...

that's all I got for you today. We're travelling this weekend celebrating with our extended families the Christmas Holidays so that we can observe our own family traditions and celebrations here at our home over the actual holiday. We made that decision about 5 years ago - to stop the insanity of travelling all over - and observe in our own home our own traditions with just us. It was the best decision we ever made.

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, just like always!

Hugs and love,

A guilty pleasure...

2011-12-13T16:25:00.000-05:00

Howdy Blog Buddies and Stitching Friends!...

What is my guilty pleasure? Why it is "Tuesday Stitch In's" at my Local Needlework Shop Fancy Works . I went for the very first time last Tuesday and believe me I came home and filled in every Tuesday on my calendar as "Stitch Day" :)

It's going to be my guilty pleasure...and you know what?! I deserve a guilty pleasure all to myself. Don't you agree?!

Let me show you some the the goodies that were at the shop today!

Liz framed and returned:

Bert's "Florence Nightingale Pledge"

(how about that mat!)

Marilyn's "Love Keeps Us Warm"

AND here's what everyone was working on today:

Jessica finished this beautiful Cardinal Stocking

This is a lady that I can't remember her name (its only my 2nd week...sorry!)

She's stitching this bookmark for literacy

Nancy's January Cottage

she's doing it 1 over 1 on 28 ct. it is tiny!

Bert was backstitching her puppy dogs

Katie finished up "Welcome Friends"

Look at Barb's gorgeous blackwork...stunning!

Coleen was working on ABC tapestry and it was pretty as a picture!

And what about me?.....
well I finished up:

Prairie Schooler's Limited Edition 2011 Santa

"Coming to Town"

stitched on 28 ct. Natural Raw Linen

stitched with Crescent Colours as charted

So...
that was my Tuesday at the stitch in! Isn't that grand fun?! :) We had a booming good time, stitching, chatting, eating....ahhh good times! And the best part is, I really don't feel guilty, I just feel good!
:)

Tune in next time...
to see how I finish up my "Coming to Town" Santa!

Until then...
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, join in with me!
Hugs and love,

Happy Birthday...

2011-12-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

Katie! Happy Birthday to you! :)

Katie's 14th Birthday

Katie,her siblings and special guy friend.

You are a special young lady and we love you!

Love, Daddy and Mom

Tempting you...

2011-12-06T09:49:00.000-05:00

Hello Blog Buddies...
I am going through my "to do" lists and playing in all my stash and decided that I needed to "tempt" you all just a little bit. This time of year I find myself dreaming about what I want to accomplish next year. I figure out a plan, a dream, and then try to execute that dream.

Perhaps you do too?...
If so may I reintroduce a couple of endeavors that I am currently moderating:

Read all about LHN Ornies HERE

Read All About LHN Ornies Too HERE

Read all about the ABC's HERE

Read all about the Cottages HERE

Then after seeing this:

Elizabeth Hancock adaptation/reproduction by Little House Needleworks
I've been considering perhaps starting a Stitch-A-Long devoted only to the stitching of Miss Elizabeth Hancock if there would be interest? If you are intersted in joining a blog stitch-a-long that would be comprised only of people dedicated to stitching Elizabeth in a no rules, no holds barred stitch-a-long just encouraging each other to complete her in 2012, then drop me a line (my e-mail address is available in the sidebar by the mailbox) include your e-mail address in the e-mail you send to me and if there is 20+ people interested, I'll start a blog dedicated to stitching Miss Hancock. We wouldn't start until January 2012 (so we have time to gather the supplies after we get some Christmas cash!). Maybe it could be your New Year's start????

Until next time....Temptingly Yours,

Happy 12th Birthday...

2011-12-04T12:57:00.000-05:00

to Ian and Jake!

Love,
Mom and Daddy
:)

Merry December...

2011-12-01T13:50:00.000-05:00

A Merry December 1st....
to each and every one of my friends, followers and fellow stitchers! This, in my humble opinion, is the most wonderful time of the year. A moment of peace, a time of reflection, a time of goodwill and memories, may it be that for all of us.

I've had a finish...
may I present to you:

"January Cottage"

designed by: Nikki Leeman of Country Cottage Needleworks

Stitched with DMC and Crescent Colours cottons

Stitched on 32 ct. Amber Linen by Wichelt

Isn't it wonderful...
I just fell head over heels when Nikki first showed the pattern and being that I'm a little bit manic about "collections" and "series" well....that did me in :)

I am stitching mine....
all on one piece of fabric. In rows of three starting in January so that the months are roughly by "seasons". I really do think its going to be lovely. And as many of you know, I started a Stitch~a~long which can be found here: Cottages Stitch-A-Long Blog . Membership has been brisk and I think I only have 20 spots left - so if any of you are interested, do not delay! Send me an e-mail and I'll get you added.

We got our decorating done...
this past weekend. I'm tickled pink about one of my trees. Please bear with me while I show you my Santa tree:

I guess all those...
Country Living magazines finally have paid off :) Ha, ha, ha.... This tree is in our dining room/kitchen area and it is decorated exclusively with Santas. I love that big old Uhl crock and when I saw a picture of a tree in a crock in the magazine the light bulb started flickering in my head. Turned out sweetly in my personal opinion.

What's next....
well we'll just have to wait to see, right?!

Until next time...
keep those fingers busy while your hands are at work and your heart is to God!
Merry Christmas!
Love and hugs,

Birds and Turkeys...

2011-11-20T20:11:00.000-05:00

Howdy friends...
I've been busy crafting away today, preparing for the big feast on Thusday, which I am hosting this year. In all my 41 years, I've never hosted Thanksgiving or roasted a turkey, but I will be doing it up this year for both sides of our family, which will translate into 16 hungry mouths. I have my menu planned, my course plotted, and today I made some hostess gifts and some pretties for our table.

Birds in a nest....
have you heard the Old German Legend of the birds nest in a Christmas tree? Well here are some specimens that will soon be gracing the trees of each family that will attend our Thanksgiving day festivities. I made them with my own paws this afternoon and I must say between the sweet little eggs and those lovely birds of paradise, they turned out pretty doggone good! The only difficult thing was "making the nests". The nest is made of spanish moss, the eggs lay on a bed of reindeer moss, I put some twigs that I clipped off our trees in the front yard and its all mounted onto a clothes pin so that they can be put inside my guests Christmas tree. These will be presented to my guests as they leave for home, as I'm sure they will be putting up trees in the near future. Just a little "thank you" for coming to spend their holiday with us :)

Each little handmade nest....

is all bagged up with this story tucked accompanying it:

An Old German Legend tells of the magic of all the world's birds bursting into song, as if with one voice, the night the Christ child was born. If a family's Christmas tree contained a birds nest, they would be granted the gift of health, wealth and happiness throughout the year. It is our hope that this little nest adorns your tree and the legend may come true for you!

~With Love,

The Pfeiffer's

Then...
I needed some festive table runners to display some pinecone turkeys that Miss Ellie graciously made for our tablescape. So I rummaged through my fabric and made these for both of my tables:

Not too bad for a rookie, huh?! :)

So until next time...
I'll be keeping my hands to work and hearts to God inbetween bites of turkey, dressing, taters, and.....

May your harvest be bountiful for all my US readers!

Love and hugs,

Monthly Cottages...

2011-11-04T16:13:00.000-04:00

have you seen this?

Let me tell you when I read over at Country Cottage Needleworks , that Nikki was designing a monthly Cottage starting December 2011, and then I saw how cute the first installment was...well, sign me up buster!

I love, love, love houses. I don't know why, maybe its because I'm built like one, but enjoy them I sure do. Throw in key phrases like *seasons* and *series*....well that pushes some mental buttons for me. I automatically start thinking....thinking....thinking.... then I start, well obsessing. I. have. to. do. it.

So...here's the deal. I'm going to start a Stitch-A-Long Blog. These will all be 75 x 75 inches and I've got dimensions all figured out for if you stitch them as singles or as one big piece. Care to think what I'm doing? Ha. Ha. Ha.

Anyway, if you'd like to sign yourself up for a pressure free, no holds barred Stitch-A-Long of these cutie patootie monthly cottages, send me an e-mail (located by the mailbox in the sidebar) with your name and e-mail that you wish to join the blog with so that you can become an author to share your Monthly Cottage Finishes. You can see what I have set up so far, over here at: The Cottages Stitch~A~Long Place. Don't delay only 100 authors allowed and I'm already down to just 99 spots left! :)

Go crazy right along with me and join today!

The Amber Linen...

2011-11-02T11:37:00.000-04:00

Have had lots of posts about what is the true linen I've used for Lizzie Kate's "6 Fat Men". I am using the linen that was called for in the pattern. I mislabelled the color in my first post, so here is all the information about the linen for all the inquiring minds:

The linen color is: Amber (not Mocha like I had written in the "snow friends" post- SORRY!)
It comes in 28 ct. and 32 ct. (mine is 28 ct.)
It is by Wichelt

The linen is very stiff...but that is why the stitching looks 3-Dimensional as it is fabulous as far as holding the stitches and maintaining and even tension with the stitches. (Which I got smacked on the hand about by the Fair Judge this summer - that I had areas of "uneven tension" in my stitching....which I think was due to the fabric but...I'm trying to become a better stitcher so am paying extra close attention to my stitches and their tension - this fabric makes it very easy to have perfect stitches). And may I also say, the stiffness and almost like slippery surface making picking the stitches out (which I had a large experience with on Snow Friends) very easy too!

:) Happy Stitching!

Snowed In...

2011-11-01T15:38:00.001-04:00

No...

I'm not snowed in, but I did finish stitching this Fat Guy that is snowed in :)

"Snowed In"

part of the 6 Fat Men Series

Designed by: Lizzie*Kate

Stitched on 28 ct. Wichelt Amber Linen

Stitched with Weeks Dye Works and Crescent Colors overdyes as charted

Here's where my entire project stands as of this moment. I am stitching all 6 Fat Men on one piece of linen and I've got lots of ideas about how to finish this seasonal cutie.

I love to decorate our home "with the seasons" so this one won't be framed as it will only be out for one part of the year. But like I've said, I'm spinning around different options in my brain each time I stitch on it. So have I sold you guys on these handsome fatties? :) If not, how can I get you to capitulate? These are so fun to stitch, sort of just easy, ya know?! And after something as hard as the Quaker Virtues page I just got done stitching, easy peasy made for a nice change.

Can I also say...
I have really fallen for this Amber Linen, both in texture and color. So much so I bought some more of it (1 yard) for another project that I am starting over. Here's a little secret.....I started BBD's Anniversaries of the Heart last year. I struggled with linen colors as you know we didn't see all of the designs and that first design was so muted in colors and tone. Well anyway...I did January's and February's designs and just didn't like the way they looked on the linen I chose.

As I have been stitching on the Fat Guys...
I kept on thinking how pretty the color of the linen is against the colors and I kept thinking about the projects that I want to work on in 2012 (I know....) and I just bit the bullet and bought a yard and am going to start January's design well....in January. But you know how I am with my big ideas that never come to fruition....so I'm just zipping my lip and we'll see what January brings.

That does it for me today folks...
so until next time I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, just like always!
Hugs and love,

Quaker Virtues part 1...

2011-10-30T14:38:00.000-04:00

Good Day Sweet Friends...

I finally finished a page on my new work in progress! No thanks to the frogs. I tell you, they've been hopping all over the place at my house of late. riiiibbbbiiiitttt!

See that huge geometric, double line Quaker motif? I stitched that twice. And still those hoppers were not done with me. But I worked it all out and last evening while watching the boob tube with my homies, I slipped the last few stitches in on a full page. So one down and eleven to go....should be a beauty when it is all done though (if that day does indeed make it here).

Without further ado...

please let me introduce Quaker Virtues:

Quaker Virtues

Designed by: ByGone Stitches ~ Gail Reinhardt

Stitched on: 28 ct. ivory linen

Stitched with DMC 310 and 815

So...

that does it folks for me today. I'm going to scramble off of here so I can plant my bottom and get going on the next thing I want to work on....hmmm....what will that be?

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my hands to work while my heart is to God. Join in with me!

Hugs and love,

Snow Friends...

2011-10-12T17:08:00.000-04:00

Happy Hump Day!

I'm glad we're on the backside of this week....as next week my kiddies have a much needed fall break! Whoo Hoo!

Over this past week...

I started a new project. Please let me show you all my start:

"Snow Friends"

and

beginning border for "6 Fat Men"

Designer: Lizzie*Kate

Stitched on 28 ct. mocha linen

Stitched with Weeks Dye Works and Crescent Colours as charted

Pretty...

doggone cute, isn't it? I fell in love with this whimsical, sweet design as soon as I laid eyes upon it. Its cute and will be a happy seasonal stitch to add to our winter decor. I'm looking forward to the next square. But because I have SADD...stitcher's attention deficit disorder....and I let my fingers do some clicking in webshots, photobucket and flickr over the weekend looking at people's stitches....I'm starting a NEW project this evening! WHOO HOO! :) you'll just have to wait to see what it is.

I'm finding...

that working on something until I get to a logical end and switching it with another project is working for me right now. I tend to be a "one at a time" stitcher, but I was losing my mojo recently and the tantalizing thought of stopping and starting something else to go back and pick up where I left off is working for me right now. We'll see....

So until next time...

I'll be keeping my fingers busy stitching with my hands at work and heart to God!

hugs and love,

76 days and counting...

2011-10-09T19:47:00.002-04:00

until the big man makes his yearly appearance and let me please showcase a couple of cuter than cute designs for your stitching pleasure.

First up...

Diane's next sweetie that I stitched and finished for her:

"Snow in Love"

Designed by: Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks

Stitched on 30 ct. Weeks Cocoa

And...

Tanya over at The Scarlett House asked me to finish this sweetie: It is SO CUTE!!!

"Jingle"

Designed by: Tanya Brockmeyer at The Scarlett House

So run...
stitchers, run to your favorite needlework store now and get these darlings! Avoid that holiday rush ;)

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my fingers stitching while my hands are at work and my heart is to God!
Hugs and love,

Merry Christmas Ornaments...

2011-10-07T11:22:00.002-04:00

Hello again...
my friends and readers! I hope you are all happy and ready for the weekend. The good Lord knows, I am :)

I have...
something to share with you all again today. I am always shocked when I have a designer approach me to stitch and/or finish for them because I'm just like anyone else out there that stitches. However that being said, Nikki Leeman of Country Cottage Needleworks put her faith in me again to stitch and finish for her. Early in the year I stitched her submission for the Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue entitled "Merry Christmas Ornaments". Later in the summer Nikki asked me to stitch and finish a complimenting design to Merry Christmas Ornaments. I thought the ornament was the cutest thing so I knew I'd love the bigger design ~ I accepted the request. While I was stitching this design, the entire time I was envisioning the beautiful curve at the top of the design. I asked Nikki if I could "try" to mimic it in a cube. She agreed and after an afternoon of mathematics and carving into a foam block. Here's the result:

"Merry Christmas Ornaments"

Designed by: Nikki Leeman ~ Country Cottage Needleworks

Copyright: 2011

I love...

this design from top to bottom and plan on recreating one for myself. Pinks, whites and greens not your color palette for Christmas? No problem! Choose three different colors that suit your home decor for Christmas and start stitching! It will come out perfect!

Check...

out Nikki and her designs at the links listed above...you'll be glad you did!

Until next time...

I'll keeping my fingers stitching while my hands are at work and my heart is to God!

Hugs and love,

My Creation....

2011-10-04T15:46:00.000-04:00

A warm welcome...

to my stitching buddies and good friends! I hope that this finds you all well and you are busy with needle, thread, linen and creative ideas. I have been. Please let me introduce to you my latest finish:

Summer House Pincushion

Designed by: Blackbird Designs

Stitched on 30 ct. Weeks Dye Works Straw linen

Stitched with GAST: Mulberry 

Is it still on the hoop?!....

heaven's no, now let me introduce to you my new creation:

A Stitcher's Companion Embroidery Hoop Box

Designed and Created by: Me

I read a lot of "junk"....

well not "junk" actually, "junk blogs". You know the kind Shabby Chic, Vintage Style, Cottage, Primitive blogs. And on one of the blogs, this ingenious "thrifter" had found at a tag sale, a box of old, used embroidery hoops. Now this creative lady took the hoops and an old cookie tin, and had the hoops tightened on the tin and created a "vase" for a potted plant. Very cute! I saw that and for two weeks now I've been thinking. And thinking....and thinking some more. Last week, I couldn't think any more and put my thoughts into action at Hobby Lobby. I purchased some hoops and a wooden plaque, came home and went to work.

I got the basic...

design and structure figured out (thanks to some wood glue) and then got to stitching the perfect design. Today, hot off the q-snaps came the sweet Summer House Pincushion design (slightly modified to be monochromatic) and out came my drill, some hardware and a little finishing touch here and there and all that thinking and dreaming and figuring, panned out to better than I even originally envisioned!

Now...

I have a perfect "house" to put my pincushion when I'm done stitching for the evening so my kids won't push them down into the arm of the chair. My cats won't bat the cushion on the floor for me to step on in the dark of the morning. Owie...

But...

there was one more issue - my scissors. I don't own one of those flower frog deals, in fact although they are gorgeous, my house is a little more "primitive" in style and decor and a pretty flower frog doesn't fit in my primitive country home. But this idea does:

Embroidery Hoop Scissors Keepe

Created and Designed by: Me

Yep...
I went back to Hobby Lobby this weekend and with a little help from Mr. Pfeiffer (to clean up my shabbily drilled holes and make them bigger)....I made the Embroidery Hoop Scissors Keepe.

So...
here are my new creations with each other in my work room....a.k.a. my stitching laboratory.

Vonna's Stitcher's Companion Embroidery Hoop Box

and

Embroidery Hoop Scissors Keepe

created and designed by: Me

And...

here they are awaiting my next stitching session, in my stitching spot.

Beautifully...

perfect, don't you agree? I'm so tickled pink, I feel like a giggle and a wiggle, maybe two :)

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my fingers busy while my hands are at work and my heart is to God. Thank you so much for your visit and a special hug to all those that take the time to leave a comment or e-mail with me personally. Your efforts in leaving me a kind word or two bring much joy to my heart! Thank you!

Hugs and love,

Autumn Band Sampler...

2011-09-28T14:39:00.000-04:00

Happy Fall Y'all...

last weekend I ushered in the autumn season by stitching the newly released Autumn Band Sampler by Little House Needleworks. Here it is, hot of the q-snaps:

I know it's...
no secret that I am totally on board with just about everything that Diane Williams designs :o) and as soon as I saw this cutie, I knew immediately I wanted to stitch it up and finish it so that I could enjoy it this season. So please let me unveil my creation:

"Autumn Band Sampler"

Designed by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

Stitched on: 28 ct. Vonna hand-dyed linen

Stitched with: Crescent Colours, GAST and WDW cottons

(*only change from charted colors is: I used WDW Ivy and Kudzu for the greens)

Finished as a Bell Pull using Images Stitcher Design Wooden Bell Pull Type C in Walnut Finish

Didn't that...

turn out pretty? This is the first bell pull I've ever made for myself and I must say, this type of finishing lends well for display potential and it is very easy on the pocket book, and really takes very little know how on the finishing. I was recently introduced to Images Stitchery Design and their beautiful wooden bell pulls. Golly lots of choices for future stitches! But first things first (before I go on a project binge) this project all came together, in my personal opinion, for a stunning finish. Here it is in my entry way, greeting all who enter our humble abode.

So...
what's up next?! Well, I have a colleague that is celebrating a birthday this week and she is such a kind, gentle lady that I always try to make something for her to help her celebrate! I've got a goodie pulled out and ready to stitch, so fingers crossed, I'll have another post by weeks end!

Until next time my dearies...
I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God" just like always!
Hugs and love,

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." ~Romans 15:13

World of Charity Stitching...

2011-09-26T20:10:00.000-04:00

I was asked...
by a group of fantastic, generous stitchers to post a link to their blog where they are having a fantastic giveaway of two $25.00 gift certificates. So please take a trip on over to their blog by clicking: HERE

Until the next time...

Katie's Stocking....

2011-09-23T12:05:00.000-04:00

The weekend...
is nearly here and its going to be a restful one for us *fingers crossed* so nothing blows up or into town before I can make this reality! Today I'd like to share a little project I started earlier this week. When I had my babies, of course I wanted to cross stitch a Christmas Stocking for them, but you know I got to thinking about stocking designs and I really didn't know what their "personality" would be. What would they enjoy? Who would they be? They would be small for only a short time, so would they really feel good about pulling out presents from a cutsey stocking when they were 16? So I bought each one a generic Christmas stocking with their names embroidered on them to personalize with hopes that when they grew up a little and I could tell what they enjoyed I would stitch each of the members in our family a stocking the represented who they were as people.

Katie...
is my first born, she'll leave my nest first and sooner than I even like to think about so her stocking is first. I chose for her a stocking entitled "The Music Room" and it can be found in the old Cross Stitch and Country Crafts Magazines. I'm sort of "redoing" the stocking to update the look and for hopes that it will be timeless...so please let me introduce to you, Katie's Stocking Cuff:

Katie's Stocking Cuff

Design based on "The Music Room"

found in the July/August 1991 Cross Stitch and Country Crafts Magazine

by Better Homes and Gardens

Since this weekend...

is going to be a restful one and I've finished phase one on Katie's Stocking, I'm taking this current project off the stand and putting on a new one. The new project I'm slapping on the q-snap hopefully will be finished by the end of the weekend (if I have anything to say about it anyway!). The new project is a seasonal beauty that I fell in love with instantly. You'll have to wait and see what it is I have chosen next!

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God" just like always, why don't you join me!

Hugs and love,

Ornamentals...

2011-09-12T16:12:00.001-04:00

A hearty hello to all my friends and readers!

I hope this finds you all well :) We had a busy weekend here at the el Pfeiffer Ranchero, but I received my Just Cross Stitch Special Ornament Issue last week and in betwixt the moving and the shaking, I snuck in a few stitches. Today I finished these and couldn't wait to share them with you all.

"Merry Christmas"

By: Country Cottage Needleworks ~ Nikki Leeman

Design found in the Just Cross Stitch Special Ornament Issue 2011

stitched on recommended fabric with recommended fibers

"Peace on Earth"

Designed by: Victoria Sampler

Design found in the Just Cross Stitch Special Ornament Issue 2011

stitched on recommended fabric using the recommended DMC fiber colors

I just think...

these two ornaments are the cutest little things :) They will bedeck, bedazzle our tree this Christmas season.

Part of our busy weekend...

was filled with Katie's marching band performance. We were definitely night owls Saturday night returning home at 1 a.m. The Marching Panther Regiment won "Crowd's Choice" during the award ceremony. They have a fabulous show playing songs from Chicago, like "Saturday in the Park", "Free", "Make You Smile" and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is"....brings a smile to my face thinking about it :)

That's all folks...
so until next time I'll be keeping my fingers busy with my "hands at work and heart to God"!
Hugs and love,

A Trip Around the World...

2011-09-07T09:02:00.000-04:00

Amish style!

Please let me introduce my first counted canvas needlepoint finish:

"Amish Trip Around the World"

Stitched on 18 count canvas

Stitched with Caron Watercolors and DMC pearl #5 cottons

I'm pleased...

as a pig in a mud wallow with how this turned out :) And although my first love shall always be cross stitch, this counted canvas work is really a nice diversion. The fibers used are great and the best thing is that a lot of canvas is covered in a short amount of time, so that you see almost instant progress.

I need...

to clear up a few misconceptions that I generated inadvertently from my previous post. My husband had me choose one craft, yes that is true, but anything with a needle is considered in the "one craft rule" so sewing, needlepoint, cross stitch, what have you...as long as a needle and thread is in the mix...it meets the one craft rule. So see I have lots of wiggle room :) I think some of my readers had the vision of my sweet, gentle husband being a tyrant yielding a whip beating me into submission. To be completely honest he helped me to focus on one general area of my crafting and like anything that one focuses on, it made me a better needleworker. Works for me, doesn't mean it has to work for anyone else. It was just my way of sharing a bit of me with you :)

I'm still...

meeting myself coming and going....and to be honest "pushed to my limits" makes me run like a fine tuned engine. I drop into bed at night exhausted and sleep like a baby. We've got a major commitment in the fact that Katie, an 8th grader, was asked to march in the Bloomington South High School Marching Band this year! WHOO HOO! (she'll be a Freshman there next year) She accepted the invitation and since August 1st she's been practicing 3 nights per week, playing in the Pep Band at home football games, performing during the halftime and this weekend she has her first two competitions. GO PANTHER REGIMENT! Of course that means that I have become a Band Booster, which translate into hemming around 60 band uniform pants and jackets, working so many concession stands per month, and assundry other things....but its ok. Katie's so happy! She loves band and being a "band nerd" as she calls herself. I was a "band nerd" too...and I'm proud that she is as distinquished on her instrument as she is...she's my clarinet prodigy!

Miss Ellie...

has been accepted into the Indiana University Children's Choir and she'll begin her practices September 29th. You can see the program and hear the children sing HERE . It is a hassle sometimes to live in a Big Ten Collegiate city, as the influx of students is crazy each year, but having all of the things associated with the college for your children's growth in the arts is amazing! We are honored that Ellie was selected to be a member of this amazing children's choir. GO ELLIE!

Ian and Jake...

continue on in Boy Scouting, even Mr. Pfeiffer has drunk the Kool-aid for scouting and is a leader heading up the monthly camping and hiking weekend adventures. They are both First Station scouts and well on their way to being able to start their Eagle Scout Projects in the next 12-15 months. They also soon will be a member of Star Band again this year, playing their saxophones. And continue on training in Karate (TKD) three days per week with sparring too. They are currently purple belts and are close to testing for their next rung on the ladder. GO BOYS!

Sundays...

have become private music lessons day at the Pfeiffer ranch. Its sort of funny to watch people walking by our house to stop (or slow down) and stare quizzically at our house. They can hear Saxophone and Clarinet music being played, I didn't realize that you could hear it that clearly, but you sure can as I was outside decorating for fall this weekend during the lessons. I have the music teachers come at the same time so while the boys are having their lesson, Katie is having hers too. It's quite a cacophony of sound....believe me :)

That does it...

sweet friends :) That's all I got! Until next time, I'll be keeping busy with my "hands to work and heart to God" just like always!

Hugs and love,

A Needle's Story....

2011-08-26T19:23:00.000-04:00

Happy Weekend...
to all my dear friends out there in blogger land :) It's always a good time of the week isn't it....the weekend? I think so!

I've been stitching in every spare moment I've had over the past week or so since we last visited and I thought I'd show you what I'm working on. Without further ado may I present:

"Penny America"

Designed by: Tree of Life Samplings ~ Jan Alexander

Stitched on: 40 ct. Macadamia Nut ToL Linens

Stitched with WDW as charted

I know....

I'm one of many out there that has fallen in love with "Penny America", I've seen lots of stitchers in bloggerville working on this pretty. I've even seen Faye , she of the speeding needle, finish hers up. I was lucky enough to hold Jan's model in my hands in June and I can't wait until mine is all stitched and hanging on my walls. It is gorgeous! And if any of you out there are holding out...break open that purse and get it! It is stunning!

Now....

to my needle story: I started cross-stitching when I was 15 years old. I was gifted with two small Dimension Kits by my stepmother while visiting my Dad all those years ago. I stitched those little kits up and was hooked. I went to college and my stitching time was over...but after I graduated 4 years later, back to stitching I went with a passion. By that time, I was introduced to patterns (not kits) by co-workers, and my quest was to own every color of DMC....ahhhh....the good 'ol days!

Stitching....

is my one and true love. When I was 26 I married my husband and when we moved into our new home and he was carrying in box after box after box of crafts he told me that I needed to "...pick one craft because it is better to be a 'master of one' than a dabbler of many..." or something to that extent. So I donated all my extra craft stuff and chose stitching. I stitched away until babies came....then I stitched but typically only yearly Christmas ornaments for my children. With the birth of our last baby (sweet Ellie) out came all my cross stitching stuff and again began my obsession in earnest!

I've always....

loved my stitching, but I've had a secret desire to quilt. But alas that darn "one craft rule". So I never have tried it....and lately I've been thinking about Needlepoint...hey (!) that fits the "one craft rule" category! You know I look at Coni's Blog , also a fellow Hoosier...and I dreamt of needlepoint - even e-mailed her about it around a year ago. But dream no more because this week, I walked right into my LNS where I've seen these gorgeous needlepoint quilt tops and I kitted up a pattern. May I present my very first Needlepoint adventure:

"Amish Trip Around the World Quilt"

Designer: From Nancy's Needle ~ Nancy Buhl

Stitched on #18 Canvas

Stitched with: Caron Watercolors and DMC #5 Pearle Cottons

Now...

of course this isn't complete yet...but I tell you what, my LNS owner gave me a little instruction and off I went with my goodies in the bag racing home to assemble my stretcher bars and tack in my canvas with Japanese tacks...who knew?! how much fun it would be to learn something new! I read what I could on my very complete pattern and went to town. I think, my dear readers, that I am in love! What is so soothing about needlepoint is that its a different texture, different look than cross-stitch. It will be nice to intersperse these needle point adventures with my cross stitch adventures for a change. Plus there are tons of quilt tops designed by Nancy's Needle and I plan on picking some more projects out soon! I get to quilt with my needle and thread :) And probably finish a quilt top a whole heck of a lot faster than a real quilt top. I won't be keeping myself warm in bed, but I'll be keeping my walls warmed up and cozy in my home!!

But...

the best thing is, that my needle story always has a happy ending and I'm pretty proud of my hobby and my ability that I have with my needle. It brings me joy, soothes my soul and give me such a feeling of satisfaction!

So...

until next time I'll be stitching away keeping "my hands at work and heart to God", just like always! Join in with me!

Hugs and love,

Mama's chicks....

2011-08-16T12:59:00.000-04:00

have now all flown the nest....
and I don't know if I'm happy about it or if I'm going to cry about it. So while I collect my thoughts on this topic, please let me share the first day of school pictures that were taken this morning with everyone all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed :)

The first chick to fly....
was Katie. She's a big 8th grader now in Junior High School. She was so ready to get outta here this morning at 7:03 a.m. She loaded the bus, found her boyfriend and the seat he was saving for her and didn't give me a second glance as I stood in our driveway and waved goodbye.....apparently to the bus fumes....

Then....
I ran in the house and roused my three little chickies still in elementary school. Ian and Jake are big 6th graders this year - their final year in elementary school. And my baby, little Miss Ellie is officially a "school girl" and is now a Kindergartener. So without further ado, here's my three other little chicks. (note: Ellie had to get eye glasses this year and she told me she looks like she's really smart because she has to wear glasses....)

In my opinion....

it never hurts to butter up the office staff at your child(ren)'s school. So I whipped up this DELISH and super easy dessert for the office staff at the elementary school....I find that a little kindness every so often to these hard working, often overlooked people, helps when there is a "situation" at school. Plus, it is just good practice to give back to people that care for your kids. I dropped it off during lunch time...and walked out of that building like a rock star - to cheers of delight!

If you'd like the recipe for this Angel Food Cake Dessert just click on the provided link and it'll take you on over to my recipe blog. Be prepared to pass the recipe around because this one is so delcious that people weep and gnash their teeth for the ingredient list :)

Until next time...
I'm gonna be doing a whole lotta stitchin' round here...cause after 14 years of having little partners around to share my day.....this Mama bird is finding her nest a little roomy....

But never fear....
I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God" just like always and will have something to share soon!
Hugs and love,

Three Crows....

2011-08-08T13:18:00.000-04:00

Good Day...
to my dear friends! We've reached the dog days of summer and the temperature and humidity gauge in good 'ol Indiana (and many other places of the US of A) is showing snarling hot temperatures. But the good 'ol weather man says that some cooler air is headed to Indiana and all I can say is, "Bring it on weather man, bring. it. on."

I just...
slipped the last few stitches in a fallish project that had me snarling like a dog, rather than fondly thinking of gourds and pumpkins. For the life of me, I couldn't stitch the top and bottom satin stitched bands correctly and I frogged them THREE TIMES. I very nearly wadded the whole project up and threw it in the corner ~ but thanks to the moon cycle, low hormone levels and a clear head ~ I prevailed in my efforts and here, without further ado, is my finish:

"Three Crows"

Designed by: The Goode Huswife ~ Anne Brown

Stitched on 40 ct. lambswool

Stitched with DMC

This cutie...

will go in my finish drawer for a future "great frame up". I've spent a lot of dough-re-mi on framing in the last two months and I don't want the mister to go stark raving mad over the credit card bills...so to the drawer it goes for a future date with a framer :)

Next up...

well, I'll let you contemplate that as I start my next project. I'll give you a hint it deals with two of my great loves ~ Penny Rugs and America!

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God' just like always! How about joining me?

Hugs and love,

Home from the fair...

2011-07-31T19:08:00.001-04:00

Today...

I picked up my two fair entries, I'm mighty happy to say that my Family Sampler took Champion for its class! It also took a Honor Ribbon and today when I picked up my pieces, the supervisor for Needlearts told me that the judge "really struggled with who to name Grand Champion" in the needlearts and I guess my Family Sampler was among the two she was struggling over!

And...

Sarah Seifer is a 1st Place - Blue Ribbon Winner!

I was thrilled to bits....

as this was my first ever time to enter anything in the fair as an adult in the "Open Class Exhibits". I decided that next year I'm going to try to enter a few more projects and I'm going to shoot for "Grand Champion" overall of the Needlearts Category. I've got to get busy!

But to commemorate my first year and the ribbons my stitching won...

I purchased a shadow box and it now hangs in my sewing room and will be a fond memory for me to look upon as I stitch and sew in my room.

Thank you so much for allowing me to share my exciting, good news with all of you!

Until next time...
I'll be busy keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God'.
Hugs and love,

Home from the framers...

2011-07-30T10:27:00.001-04:00

Good day my dear friends!
Yesterday my phone rang and my framer alerted me that my framing order was complete. I'll let the pictures do the talking....

"Soar Sampler"
Designed by With Thy Needle and Thread ~ Brenda Gervais
Copyright 2011
Stitched on 30 ct. Weeks Dye Works Onyx linen
Stitched with DMC as charted
*Soar was stitched for my Mom, she's thrilled with it!*

"My Stitching Place"

Exclusive retreat design designed by: Tree of Life Samplings ~ Jan Alexander

Stitched on 32 ct Tree of Life Samplings Linen

Stitched with Gentle Arts Sampler Threads

"A Stitcher's Prayer"

Designed by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

Stitched on 28 ct. Lambswool

Stitched with DMC as charted

I am thrilled...

with how each one turned out. Each one took my breath away as my framer unfolded the brown paper from them to get my approval before I took them home. I am proud of the work that I accomplish with my hands and out of love for the hobby that brings me so much joy. I don't know why more people don't do this...the sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, tradition and knowledge that someday my children and theirs will have on their walls a little piece of me. May it be so...

Thank you all...

for your continued visits and comments on my stitching here, it brings me great happiness to know that people read my jumbled thoughts :)

And please know, I really try hard to visit all of you at your little piece of bloggie goodness too.

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God', join in with me!

Hugs and love,

Maddie Button and her tutorials...

2011-07-26T12:35:00.000-04:00

Good day, dear friends!
Tanya over at The Scarlett House created a lovely designed set that is sure to be on the top of your list for purchase.

"Maddie Button"

Designed by: The Scarlett House ~ Tanya Brockmeyer

*For information on Maddie, other designs by Tanya and where to purchase them, please go to: The Scarlett House

Tanya generously asked me to finish her cover models for Maddie, so I put together some tutorials for the finishing of the set and you may access them at my new tutorials blog, where I give tips, hints and updated information on finishing this set and other things perfectly ~ each and every time. They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but this one has learned some over the years and I started my new tutorials blog so that I could update my finishing techniques and share them with those of you that may be interested.

To learn how to finish the set, please access the tutorials at the provided links:

The Jar Wrap...

The Pin Cushion...

The Fob...

As always, thank you for visiting and until next time, I'll be keeping 'my hands to work and heart to God'.

Hugs and love,

Rainy Days and Birthdays....

2011-07-20T13:38:00.000-04:00

Greetings....

friends and neighbors near, far and everywhere. The calendar told me a couple of weeks ago, on July 5, 2011 that I was indeed celebrating the 20th Anniversary of my 21st birthday. So ... let me explain my title of this blog post. When, I was a little girl I dreaded rainy days. No in fact, I hated them. Ba humbug! But I loved my birthday! Gifts, attention, cake....what was there *not* to love? Now, that I'm a big girl....I love rainy days but those birthdays....well except for the cake....sort of stink! I guess that's the way the cookie crumbles, eh?

No matter...

a few lovely ladies decided to make the 20th Anniversary of my 21st birthday special by sending me surprises in the mail and I want to share my loot with all of you too! First off we have a gorgeous (notice the pennies) huswife made by the talented hands of AmySC . It is absolutely perfect and fits all my on the go stitching needs ...Amy even included those sweet small scissors by Kelmscott:

Dear Marie P sent me this gorgeous Prairie Schooler ornament ~ she too knows me so well...

Marie also threw in a "WooHoo! Happy Birthday" mug...which I must say, every day is now my birthday because this gem fits amazingly in my hand ~ it is heavy yet the finish is so smooth, the handle is large so I can slide my whole hand in there....its simply perfect! And Santa thought he'd play Vanna White and model WooHoo! for you :)

Finally Jan sent me this surprise and it literally made me shout with joy because you see...she sent me her brand spanking new design all kitted up it is called "Penny America" and I actually got to touch the model and drool over it at the Only One Ewe retreat a few short weeks ago. You can read all about Penny America and other designs of Jan's at Tree of Life Samplings . Jan has also started hand-dyeing some linens and they are wonderful! She also included the sweet Willow Tree Angel who sits in my sewing room overlooking things and keeping watch, whilst I stitch and sew away!

To these ladies....

my deepest most sincere gratitude to you all for your generosity in remembering my birthday, but most especially for your friendship - because where would I be without friends like each one of you? Oh wait I can answer that: No where...that's where. SO a big "Thank you" for being my friends!

Just a few minutes ago...

I slipped the last stitches in a square for Love Quilts this square is going to a darling little girl named Breanna . She likes Dragonflies and what pattern is more perfect than this one?

"Dragonfly"

Collaboration Thread Pack from: Country Cottage Needleworks and Crescent Colours

Stitched with DMC in Breanna's favorite colors

Stitched on 14 ct. white aida

With this square complete...

I have stitched a total of 9 squares since the beginning of 2011. I haven't signed up for any more squares with stitching deadlines, but I am hopeful to eek maybe one or two more before the end of the year. I'm trying really hard to give back and to be perfectly honest, when I see the quilts all done and the gratitude of the families and children involved....well that is the cherry on top. Giving back....it's a good thing - do I sound like Martha? Anyway...if you're interested in giving back maybe you can click on the Love Quilts link above - the coordinators there are always ready and waiting for more stitchers to help.

That's all folks....

I have a date with someone at the fair - as today is drop off day for the "Open Exhibitors" and I'm taking my two projects to be examined and judged. Fingers crossed people, please!

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God' just like always, why don't you join me?

Hugs and love,

Humble...

2011-07-15T10:44:00.000-04:00

I have been very blessed in my life by having people acknowledge and encourage my talents. I don't often post about this because I don't want to toot my own horn, but I do want to bring attention to two very talented deisgners that I have been very lucky to work with. Please go and visit:

Little House Needleworks and see all of Diane's designs, but especially take a look at her ornaments. Timeless designs, cute and perfect to trim your tree. Here is the latest in the series:

"Baked Goods"

Diane frequently updates her blog with designs forthcoming, wonderful projects and general good things. Her blog can be found HERE .

And also please welcome heartily and take a look at The Scarlett House blog. Tanya has started to design and generously asked me to finish her first two releases:

"Coverlet Birds"

"Death by Cany Corn"

You can find out where to purchase Tanya's designs in the sidebar of her blog found in the link above. Tanya does not only design but she also stitches gorgeous, wonderful samplers and every now and again we get peeks of her lovely home ~ drool worthy for sure!

So that's that....

And until next time, I'll be keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God' just like always!

Hugs and love,

Vonna

Soar....

2011-07-10T19:17:00.002-04:00

I spread my wings and flew....
around the block this afternoon when I slipped in the final stitches on my Mama's "Soar Sampler"! I'll let the pictures do the talking:

"Soar Sampler"

Designed by: With Thy Needle and Thread ~ Brenda Gervais

Stitched on: 30 ct. WDW Onyx

Stitched with DMC

I finished just in time....
for my summer trip to my Mama's house. I always try to go to her house and *deep* clean it every year to help her out. Sometime this week during my visit we'll go to her local frame shop and pick out a frame so that she can hang it soon on her walls. She's been following the eagles and Brenda's blog since February and I know she'll be thrilled :)

Today my boys....
left for their week long Boy Scout Summer Camp. Look at those faces:

My boys...

The heat index...
is in the critical range here in good 'ol Indiana. It is supposed to be 110 degrees Monday and Tuesday. They've been given firm instructions to stay hydrated. Oh, they were so excited! Jake told me right before they left, "We're leaving as boys and coming home men!" LOL!

That's all folks...
until next time, I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God" stitching something up to show you all!
HUGS and LOVE,

Database dump...

2011-07-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

Happy Day....dear friends! I hope that this finds you well and cruising along your path! I had a pleasant surprise yesterday when I found out that a couple of my stitches were framed and ready for pickup! I'll let the pictures do the talking. First up:

Pfeiffer Family Sampler

Designer: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

Stitched with: DMC and Crescent Colours as charted

Framed with: hand painted frame from: Valley House Primitives

Profile: MCC in Tavern Gold ~ Design: Hairpin

Isn't it stunning? I wish you could see it in person, as the photos really do not do the design itself or the gorgeous frame justice. I was ecstatic!

Second Up is:

Sarah Seifer

Designed by: The Goode Huswife ~ Anne Brown

Stitched with DMC

Framed with: Valley House Primitives frame 

#MCL Moss / Redcoat - Design Chesapeake / Distressed

The frame for Sarah is simply perfect. Both of these beauties are taking a trip to our County Fair coming up in a couple of weeks. This will be the first time I have taken anything to exhibit. I'm a little nervous, but I figure it's worth a try.

I haven't been....showing my WIPS now for a long time. I figured that people didn't give a HOOT if I showed what I was working on and was waiting until I finished things before I showed them, but to be honest, I enjoy seeing other bloggers works in progress, so figured I show you mine. Here is the first one:

Soar Sampler

Designed by: Country Stitches ~ Brenda Gervais

Stitched on 30 ct. WDW Onyx linen with DMC

I'm getting pretty close on this one - I have a few motifs left and some letters, then it will be on to the border. This pretty is being stitched for my Momma. She retired this past February and I am very thankful to Brenda for introducing me to the Eagles in Decorah, Iowa to which this sampler is dedicated by Brenda. Anyway, I linked my Momma to the eagles and she sat and watched and watched the babies from egg-hood to now near adult-hood. So I'm stitching this for her so that she can remember the little eaglets and the hours she babysat them :)

I'm also working on this beauty:

Ann Pennsylvania Peacock

Designed by: Little by Little

Stitched on 28 ct. Autumn Fields with GAST

I started Ann about a year ago (I think... it may have been two years ago.....) and I put her down because I ran out of Sea Spray GAST (her dress color). I never got any more until recently when I resurrected her from the depths of my stitching basket. She's too pretty to languish inside that dark cave. So she is my "car" project. Can't wait until Ann is all finished and hanging on my walls!

Have you all seen...Diane's reproduction of Melicent Turner ? Well as soon as I got a gander at it, I knew that it was a must do STAT! I was playing around today in my stitching room and thought WHY NOT? So I kitted it up. I'm going to be using my own hand-dyed linen and Crescent Colour Cottons, I changed the Sweetest Heart color to Apple Fritter because I wanted the red to be a little more red for my house decor. Here's the floss and fabric toss:

Floss Toss for Melicent Turner

And like always....my partner in crime was helping me choose my materials today. Sweet Chatty always has the best advise and is so easy to work with ~ Mama's little buddy....

I think that's a wrap! :)

Until next time....I'll be keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God' ~ join in with me!

Hugs and love,

Only One Ewe Retreat....

2011-06-29T23:25:00.002-04:00

Greetings dear friends and readers!
I was just so very lucky this past weekend to attend my very first *stitching* retreat! AND I had a B*L*A*S*T!!!! The retreat was held by Jan Alexander of Tree of Life Samplings and author of Belfonte Notes. Jan is a stupendous, kind, generous lady and she attended to our every need and showered us with goodies all weekend long!

In our retreat room.....we were lucky enough to have the Tree of Life Samplings Trunk Show present and let me tell you, we all OOooohhhh'd and AAhhhhh'd over the samplers that Jan's talented hands and imagination has created. If you look in the lower right hand corner there is a darling design entitled "Penny America" that she will be releasing soon. You can read all about it and a reproduction sampler (you heard right ladies... a reproduction!) at her newest entry on her Tree of Life Samplings blog HERE

The weekend was filled to the brim with stitching!!! But the best part of all (to me) was meeting people of like minds. They shared my love of stitching and were just as nuts as I am for not only stitching but for stashing!!! And we all did plenty of that in Jan's shop :)

Here's some photos of all the great people I met during the three day retreat:

(l - r) Brenda, Jan, me, Kathy

(l - r) Mary, Judith, me and Carol

(l - r) me, Diane, Yvonne and Karen

We had a finishing class....and we learned how to finish the exclusive retreat design "Stitch Together" into a sewing box. Here is my box with the piece mounted on the top and a bit of primitive dyed chenille trim surrounding it. I had all the retreat ladies sign the inside of the box so that I could always remember our awesome weekend together stitching.

"Stitch Together Your Pleasant Thoughts"

Only One Ewe 2011 Retreat exclusive design

Designed by: Tree of Life Samplings ~ Jan Alexander

Stitched on 32 ct. Tree of Life Linens using GAST Expresso

I learned so much at the retreat....for instance I learned how to take care of my knick-knacks - I've always aired mine but apparently keeping them under wraps is the way to go ;o) I laughed so hard I thought I'd wet myself when Carol stated to Yvonne, Diane and Karen: "You girls are so slow, I could go through menopause waiting on you!" I shared smiles, chuckles and even shed a tear or two when I had to leave. Like I said, "It was a GREAT weekend."

Jan designed and gifted.....each retreat attendee with an exclusive retreat design and I had nearly finished it prior to leaving, but just slipped the final stitches in it this evening. So may I present, "Beauty and Grace" by Tree of Life Samplings:

"Beauty and Grace"

Designed by: Tree of Life Samplings ~ Jan Alexander

Stitched on: 32 ct. Hazelnut Tree of Life Linens

Stitched with GAST

I simply cannot wait.....to get this framed and hanging in my special stitching space. It is gorgeous in real life and these pictures do not do it justice *at all*. This special design will always remind me of my special weekend among my new bestest stitching buds having a great time on my "Mommy Vacation" as Ellie called it ~ who was not so happy I was gone and having a great time :o)

Until next time my dear friends.....join me as I continue to stitch keeping "my hands to work and heart to God."
Hugs and love,

Faith...

2011-06-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

Good Afternoon....
Yoo hoo! is anyone still out there?! I bet lots of you have lost *faith* in me and my ability to stitch or post to this blog, huh? Lets just say my desire to stitch is still as strong and ardent as it ever was, however my time is severely, severely limited as my children age and get more active and involved in their schools and our community. My number one focus is raising, healthy, happy, productive kids - so my stitching time suffers, however my time with my children is passing so quickly before my eyes, that I am happiest savoring every moment with them. Loving, laughing and sharing things with them gives me great joy and although raising children isn't without its fair share of strife and turmoil, I'm even happy to share that with them too - (OK, well not really, but that's life - right?!) My needle, thread and fabric are my oldest friends, and they await me patiently until I can pick them up and be with them again - from time to time.

I got to be with my buddies this weekend....
and here is the result - may I present a square for Love Quilts stitched especially for a sweet little beauty - Ana Maria .

"Faith"

A Collaboration Threadpack from Little House Needleworks and Crescent Colours

Stitched with DMC in pinks to suit Ana Maria's favorites

Stitched on 14 ct. aida

My kiddos....

are still in school, due to our extremely bad winter weather. They will enjoy (and celebrate!) their final day of classes this week on Wednesday, June 8. All Mama can say is, "HOORAY!" I'm ready for a break and a change in routine. You know, we all get to the point sometimes where we need a fresh start, teachers need new faces, students need to see a new face, a different point of view, a change of pace. Although it hasn't been a bad school year, it hasn't been a stellar year either - I'm ready to wipe the slate and say goodbye to the 2010-2011 school year. Goodbye!

Thursday....

will find our rears parked on a lounge chair at our local pool. Well at least my rear will be parked there, my kids will be in the water - I'm sure ;o)

Sunday....

we'll all be loaded into our van and truckin' down the road on the way to our summer family vacation! WHOO HOO! I'll leave our destination for a future post, but I know we're going to have a great time :o)

In the meantime....

I cannot promise, but I'm certainly going to try (now that things that I commited myself to have been completed) to stitch as much as possible and update this blog more frequently. I miss you!

Until next time....

keep on keeping your "hands to work and heart to God" with me!

Hugs and love,

Fifteen years ago today....

2011-04-27T08:32:00.000-04:00

I said: "I, Vonna Marie, take you, Keith Allen, for my lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."

Then Father Francis Schroering blessed our rings and,

Keith said: "Vonna, take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."

and he slipped these on my finger....

and made me the happiest girl in the world!

Today Keith said: "Happy 15th Anniversary, I love you!"

and he slipped this on my finger....

To which I said: "Oh wow!..." and I'm still the happiest girl in the world!

I thanked God then and I thank Him now for the man he made me for and the man he made for me.

Until next time,

A Stitcher's Prayer...

2011-04-21T13:59:00.000-04:00

Good Day Friends!
I eeeked another finish out this week! WhooHooo me! :)
Without further ado, I'll let the pictures do the talking....

"A Stitcher's Prayer"

Designed by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

Stitched with DMC on 28 ct. Lambswool

I've always....

had a little "thing" for this design, and I've even stitched the stitching lady a couple of times over 1 for a tin box lid, however never for myself. The other day I was rummaging through my patterns and thinking (always a dangerous thing for me to do in said situation) and thought...why not? - I could bang it out in no time. AND I did! This one will be put away until I can get it framed. I love the colors, the "prayer" and every thing about....how about you? It's an oldie, but a goodie!

The stitching lady....

reminds me of myself. Let me set up the scene: I'm sitting in my stitching chair with my shower cap and ratty night gown on, listening to my audiobook and one of my kids come in and say "MOM!"....

to which I jerk my head around and say:

"WHAT?"

:)

Until next time....
Have a blessed Easter, hunt some eggs and keep those hands to work and heart to God!
Hugs and love,

Lemonade...

2011-04-18T09:18:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday to all my dear friends and readers!
I have a finish to share with you, this cutie will also be going to Love Quilts for Mr. Andrew . Last post I shared with you, "Boys and Bugs" also for Andrew's quilt...this will be a nice accompaniment I hope.

"Lemonade Stand"

Designed by: Country Cottage Needleworks ~ Nikki Leeman

Design found in: Hoffman's 2009 Summer Showcase Collaboration Pack

Stitched with DMC on 14 ct. Aida

I finished the last stitch last night and I have a new project loaded up and rarin' to go! You'll have to wait to see what it is...it is one that I've been wanting to do for myself for a loooooong time....

This weekend...

Katie celebrated the culmination of Indiana University's 2011 Young Winds Program (she celebrated because for the last 4 months she's had to get out of bed at 7 a.m. on Saturday mornings). The culmination included a concert of the beginning, advanced and combination bands, including sectional performances. The amount of music that they learned during these four short months was astounding. Katie and two others were featured in a clarinet sectional called "Gaga Wars" which was a piece that combined the theme from "Star Wars" and also Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" Sounds weird, but honestly it was really great. Anyway here's a snap of Katie, her clarinet instructor - Yugi and Katie's other advanced clarinetist (sorry I don't know her name). Anyway these three carried the clarinet section playing first and second clarinet parts alone. Katie played fabulously! Yay Kate! (which considering how much $$$ we've spent on private lessons....that's a good thing!)

Katie, Yugi and other advanced clarinetist

IU Young Winds

April 16, 2011

That's all I got today folks...
if I don't post prior to the end of a week...may you have a wonderful Holy Week and a Glorious Easter Sunday!

Hugs and Love,

Boys and Bugs...

2011-04-06T12:31:00.000-04:00

Hello to all my stitching buddies!
Long time no blog....*again*. I'm rearranging my life, so perhaps soon, blogging will be more frequent with more things of value to show you all. I know I've been mighty sparse on the stitching and blogging for the last many months, but fingers crossed and God willing things will be a'changin' round here.

What I have to share with you today is...
my recent finish of a Love Quilts square for a darling little boy Andrew. I couldn't resist after seeing his big brown eyes, plus I had a pattern in mind for his "kids being kids" theme. I know my own boys do this A LOT, so I figured maybe Mr. Andrew knew a little about this too. Please let me present Andrew's Quilt Square:

"Boys and Bugs"

Designer: Country Cottage Needleworks ~ Nikki Leeman

Stitched with DMC conversion of my own making

Stitched on 14 ct. white aida

I think....
that it turned out nicely and am anxious to send it in. However, before I do that I have another square to stitch for Andrew, his theme stalled for a bit and there was one spot left for many days and I asked if I could stitch a second square for his quilt. The good ladies at Love Quilts agreed so, I'm pulling a pattern and thread later on today to get started on my second square for Andrew. I believe in a post late last year, I wrote that I was hoping to stitch 4 squares per year for Love Quilts, because it was such a wonderful cause. Well friends...that soon went out the window....as most things do where I am involved. Moderation is not in my vocabulary apparently as Andrew's square is the 6th square I've stitched for Love Quilts since December. I read these children's biography, I look into their eyes in their photo and.....I'm. just. plain. sunk. I know that yes, I have to stitch on Aida. And I know a large percentage of people dislike aida. I do too. I know that it is "kiddie" themes and that these sorts of themes do not appeal to most. But in my own opinion (and defense), stitching on something - be it fabric or design - that I wouldn't necessarily choose is part of the process. To give and give with the heart, I think it should hurt a little, or be a little untasteful. A little struggle on my part, to bring happiness to someone that is struggling in their life, well it just makes good sense to me - because these kids sure didn't choose their disease, did they?

And all this square stitching eventually leads to finished quilts! And I know these have to bring a little comfort, a little warmth, a little love and big smiles to little faces. Here's the first three quilts that I've stitched for:

Payton's Quilt

my square is the very last one in the second row

Little House Needleworks "Believe" princess

Kirin's Quilt

my square is the very last square in the second row

Little House Needleworks "Dog House Sampler"

Steven's Quilt

my square is the second square in the third row

the Mama and baby dolphin by Dimensions

Beautiful quilts for beautiful kids! I'm glad I was able to be a contributor to the big picture in a very small way. Heck these quilts bring smiles to my face :)

Speaking of kids....

Here's some recent pictures of my brood doing the things they like to do best...hanging out and playing.

Katie and her "homies" (as she calls them)

when I was in school they were just "friends" or "pals"

Ian (on rock) and Jake (with plastic gun) playing on "the rock" at our neighbor's house...

Ellie on "the rock" which is a popular play destination apparently...
the boots need to be thrown in the trash (look at the toes) but they are good "stoppers" when she's on her scooter...so she says (and I can see every time I look at those pitiful toes)

Ok my dear friends....

that's all I got for you today! Aren't you glad? :)

Until next time....

I'll be keeping my hands to work and my heart to God!

Hugs and love to each and every one of YOU,

Spring Break....

2011-03-16T18:20:00.003-04:00

Spring is in the air.....
my good friends and fellow stitchers! And our school corporation is on Spring Break! Whoo Hoo!
Let me tell you, I needed a break in a big way and have taken ample advantage of sitting my ample backside in a chair and stitching!

Since we last met in late February....

I've completed my four surgeries
5 out of 6 Pfeiffers were hit with the stomach flu (that's 83% for those of you that were wondering) ~ the survivor you ask? Well it is he of the iron immunity...Mr. Pfeiffer! The man never ceases to amaze me....in many multiple ways!
We have attended another awards ceremony for Miss Katie ~ who won the Young Playwright Project writing contest. Her play "Sizzling Soda" - about bacon flavored soda - won first place (another $50 in her pocket). The actors even performed her play on stage during Playwrights Weekend - it was very funny, imagine four bottles of soda - Dr. Pepper, Sprite, Fanta Orange and a new kid on the block Bacon Flavored Soda...well through a bunch of mishaps Dr.Pepper gets knocked off the shelf and Sprite has a crush on Bacon....well it was hilarious..Katie....she's a winner! ;o)
Master Ian and Master Jake have joined band themselves playing saxophones
Katie and Ellie have become shopping masters...both getting their coupon's worth at Kohl's and Aeropostle - they are ready to go back to school sporting their new spring wardrobe (literally)....
Mr. Pfeiffer is working his little fingers to the bone to pay for new saxophones and spring wardrobes
And me? Well....I'm just shuttling every one here and there and carrying their bags.... :)

Here's a sample....
of what has been accomplished on my ample backside...may I present:

"Hillside Travelers"

Designer: Diane Williams ~ Little House Needleworks

Stitched one over one on 25 ct. Vonna Hand-dyed Lugana

Stitched with: DMC, Crescent Colours, Gentle Arts and Week Dye Works as charted

photographed with my pencil to gauge size

I am thoroughly...

enjoying this piece and cannot wait to see it all done because I think stitching it one over one is going to really make it darling ~ tiny and cute. We'll see as my needle continues on....

To show that....

my boys really aren't dungeon dwellers and that we love them too ;) Here's their new Saxophones ($4000 worth of them....ahem and double yikes....) and look at them lying on the floor amongst their God only knows how much money worth of Legos they've accumulated over the years, their sheet music, oh look there's a Storm Trooper station in the upper right corner and in the lower left is a poor discarded church shoe...poor lads, I always have them working away cleaning their room. Honestly we don't live like pigs. They choose to live like pigs....each Saturday I make them clean it completely - dust, vacuum, pick up....totally perfect. By 6 p.m. Sunday evening...its back to the sty.

Oink!

Ian and Jake's new Saxophones

During Spring Break....
I've done some things to "spruce" up a bit here in the old homestead. I'm a big fan of Country House online catalogue. I heart it, big time. Well I've seen thisWindow Star in the catalogue (they have it in white too). You know, I heart me some stars too. Well, we have 17 windows in the homestead and I'm thinking after spring wardrobes and saxophones that Mr. Pfeiffer would have something to say about $170 worth of window stars. So I got to hunting and I found some wooden stars at Factory Direct Crafts and I bought some! So for a measly $40 the entire homestead, now has a purdy star in each window! Here's a sampling of a couple of my favorite windows:

Window above the kitchen sink

(That's my Grandma's old Ball jars - I have nearly 40 of them (all sizes from fruit jars with glass lids to quart size with zinc lids) and they are on the top of my cabinets. Every so often I have some filled with white daisies like this one in the window)

My stitching chair window
(and my galloping stallion - also from Country House and totally copied from Diane Williams - look at Battle Hymn of the Republic chart photo)

We I sure have been busy this spring break....
I even woke up the neighbors early one morning because I inherited this ~~mess~~ lovely copper tub from my Mama (actually I saved it from the trash bin)...she should have had her backside paddled because she had smashed, dented, squashed it down using it as a firewood hauler - and this is my Aunt Katie's tub (who Katie is named after). It was in horrible shape. But enter Vonna with handy dandy rubber mallet, some good old elbow grease, and some of that copper shine paste stuff...and I turned this ~~sow's ear~~ into a silk purse! I rolled up some of my inherited quilts and put my Granny's washing board by it and BAM! instant vignette by Chatty's Scratching Tree. Makes me smile each time I pass it :)

Old Copper Wash Tub

So...

There ya go stitching fans...a database dump for those of you that have e-mailed because they've missed me...which makes my heart sing that people actually miss me! Thank you, I am humbled. I know I sure don't blog as much as I used to, but I'm still here and still kickin'....I just have four very active children, three of which are in everything under the sun (karate, band, boy scouts, band, jazz band, concert band, young winds..) well not really everything, just the things they are in (some kind of band) is really very active (Jazz Band, Karate) and if I'm not here (Karate parking lot), I'm there (School Parking lot) waiting (in the parking lot) for them (at Karate or band) to finish (on the road driving somewhere to anywhere) their practice (fall into bed exhausted).

Yep...

so that's the life with four kids. And I thank God every day that I have the health and stamina to do all that he has blessed me with! Not to mention a real winner of husband that works hard so that I can stay home with them. Each and every one of my little loves are a blessing and I shall never complain, even though I do get exhausted from time to time (OK, every day). :)

So until next time...

A little shout out of my purdy star studded windows, here at the homestead....(please ignore Little Tykes wrecked Cozy Coupe and Desk on the side of garage...that is the "drive through" McDonald's Window...where Miss Ellie and the neighbor kids play restaurant)....too bad we can't drive through there every evening for supper. That would save some time ;)

The Pfeiffer Haus

And until we meet again, I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!
Hugs and love,

Be Joyful in Hope...

2011-02-24T10:29:00.000-05:00

We're almost there....

to another weekend. Yippee Skippee, I need a weekend :) how 'bout you?

By the skin of my teeth...

I finished another Love Quilts square that I had promised to stitch, and whose deadline date was approaching faster than I realized (March 1). But in record time, I got 'er done. And without further ado here it is:

"Be Joyful in Hope"

Collaboration Thread Pack Series by:

Little House Needleworks

and

Crescent Colours

Stitched with DMC on 14 ct. white aida

Joyful in Hope...

was a perfect design for one of the themes posted for Charlotte's Kids. To learn more about Charlotte and the themes that are stitched in her memory for the sick children, please click HERE . Although I'm a relatively new member to Love Quilts, I feel the need to at least direct any of you that may have a twinge of interest in stitching a square(s) for these kids to sign up and become a member. There are squares with deadlines of course (but they are usually 3-4 months in length) but there are also many squares that can be stitched called Any Child Squares . These can be stitched and sent at any time - no deadlines - you just have to become a member of Love Quilts and let them know that is what you wish to do. The Love Quilts Stitching Directions are relatively simple. Its always a time to be "joyful in hope" and we should always remember that it is "better to give than to recieve". But in this instance, I think I get back ten fold what I put into stitching for Love Quilts. Why don't you give it a try? You'll see what I mean.

Finally...

our Katie won the City of Bloomington's Black History Month Essay Contest with her first place essay about Cathay Williams. Last evening was the award ceremony and I'll let the pictures do the talking:

Katie receiving her award from Bloomington's Mayor, Mark Kruzan

Katie reading her essay to the assembly

(only the first place winner had to read their essay and she was nervous but did a great job!)

WHEW...glad that's over...

Katie with Mayor Kruzan and the other essay winners

Katie with her writer's workshop teacher Mrs. Polley

Of course....

Daddy and I were so proud, as was Mrs. Polley. Ian, Jacob and Ellie were bored, until the conclusion of the assembly and pizza was served - that got their party started :)

And what about Katie? Well she was happy to be recognized, but she became ecstatic when she was given a $100 check from some wonderful sponsors of the Essay Contest. Then on the way home when Daddy said there would be a round of Hot Fudge Sundaes for the Pfeiffer Kid Quartet....well that was the icing on the cake! ;)

The Essay Winners with their award sponsors

Thank you...
for sticking with me to the end of this diatribe :) and until we meet again...
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!
Hugs and love,

In the Garden with Sarah...

2011-02-21T18:50:00.000-05:00

Greetings my dear friends... Today I had a stitching finish that I started after my last post and I'm so excited to show you! I'll let the pictures do the talking for now:

Sarah Seifer 1826

Designed by: Anne Brown of The Goode Huswife

Stitched with: DMC

Stitched on: 32 ct. Belfast hand-dyed Autumn Fields

I'm thrilled to bits....

to have this one completed. Sarah has been on my (never-ending) "list" for a while. She's a purdy one and I will have her framed up sometime soon (hopefully - if I can butter up my hubby) to grace our wall o' Adam and Eve's someday.

Speaking of never ending lists....

have you seen some of the fantabulous things coming out of Nashville this past weekend? Well to mention a few that I have my eye on....Primitive Traditions "Plenty and Grace" and "Sarah Elliott's Homeport" (wowzers!), Plum Street Samplers "The Flood" (yeppers, its coming home with me soon), Blackbird Designs (do these ladies ever do anything I don't want to grab immediately? NO! ). I'm trying NOT to look any more but these have caught my immediate attention (and dollars)....

What is next....

I have a square to stitch for Love Quilts that is due by March 1st...so I need to get my needle in gear for that one....then I shall move on to something, probably one old, forgotten, forlorn project that I'll try to bang out so I can get on to my next new start! :) You know, Vonna's "finish an oldie and get to start a newbie" program. It can work for me, I know it can!

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my hands to work and my heart to God, just like always!

Hugs and love,

Something new...

2011-02-11T14:55:00.000-05:00

I just found....

a delightful blogger that I am happy to introduce to my sampler stitching, primitive stitching friends. The very nice lady's name is Beth and you can view her blog at: Summer House Stitche Workes Blog

And then lo and behold I found that this lovely lady is a designer and you can find her works at: Summer House Stitche Workes Website

Summer House Stitche Workes has me intrigued with a new design series entitled "Mr. President". So go and hop on over to Beth's blog and welcome her to our stitching and blogging community! Our community is so loving, welcoming and supportive of every person and their different desires, tastes and talents, that I know you all will make her feel welcome. And while you are there...take a gander at Mr. President #1 - George Washington.....I'm thinking he'll be joining my family soon ;o)

Keith....

thanks you for your well wishes on his survival of playing my nursemaid. My first surgery went well, I have the next one on Monday...luckily its not too terribly bad...I'm only ouchy for about 48 hours. Then back to normal for the most part. Keith's worst part was keeping me corralled in bed, as the pain meds make me a little goofy.....OK, a little goofier than normal :)

Until next time....

I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, just like always!

Hugs and love to you all and have a happy weekend!

P.S. For any stitching buddies that live within driving distance of my home...would you be interested in having a stitch day at my house? Maybe a little stitching, maybe a little show and tell, a little lunch out somewhere and a whole lotta fun? If so drop me a line! I've got one fish on the line, and would love to have a couple more join us!

Good Monday Morning...

2011-02-07T10:27:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday....
if I repeat it enough times will I feel happy about Mondays? ;)

A very kind...
thank you to all of you who left me sweet words and comments about my Family Sampler finish and also about my sweet babes. You will never know how much fun I have reading all your comments and how much joy you bring to my life. Thank you! :)

My new start....
well people, I forgot when I was all drunk on my own happiness for finishing the Family Sampler that I had made a commitment that was closing in f-a-s-t...and that was to stitch for this sweet little boy Steven K. so the new start I envisioned didn't happen (more on that later...). Instead, I kept my promise and pulled my things and got to work on Steven's block for his Love Quilt. F-I-N-A-L-L-Y I got it done (blasted color changes...) yesterday afternoon. My family laughed aloud when I shouted on Friday night that if I didn't get this done I was going to tear my hair out! It was really a very moving moment....think about Scarlett O'Hara in Gone with the Wind...when she's standing in that rotted field and holds up those pitiful carrots and shakes her hand at the sky and says "As God as my witness, I will never be hungry again..." Well envision me in my ratty night gown, my hair wet from my shower and plastered to the sides of my head, shaking my fist and saying..."I'm going to tear my hair out if I don't get these stinking dolphins done..." Well, thankfully sanity prevailed....

"Dolphins for Steven K."

taken from a Dimensions kit

What about that new start?....

WELL the one I envisioned (and have dreamed about for nights) was started last night! Whoo hoo! It should be a quickie...so hopefully soon you'll get to see what all the hoopla in my head is all about ;) or if you are like most, you care not. Either way...it's all good. :)

Today...

my hubby dearest is at home on FMLA, I'm having a little procedure done on this Monday and the next three Mondays in February, and he's vowed to help me in sickness and in health, you know. So fingers crossed it won't be a big deal for him - for me it remains to be seen. But my fingers are crossed, please cross yours too? Thank you :)

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my hands to work (on my new start!) and my heart to God, just like always.

Hugs and love,

Bringing home the gold....

2011-01-30T17:36:00.000-05:00

Just a quick update...
Katie had much success at her solo and she played beautifully! She brought home the GOLD! The judge said he was impressed with her abilities since she was a young musician and has only played 2 years.

Katie prior to the solo contest

Katie after her win, with her clarinet teacher (left) and her accompanist (right)

Then I neglected to tell you about the boys....
they had their last ever Boy Scout Pinewood Derby race on Friday evening. Ian was the first one out of the racing trials...but he still had a big smile :)
Jake was the last man knocked out prior to trophy wins, but he got a medal for his efforts.

Mama's big boys....

And although she didn't win anything....

she's still a winner to us! Here's Ellie being a monkey in the playroom (housed in our unfinished basement)....she's not supposed to be doing this, I just found this picture on our camera...hmmmmm....

Thank you for indulging me....

I'm mighty proud of my little chicks :)

Until next time, we'll be trying to stay inside because of the big snow/ice storm headed smack dab for central Indiana....at this rate, my kids will be in school until July 4th.....

Hugs and love,

The Family Sampler...

2011-01-28T18:07:00.000-05:00

Happy day dear friends....
I finally finished my Family Sampler by Little House Needleworks !!! Whoo HOOO!!! I'll let the pictures do the talking for now....

The Family Sampler

Designed by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

Stitched on: 32 ct. Vintage Buttermilk

Stitched with: Crescent Colours and DMC as suggested

Isn't it beautiful???

I just love it! I literally slipped the last few stitches in just about 45 minutes ago...I can't stop smiling! I've already ordered the frame for it and have scheduled it to be framed at my Local Needlework Store, so fingers crossed it won't be long until I'll have a framed piece to hang in place of honor in our home. This is easily the largest stitching project I've ever finished. It's a biggie :)

Since I....

finished one of my WIPs now, I get to choose something new to start from my stash. I'm trying to placate myself and motivate myself to get those WIPs done by promising myself one *new* start after I finish an old WIP. So hmmmm....I guess on this cold snowy evening, I'll get to let my fingers do some walking through my stash. FUN!

This past weekend...

my daughter Katie and I got to go on an adventure. We attended the March for Life in Washington DC and although we returned home exhausted, our hearts and spirits were renewed to stand up for our beliefs and watch our rights as American Citizens in action. We saw some magnificent sights in our nation's capital, but just a tiny few of all I'd really like to see someday. I will share a few of my favorite pictures of our time together in DC.

Katie and Mama outside the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception

prior to Mass on Sunday evening January 23, 2011

Katie in front of the Washington Memorial Monday, January 24, 2011

Side hill of the capital,

we were in the middle of the march and we held up the camera and clicked to capture all those people behind us

So...

I guess that does it for me for today. We have a big weekend ahead. Katie has a Clarinet Solo Contest to attend tomorrow. We have been frantically having last minute practices with her accompanist and getting her a new black sweater for her evening attire. She sounds great and my fingers are crossed that she brings home a win tomorrow....but no matter how she does, I'm so proud of her I could pop!

Thank you....

for visiting with me today! And until we meet again, I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God.

Hugs and love,

A couple of New Year Finishes....

2011-01-10T12:28:00.004-05:00

A very warm...
Happy New Year to all my friends and readers from a very frigid Indiana! 2011 was ushered into existence and the race has been on for the Pfeiffer clan ever since....there is no rest for the wicked and I must be really and truly wicked because I've been going like the energizer bunny ever since the fireworks on January 31st :)

New Year's Eve...
found me busily stitching, not what I had planned and kitted up to stitch, rather an emergency request went out for quilt squares for a very sick little boy at Love Quilts . So I volunteered to be a stitcher of one square for his quilt and was granted the request. Although I didn't start the New Year off stitching something I had wanted to stitch, somehow I feel that I was blessed to stitch and send a square to someone in need especially an innocent little boy struggling in illness. Here's my contribution to Kirin's Quilt:

"The Dog House Sampler"

Designed by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

Stitched with DMC on 14 ct. white Aida

Stitched with love for Kirin at Love Quilts

And...

I also threw my hat in the ring for a Inspirational Verse quilt square and stitched this:

"Tree of Life"

Design taken from the Scripture Thread Pack Collaboration Series

by Crescent Colours and Little House Needleworks

Stitched with love using DMC on 14 ct. white Aida

As you can see...

I always turn to my very extensive stash from Little House Needleworks to find the perfect design for the squares I stitch and have never been disappointed. Diane's designs hold the simple perfection to compliment many themes at Love Quilts and I don't have to go buy a pattern, because I own all of them already :)

You'll be seeing...

more quilt squares stitched by me in the very near future, I've got three more going. It seems that when I read the stories of these sweet, very ill children, I cannot think of not stitching something for them. Maybe its just a little way of giving back for all the many blessings and health given to me in my four children. I'm so thankful and very, very blessed...so I'll stitch some more squares for kids, hoping to bring a smile to their face in some small way.

I probably....

won't be back for awhile, as I'm not knocking out my stitching as fast as I would like....ain't that the way? But when I do come back, I'll be a chatty Cathy keeping you up to date on the stitching and happenings around here :)

Condolences...

go out to the residents of Tucson, Arizona. The horrendous happenings there over the weekend and the senseless loss of life and violence used against innocent people....well, words cannot explain my feelings. My family and I are praying. Praying for the people in Arizona and praying for all people across the United States of America. It's time to take a good, long, hard look at ourselves. Anger has polarized our nation and it has imprisoned us all. Its everywhere...it is amazing to me, just driving my kids to their extracurricular activities, or driving around doing errands - just the simple act of driving - brings out this ugliness and anger in some people. Driving is one thing, but it certainly isn't the only thing that brings this ugliness out...it's everywhere it seems: on-line, in check out lanes at the grocery store, at libraries, on the phone, in the school....everyone has a smart mouth, a quick retort and is always right. Yes, it seems to me that we all need to take a long, hard look at ourselves - me and mine included. Nothing can be corrected until we learn simple, basic manners and correct ourselves. It seems to me that a lot folks have either forgotten or refuse to use the good manners that our parents instilled in us. It's gotta start somewhere and I think that its a time for a "back to basics" approach. Showing respect to ourselves and taking that respect and kindness to others in public, is a start that I think would be a huge change. Baby steps put forth by all, can amount to a big leap. I am and have challenged myself and my children to think of others, to think before we speak (or type) and to think before we act. I can only hope that perhaps my children's generation will do a better job than my generation. May it be so.

Until next time...

I thank YOU for your visits and your lovely well wishes and comments to me and my dear family, they are so much fun and bring so much joy to my life. Thank YOU for being you and visiting with me! And until we visit again, I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!

hugs and much love,

Ornaments to share...

2010-12-27T15:56:00.001-05:00

Glad tidings....
to all my dear friends and readers! I hope that this finds you all well and filled to the brim with happiness! We had a lovely quiet Christmas enjoying each other, and it was made even more special by the lovely surprises that landed in my mailbox. Please take a look at all these lovelies.

Red House in Winter by dear Faye:

Cardinal mitten by the sweet Julianne :

A gorgeous sewn ornament from the clever Harmien :

And a gorgeous tatted ornament from the generous and kind Cathy :

And on Christmas Day...
in betwixt cooking like a woman possessed and work at the hospital, I stitched up and finished this oldie but goodie:

"Good Tidings"

Designer: Cynthia Bradford of Little by Little Designs

Taken from: Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue Magazine 1997

Stitched with mixture of Weeks Dye Works and DMC as called for

Stitched on: 36 ct. Pearled Barley Lakeside

Finished as an Ornament

Since I probably...

won't be getting anything else done this week, I'm going to go ahead and give my 2010 wrap up. This year I stitched and finished / framed 58 items. I had a few large finishes. I had a lot of starts and about everything I wanted to accomplish for this year - I didn't! Ain't that the way? *smiles*

So what are my goals for 2011? Well....I'm going to limit my purchases. I just went through and cleaned/organized my craft room after the mad fury of my finishing clients projects had all been mailed away, I found that I have a LOT of WIP/UFO that are languishing away in various stages of stitching. So many beautiful things that as I looked at them, I wondered why I ever stopped stitching them. I also have beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful charts that I have collected and purchased over the last 10 years that I think...WHY??? am I not stitching these? So....2011 will be the year of the WIP/UFO and stitching from predominantly my stash. I'm not going to put any "rules" on myself, because let's be honest folks - I won't follow them. I'm just going to do what I can with what I have and rediscover old loves that may have faded from view for awhile. To help me in this devotion...ahem! I joined the "up for a challenge blog" (link in my sidebar along with my list of UFOs - please don't think less of me after you see the list...I'm a little embarassed).

Ornaments...

every year as I put up and then take down my tree I love to look at all my stitched and handmade ornaments. Each one a tribute to something and someone dear in my life. So as I do every year and fail (!) - although this year I did have quite a few ornaments stitched for my tree - I'm redevoting myself to stitching for me for my Christmas tree. I would L-O-V-E to have an entire tree devoted to Prairie Schooler Santas. Ah...a real dream I've dreamed for years now.... AND I know that I cannot possibly stitch an entire tr ee worth with in one year, but I can stitch 6 or more of them (fingers crossed). So I bought me some of that burlap stuff that the monthly Santa's are stitched on and guess what...got the first 4 from the 1980's kitted and ready to go!

So Vonna's 2011 stitching goal is to:

stitch from my stash; tighten my belt on spending on new stash - but no rules
finish some of the languishing WIP/UFO which one of them is the first linen project I ever started and it is gorgeous...it has lain in a drawer since 1997 (GASP!) nearly complete....I'm finishing it this year. Mark my word!
stitch a whole lotta ornaments for my trees next year

I am going....

to start a NEW project on Dec. 31 - as that is customary for me to do each year - its a tradition! Then it is back on the wagon of working from my stash, on my UFOs and ornaments. Speaking of which...I've seen the first 6 ornaments from Little House Needleworks and let me tell you...this year's selections so far...EXCELLENT! You won't be disappointed ;o) and you'll have to take my word on it.... but the first one in the series should be released sometime soon! And it is CUTE!

Until next time...

My family and myself wish you all nothing but the brightest, blessed, happy and healthy of New Years! May your year be filled with nothing but sunshine and rainbows! And while the New Year is rung in, I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God stitching away. How many will be joining me?

Hugs and love,

The Holiest of Nights....

2010-12-23T10:44:00.000-05:00

A very Merry Christmas....

to all my faithful followers, friends, family and readers!

Holiest of Nights

Designer: Sandra Sullivan ~ Homespun Elegance

Stitched on: 28 ct. hand-dyed Vonna linen

Stitched with of GAST, Crescent Colours and DMC

Finished as: Flatfold

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying:
"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests."
Luke 2: 8-14

Until next time....
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!
Hugs and love,

Twinkler Ornament...

2010-12-16T11:33:00.001-05:00

I had a person comment about my Grandparent's ornament that I discussed yesterday - stating that she had a similar ornament on her childhood tree and that it couldn't be over 60 years old as she was definitely not 60. So I did some research today - thinking that I had inadvertently mislead my readers.

Here is a picture of similar ornaments that my Grandparents had on their tree for years. We have family pictures and home movies of my mother (born in 1949) by the tree as an infant with these ornaments hanging on it. I found this excerpt written in an antique guide:

"These Christmas ornaments were manufactured in the late 1940's - 1950's by the Tinkle Toy Company (a division of Plakie Toys) in Youngstown, Ohio. The ornaments are referred to by many names: birdcage, carousel, spinner, twinkler, twirler....the list goes on. What is amazing about these ornaments are that they are made of plastic with the exception of the metal spinner (pinwheel, twirler, etc.) that is inside the ornament. Back in the day these ornaments were placed above the multi-colored lights (bulbs) on the Christmas tree. The heat from the bulbs would make the spinner in the ornament spin. Unfortunately, the heat from the bulbs often melted parts of the ornament. Today, we have bulbs that look like the old, hot bulbs, but they burn much cooler. These are referred to as C7 bulbs. These bulbs do not give off enough heat to melt these old ornaments, but they do have enough heat to make them spin."

Being my mother is presently 62 years old - family pictures and this product statement found in the antique guide - my statement of my Grandparent's ornament being over 60 years old was valid.

Our Tree...

2010-12-15T09:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Hump Day...
we're battening down our hatches for another round of fridgid cold, snow and ice here in good old Southern Indiana, so I thought I'd take a moment to share with you our Christmas Tree.

On Monday...
I found a package in my mailbox from the sweet Amy and when I opened it I found two lovely special things to put on my tree! First:

And then this:

Thank you Amy!!! I admired them on your blog without knowing they would soon join me :) Love them bunches!

Since I pulled....
the camera out, I thought I'd share with you our tree. So here it is (picture heavy). Our tree contains 99% handmade ornaments from our children, family and friends - with just a few personal family ornaments that are not handmade but have been given to us because of the birth of our children or some special event marking our lives.

Notice the orange star twirling ornament both right above and below in these pictures...this ornament is probably over 60 years old. From my grandparent's tree.

The paper Rudolph and a ruler (?) appeared on my tree recently....see them near the bottom - that is Ellie's handiwork :)

See the big white stamped cookie? It's a salt dough ornament that Katie made in the 1st grade. And the snowy pinecone ornament close by on the left from one of the twins preschool days.

The little house in the middle of this picture is painted ceramic and made by my Granny.

Looking through the pictures you'll notice these handpainted ball ornaments all dipicting a biblical scene and a bible verse....these are my most cherished ornaments and made by the talented hands of my sister-in-law, Susan.

As a bride, setting up the tree the first year of our marriage, my mother-in-law gave me a box of ornaments from Keith's childhood. Imagine my surprise when I pulled out this red pretzel thing. What is this? I asked looking at Keith - who told me it was a scouts Christmas activity that he made as a young cub scout...now Christmas just isn't Christmas without the Christmas pretzel! :)

And our marriage was meant to be, when I found that I had made a clothes pin ballerina ornament as a young child and Keith had made a clothes pin hiker man ornament as a young child....now they hang together every Christmas season and during the off season they are stored together - it was destiny!

And our very first married Christmas together I purchased this Lady and the Tramp ornament because it is my favorite Disney movie and little did I know that one day....I'd have 4 rascals myself - just like Lady and her Tramp....

Thanks for allowing me to share my tree and treasured ornaments with you!

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!
Hugs and love,

Travelling Stitcher...

2010-12-13T12:49:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday....
to my sweet friends, readers and blog followers :) I hope your season has been bright to date. We've been hit with lots of frigid weather and snow...but I must admit that I love it! So quiet, peaceful and clean looking (at least for a day or so!).
A special friend....
I have a sweet, dear person in my life, that I am proud to call my friend. I've never seen her face to face, but she is a sister of my heart. She does the nicest things for me and her birthday is coming up at the very end of the year and I thought and thought and thought about what I could do for her that would be something as special as she is to me. So I came up with this idea:

"The Travelling Stitcher"

Designed by: Little House Needleworks ~ Diane Williams

Nashville Market Limited Edition 2009 Release

stitched on: 28 ct. ivory evenweave

stitched using: Crescent Colours Cotton Overdyes

Made into a stitchers carry all basket set

My friend is....

Marie P. and we met a handful of years ago in an exchange group. Marie e-mailed me and we started e-mailing each other and we've been fast friends ever since. Now Marie has a sweet family and her two sons are grown up, so she can play and go special places doing the things she loves. Since she goes to stitch-ins, retreats and has special friends that quilt and stitch along with her in a variety of places, I made this basket set so she could throw her things inside and it can travel along with her...just like the verse reads: "Wherever I go, whatever I do, I'm never alone, my stitching comes too"

Here you can see the inside of the basket...

I made a padded bottom to line the basket and made a needle cushion, and added some accessories with complimenting corded tassels so that Marie can find and pull them out

(Assessories include: Ring with thread drops for her next project, Kelmscott Designs Mother of Pearl Ruler and Kelmscott Designs Tudor Rose Scissors)

NOTE: these lovely thread drops are a particular favorite of mine and can be found at Anita's Little Stitches

To make the pincushion....

I stitched the pattern included in the design (intended for a needlepocket) one over one on 28 ct. ivory evenweave and made a cute little patchwork topper, which I sewed together and filled with crushed English walnuts then added a little button in the middle:

This turned out....
rather darling, in my opinion. In fact, it is so darling that I hope to make one up for myself someday soon, because next fall when Ellie is in Kindergarten, I'm going to start going to my LNS for stitch ins on Tuesdays! :) I'll need something to carry my project in...don't you think?

Marie....
you are a wonderful friend and I hope my modest little birthday gift and wishes for many years of happy contentment stitching and carrying your projects around in the basket brought a big smile to your face. Your friendship sure does bring one to mine :)

Thank you....
sweet friends for visiting with me today. I hope your week is glorious and that you have hours and hours quietly passing time in your cozy home surrounded with love and doing the things you love best!

Until next time....
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God, doing the things I do best!
Hugs and love,

More ornaments....

2010-12-07T13:18:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday.... to all my loyal friends and readers :) Thank you for popping in to sit and visit a spell with me. I'm running round like a goose from the farmer's wife, so I'll get on with the show.

Firstly....
the last of my personal ornament exchange pieces have arrived to their respective homes, and I've also received the most lovely ornaments in return to grace our tree. Here is the ornament that Diane M. stitched for me. Believe it or not...I've never stitched this cutie from Little House Needleworks, thankfully Diane peered and searched my finishes albums and came to the conclusion that I needed this beautifully stitched ornament, pronto! She stitched it on 40 ct. linen and perfectly finished it and now it is hanging on my tree! Thank you Diane!

In return....
Diane received from me this:

"French Country Star"

Designed by: JBW Designs

Taken from : The Just Cross Stitch 2010 Ornament Issue

Stitched 1 over 1 on 28 ct. white linen

Stitched with: Crescent Colours Belle Soie "Sister Scarlett"

Finished as an ornament

Next....
I received this darling Lizzie Kate ornament from Courtney R. I love it! Thank you Courtney! Don't you love that beaded edge?! I sure do!

And in return....
Courtney received this ornament from me.

"Joy to the World"

Design taken from: The Just Cross Stitch 2010 Ornament Issue

Stitched on 32 ct. white linen 1 over 1 using DMC in my own color choices

Finished as an ornament

Well....

as Porky the Pig would say: that's all folks! Until next time, I hope to: avert the farmer's wife since I'm the plumpest goose on the farm, not end up on the supper table, get my house cleaned, put some make-up on so I don't scare the neighbors and get on with keeping my hands to work and heart to God!

Hugs and love,

Tool for our tool box: Be a friend.

Sounds like a simple feat, but in fact it is really a hard task if you put your mind to being a good friend. Let's think about it...denying yourself by denying your pride - that's at the heart of being a true friend. Being a friend means - no gossip, no comparisons, no competition, no complaining about your friend or their holdings and possessions, understanding, acceptance, flexibility.....all good qualities in a good friend, don't you think? Being a good friend means - thinking ahead, anticipating their needs and being there, *really being there* without being asked in times of trouble, trial and tribulation, but also being able to pick up the pieces and celebrate when those times are over. A real friend will join hands with you and together you may face the dawning of a new day. That's what a true friend is.... not one that will lavish and spoil you with things, but will lavish and spoil you with love. That's a true friend. I hope that someday, somewhere, someone thinks of me as a true friend. I wish it for you too - may it be so, for both of us.

Welcome December...

2010-12-01T08:17:00.002-05:00

A warm December welcome...
to all of my friends and readers on this first day of December. December holds many special, happy memories for me, but most especially it holds the birth days of my first three children. My twins were born on December 4 and my eldest baby was born on December 11. Happy birthday to my most precious gifts from heaven above! My twin babies will be 11 years old and my big baby ;) will be 13. Golly Moses, were did the time go? I remember the waiting and the hoping and the wondering that I did the entire time of all my pregnancies and it is quite like the waiting, hoping and wonder of the Advent season - all for a baby. Three precious babies born to my arms during Advent and one most precious of all born into the arms of Mary all those years ago in a stable. May your Advent season be one of waiting, wonder - but most especially one of hope. Hope is the key to travel on in this life, isn't it? Hope for a brighter day, for a bigger tomorrow...may it be so for you too!

Looking onward...
I've had a couple of wonderful parcels land in my mailbox! First up is this darling ornament that Catherine stitched for me in our personal ornament exchange:

Isn't it gorgeous?! All that glam and glitz? It reminds me of my Granny...she liked bling - and so does her Grand-daughter :) This hangs way up high on our tree by our Angel and I smile and love it everytime I see it. THANK YOU CATHERINE!!

Then the most lovely friend that I have "met" through this blog, Paula from Portugal and her darling husband Rui, sent the Pfeiffer family this lovely package:

The cute little green pencils are favorites of the kiddos, of course - what good student doesn't like a special pencil to labor over homework? Ellie believes her pencil to be a wand...(I think because the star at the end)...anyway, whether they are solving math problems or waving it over someone with incantations they are a big hit! Paula also sent a cute little sledding Prairie Schooler ornament for us to hang on our tree - which it does with beauty - and a lovely cut of fabric, a handcrafted wooden cat button (which Ellie has claimed for her "charm necklace") and a Paris notebook. THANK YOU SO MUCH PAULA!!!

I thought I'd leave you...
with a shot of Pfeiffer Christmas. Here's my birdhouses all dressed for a down home country Christmas, my sled and skates are all ready too...come on snow! :)

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God" - please join me!
Hugs and love,

Tool for our tool box: Don't jump to conclusions.
Looking over my life, (and I'm sure if you look over yours) you'll find many times that you've taken something innocent, something meaningless - whether it was done or said by others - and have added GREAT meaning to it in you mind and in your heart. Could you be making mountains out of mole hills? Take a breath, take a break and think before you speak (or e-mail) back in anger or hatred. Not jumping to conclusions, not making moutains out of mole hills and thinking before you speak is all one great big tool to add to our tool box. I like to think of this tool as a shovel - you know shovel yourself out of the load of smelly stuff your mouth or actions have gotten yourself into perhaps? Get it out, think about it, examine it, keep it shiny and ready...seek your memories of instances that could have gone better if only you had your tool at hand. Remember, learn and vow to take action - now put the tool back in your tool box, because you're ready for the next time!

Ornaments...

2010-11-21T20:03:00.000-05:00

Well my dears...
there goes the weekend. Another one for the books. Blink and its over...does it seem that way to you too?

I started...
my weekend off with a BANG! when I opened up a package that landed in my mailbox to discover this little treat from Teresa. She stitched me this beautiful ornament for our personal Christmas Ornament Exchange:

"Faith, Hope and Peace" Ornament stitched by Teresa S.

Thank you...

sweet Teresa for stitching and finishing this lovely, lovely ornament for me :) It is hanging on our tree at this very moment!

And here...

is what I stitched for Teresa:

"Manger Scene"

Designed by: The Prairie Schooler

taken from the "Starry Night" leaflet

I heard...

that Danica received my ornament too, so here's what I stitched for her:

"French Country Angel"

Designed by Judy Whitman ~ JBW Designs

stitched 1 over 1 on 32 ct. white linen

using Crescent Colours Belle Soie "Sister Scarlett"

I...

cleaned our house, top to bottom and side to side, on Thursday and Friday. I stooped, bent, climbed and reached so much that by Friday evening...my tail was dragging. But the Hubs brought some pizza to nourish us and then the fun began as we put up all our Christmas decorations. Saturday dawned and I could hardly move I ached all over...but I have a clean house and its all decorated for Christmas and after popping a couple of Advil, I was good to go! We decorated early because my husband is leaving on work travel to Seattle, WA after Thanksgiving and my three big kids have their birthdays the first two weeks in December. So ...game on.

I'll leave you with a little peek of my front door:

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my hands to work and heart to God!
Hugs and love,

Blackwork Angel...

2010-11-18T07:33:00.000-05:00

Thursday Greetings!
I just heard that one of my exchange partners, Catherine - who agreed to do a Christmas Ornament personal exchange with me, received her ornament I made for her. This is an oldie but a goodie and I came up with a new way to finish it. Please let me introduce to you Catherine's Ornament:

"Peace Blackwork Angel"

Designed by: The Prairie Schooler

design taken from the 2003 Complimentary Card

For the finishing...

I wanted something beautiful, something new and different that I hadn't seen before, and I think that I achieved it. I laid in bed (yep, I fall to sleep at night dreaming up ideas of how to finish stuff - demented, I know) and figured it out in my head - the next morning after I got the kids to school I was putting my ideas to work. And what I dreamed and planned in my head, worked out perfectly on the finish! That isn't a "pre-fabricated" shaped board. Nope, it is mat board that I drew the scallops on, cut it out and then painted it black, sanded it, punched some holes into it, painted it a couple of more times, varnished it and then strung it with cording and mounted my stitched piece on it. Then I jazzed it up with tiny ball fringe around the piece and a gold bow to set it off. I hated to say goodbye to my little angel., but I hope that Catherine loved her as much as I did. Sometimes, I don't know if what I think is pretty, others think is pretty. But I do know that my little Angel will bring "Peace" to the home she graces. I'll whip one up for myself another time :)

Ellie...

is back to her normal self! Thank you for all your well wishes and inquiries. She was back to bossing us all around yesterday. After seven days of malaise I was sorta glad that she was back to her bossy self...well, for the first few hours of the day anyway... :)

Until next time my friends...

I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God"!

Thank you for visiting with me!

Hugs and love,

One busy morning...

2010-11-16T11:58:00.002-05:00

Good Morning...
my dear friends and fellow stitchers! Today, on this Tuesday, I found myself with a second "totally free" day in a row! If you knew how my schedule has been over the last year, you'd understand my enthusiasm and the feeling that I may have hit the lotto :) In fact, my new found ability to say "no" has been quite rewarding. I'm trying to practice the word now without feeling that twinge of guilt when I say it.

So what to do...
well I decided that I might as well get ahead of the Christmas rush and finish a few ornaments and gifts that I've been squirrelling away. Here's the first:

"Frosty Flakes"

Designed by: Little House Needleworks - Diane Williams

Then I pulled out this one...

"Peppermint Twist"

Designed by: Little House Needleworks - Diane Williams

And the good Lord...

blessed my extended family with two new additions, so like every other baby that is related to me, I stitched my old standard "Baby's First Christmas" ornament. I've stitched a lot of these (including some for my own children) and they always turn out so cute. I've finished them in a variety of ways over the years, but these turned out the best ever, in my opinion. This one is for my brother Adam's new son (and my Godson) - Benjamin:

Then my other brother...

Jeremy, had his first son this year too. His name is Weber and he's a chip off the old block (if I do say so myself):

Sweet Benjamin and darling Weber...

won't get to know each other very well because Benjamin lives here in Indiana and Weber (and his Daddy and Mommy) live way out in California, but they will share ornaments on their tree made by their Aunt Vonnie who loves them both dearly!

"Bunny in a Stocking"

Designed by: Lorri Birmingham

So no idle hands...

were to be found here this morning! And I don't think all of this:

is too bad for a morning's work! Even when you throw in that I also made homemade biscuits and gravy (my kiddo's favorite breakfast), getting three kids off to school and straightening the house. And it's only 11:30 a.m. Now on to the afternoon's project! I pulled something today that I'm going to *hopefully* feature in December. It's an oldie, but a goodie!

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God"!
Hugs and love,

Monday round up....

2010-11-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

It's Monday....
not that I'm totally thrilled about it ;) But I'll get along OK . How was your weekend, dear friend? Mine, you ask? Well so-so, I had to work but that wasn't so bad, but poor Ellie is dreadfully ill. I thought she was coming out of it yesterday afternoon, but last night she took a turn and is back to the same old symptoms. (103 temp, sleeping, grouchy...) Today, luckily we have a "down" day, so she's staying in her PJ's and I'm sticking to my chair *fingers crossed*.

I've got....
lots to share so I'll get on with it. First up, was a surprise that landed in my mailbox last week. It sure was a sweet surprise when I opened up a box and found this sweet face peering back at me:

Punchneedle Snowman Pincushion

punched and finished by my dear friend Brenda

Hop on over...
to Brenda's blog and check out all her lovely stitching and finishes. GORGEOUS stuff abounds in her stitching corner :) Thank you Brenda for your sweet surprise. He sits on the arm of my chair grinning up at me.

Next....
I had this wild hair in late September to get myself a partner to exchange a Christmas Ornament with me. Seems I can't be satisfied just stitching one myself and hanging it on my tree... So I put up a "would you like to exchange with me..." on my blog and in 15 minutes I had five exchange partners and were turning people away. The next day I thought..."how in the world did it come about I was stitching 5 different ornaments for 5 different people"...I'm sure you know the feeling! LOL! But the stitching was pleasurable and the exchanges are beginning to be exchanged and that always gets my juices flowing! Here is the first little beauty that landed in my mailbox. This one is from Danica

A Christmas Cross

stitched and finished by Danica

design taken from Just Cross Stitch Magazine Oranment Issue 2004

Thank you....
Danica for exchanging with me! I will treasure this beauty each Christmas season, as I hang it on our tree. And mine is in the mail on the way to Dani, so I'll be able to show YOU what I stitched for HER soon!

Finally....
for the past 5 years, I've had this lovely gold and silver ornament ball wreath that I made hanging on our door. Last year, when I was taking down the Christmas decorations, I fumbled the delicate wreath -which resulted in mass hysteria. This year...I have no wreath to put on our door. The Hubs and I were talking yesterday about outside decorations for this year and I said, I'd rather go big on the inside and go light on the outside. So we settled on flickering candles in all the windows (that'd be 15 - you should have seen the guy's face at Lowe's when we checked out), trees with white lights in the milk cans at the front door and wreaths around the carriage lights on either side of the garage door....but what for the door? I looked at wreaths and nothing suited me (or my pocket book) so I had an idea about a large stocking for the front door. I got out some newspaper, taped it together and started drawing. Then I revved up my Janome and got going and here's what I produced:

A Pointy Toe Christmas Stocking

for our front door, made out of wool felt

with jingle bells and wool felt embellishments

by me :)

Not to shabby....
for an hours work, eh? And you should see how it looks on our Burgundy colored front door....!!!!! The neighbors will be jealous :)

I guess that does it for me.....
for today. Hopefully there will be something else to jump out of the pot to bedazzle you later on this week. Until then, I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God"!
Hugs and love,

Tool: Smile. Smiling sure doesn't take much effort on your part, but the result it brings is worth more than a vault filled with gold. Put a smile on your face and see the rewards that will be reaped....not only will you see smiles in return, but you'll see even the hardest heart melted, moods altered, the down trodden uplifted and your own heart filled with warmth and happiness. So SMILE :) it's a gift. It's a tool. Put it in your toolbox and take it out, examine and share it!

Peyton's Square...

2010-11-04T15:51:00.000-04:00

Happy Thursday....
stitching friends! With renewed vigor and purpose, I stitched right along on this quilt square for Peyton at Love Quilts . Peyton is a girl my boys' age, her favorite things are hearts, flowers and the color purple. So I stitched up this square, using a lot of purple and I think it just turned out darling.

Peyton's "Love Quilts" Square

Design: "Believe" part of the "Once Upon A Time" thread pack series

a collaboration of Little House Needleworks and Crescent Colours

Stitched on: 14 ct. White Aida

Stitched with: DMC in my own colorway for Peyton

Ok...
one square down and many more to go for this worthwhile cause, its my goal. I don't know what will come out for air next in my stitching bag...but something worthy and worthwhile to tickle my fancy and yours hopefully. I don't have to work this weekend, and I got all the laundry done...the house is clean too, so I'm thinking a little numb butt is in order for the weekend. I hope my husband and kids play nice with my plans. Ellie's already told me she's going to Lunch Bunch tomorrow (that's "extended" day for Pre-school, where they take their lunch and eat with their classmates then have romper room afterwards)...that means Mama has 4 hours to herself! That's some prime numb butt time:)

Nostalgia...
last weekend we went home to visit our parents and life had me thinking about people that made large contributions to making me who I am. I had a teacher once that always had some quip or quote to tell us at the end of his classes - I was in High School at the time - and right before the bell would ring he would say something witty and then say, "Remember it, put it in your tool box , pull it out and use it in your life." So I thought it would be cathartic for me to remind myself of some tools in my tool box, take them out, examine them, remember them, use them and share them with you . So at the end of my posts, I'm going to have my tool of the "week". I know it will help me, maybe it will help you....

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God"!
Hugs and love,

Tool: Be a listener. Tamp down that feeling to best, beat and talk over someone. Bust up the ego. Close your mouth. Open your ears. Listen. You may be surprised what you might hear. It's an art. It's a gift. Use it. Put it in your toolbox.

Showing the Love....

2010-11-02T07:50:00.001-04:00

Good Morning!

First off, I need to thank each and every one of you for your kind comments, thoughts and words on my poor disposition that I had last post. I know that we all get bogged down in life from time to time and I was mentally, emotionally and physically bogged down with a lot of stuff. But believe me your words and kindness improved my feelings right away! Thank YOU for being my friends and confidants!

Speaking of improving and good feelings....

I was contacted by a very nice lady about Love Quilts . Love Quilts is a not for profit organization that recruits stitchers to stitch squares with a certain theme for a sick child. A child ravished emotionally and physically by illness or disease. Love Quilts is in need of stitchers so that they can prepare quilts for these ailing children. The website is excellent and the process needed to stitch and send a square for a quilt is all laid out step by step for the novice Love Quilts stitcher. You can see the directions for stitching squares here: Love Quilts Square Directions

You know...

I believe that God works in mysterious ways. Last post I was feeling sorry for myself and quite frankly throwing a big pity party complete with balloons and streamers. Then yesterday I receive an e-mail about these kids. That was God's way of giving me a kick in the seat - and telling me to wake up and shut up my belly aching! So after perusing the website and understanding the process I submitted my application to stitch for a new Love Quilt being made for Peyton M. (you can see the new quilts that need stitchers here: 2011 Love Quilts Kids)

This morning....

I happily received a YES! for my application. I've pulled a pattern, got my Aida square prepared and am ready to stitch! I'm going to try to do at least 6 squares a year. That's me doing what I love for those that need a little bright spot in a life made dreary by disease. That's me giving back for all the many blessings I've received and have in my life. That's me being thankful that I CAN while others may be UNABLE to do what they love.

Won't you consider....

looking over the Love Quilts Website and making application for stitching a square for a child in need? I think it would be a fabulous way to give especially with the season of giving so close upon us, don't you?

In the meantime....
I'll be keeping my 'hands to work and heart to God', just like always! Why don't you join me?
Hugs and Love,

Sampler Roundy...

2010-10-05T14:19:00.000-04:00

Well...

as soon as I saw it, I knew I would stitch it. Not only because the design is so doggone cute, but because Sampler and Roundy were in the title. I love Samplers and I definitely am a little sampling of "Roundness" myself :)

SO....

with out further ado, may I introduce you to Sampler Roundy:

"Sampler Roundy"

Designed by: Shakespeare's Peddler

Stitched on: 32 ct. Picture This Plus "Earthen" Lugana

Stitched with: Limited Edition GAST cottons contained in kit

This...

is cuteness, is it not? I love how ingenious the finish is. Theresa in my humble opinion hit it out of the ball park on this one. One of the reasons I think I love it so much is: it reminds me of a footed Cake Pedestal (which contributes to my roundy-ness). I don't know if I have ever shared this with you all (God forbid, I've shared just about everything else!), but I love me some cake! In fact, I believe I could be the female Cake Boss, except I don't live in Hoboken and I don't have a Jersey accent, but I sure can talk me some redneck :) Move over Betty Crocker....

So...

I understand that this is a limited kit? I think...anyway....but if anyone is interested, I have this up for sale/trade on my link up there at the top of this page. There are plenty of threads left to stitch this cutie pie with.

Ok...

what's next?! Well I need to finish my Family Sampler by LHN. I've been sort of stuck on the top section and doing these small finishes gave me some impetus to pull it back together and get a big WIP done :)

AND...

A question...I think that there is a Birds of a Feather chart entitled "Joyous Christmas" which is a nativity scene. I can get it in needlepoint canvas still, but is there a cross stitch chart? I think there is....If so, does anyone out there have it and if you do, would someone want to loan it to me? I'd stitch it REAL FAST and get it back to you unharmed. I'd even finish something - anything you had ready for finishing - for loaning it to me :) Anyone, anyone.....

Until next time...

I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God"!

Hugs and love,

Delightful Weekend....

2010-10-03T09:52:00.004-04:00

Sunday Morning....

And just about ready to leave for the hospital, but I was so excited to show you the fruits of my labor over the weekend!

On Friday evening, I stitched and finished this elegant little thing:

"Miniature Monogram Hornbook - Margin Marker"

by Kelmscott Designs

Stitched on: 32 ct. French Country Mocha Belfast 1 over 1

Stitched with: Belle Soie ~ Olde Crow ~ Crescent Colours Silk
**I made and added the cording with the tassel myself**

Then....

Saturday after I got home from the hospital I pulled out and stitched and finished this lovely thing:

"Tombstone Angel"

by: Kelmscott Designs

Stitched on: 40 count French Vanilla Newcastle (one over two)

Stitched with: Belle Soie ~ Olde Crow ~ Crescent Colours Silk

This all turned into....
A lovely pair of pretties to sit in my needlework basket by my stitching chair, stitched on a most delightfully relaxing weekend - even though I had to punch in at work! Fellow stitcher's, I would run *real fast* or at least type *real fast* to your local needlework shop and get you some of this stitchy goodness! I'm in love with mine. I can't stop looking at them or smiling because they are just so doggone cute! Don't you agree?! ;o)

And a little secret to share....
This isn't all I've stitched this weekend! I'm about halfway on another St. Charles Market release I even got the stuff from Hobby Lobby (as called for) painted and ready to finish the item! And the only hint I have to share is....it isn't Jane Tindall....although I've been looking at her real hard and riffling her pages.....

Until next time...
I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God" while I finish my next stitching project!

Hugs and love,

Quaker Strawberry

2010-10-01T14:19:00.002-04:00

TGIF my sweets!
TGIF! It's been one of "those kind" of weeks, if you catch my drift....and I'm joyous that the day of days is here! :)

Now...
I'm sure some of my blog readers have noticed that I've been very absent of late. And I have...on blogging, on commenting and visiting blogs, just absent in general. Although I love to keep busy as it keeps me out of trouble, I am ready for a bit of a break and I've determined that this weekend is THE weekend for me to get some stitching in for myself.

Before...
I get on with Vonna's stitch in, I'd like to show you a little surprise that I stitched up for my dear friend Ann, who is a fellow Microbiolgist at the hospital where I work. Not only is Ann my collegue, she is really a true friend. She is one of those kind of people that should have wings and a halo. I love her with all my heart, I really do. Anyway, Ann turned 70 years young yesterday and today I surprised her with a little gift:

"Quaker Strawberry"

designed by: Blackbird Designs

Design published in: 2006 Just Cross Stitch Ornament Issue

Stitched on 32 ct. antique ivory belfast

Stitched with: Strawberry Shortcake Belle Soie by Crescent Colours

(which I thought was appropriate!)

I'm going to be honest....

this was a breeze to stitch, the Belle Soie lovely to work with as always, but the finishing...bah humbug! Pretty fiddley....I think you have just seen the first and last Strawberry made by these two hands. :)

So...

now I get to stitch for myself and I am really close on something from the St. Charles Market....maybe tomorrow another finish?!

Until next time....

I'll be keeping my "hands to work and heart to God"!

Love and hugs,

My Room...

2010-09-25T09:50:00.001-04:00

Just so....
everyone knows I'm still alive and kickin' - albeit no stitchin' (or none that I can show you anyway....)
I thought I'd show you my new Sewing/Finishing room! See it's a dilemma that has been solved! We have this odd shaped 4th bedroom and its been mainly a guest room/playroom/catch all room for the past 4 years we've lived here. But this summer after doing some "major" re-doing of the kids rooms (i.e. purchasing bunk beds, desks, chairs, etc - we definitely stimulated the economy!)....My dear husband told me that I should make this room my room. So without further ado...we started moving everything from the basement up two flights of stairs to the third floor. And here we are, welcome to:

My Room:

My work area....
notice the double windows which face the street and primarily where my kids play so I can beat on the windows, shake my fists and make dirty faces at them if they are doing something wrong. Plus, see my best friend in the basket? Mama had to buy him a basket so he'd keep his paws off my work area :) He sleeps in there all day....

Hey....
whatcha working on?

Then....
I've mentioned my flock of friends before and here they are for you to meet, roosting by my windows.

And...
I moved up my thread cabinet (spool chest, whatever you want to call it) up here too...so that all my treasures that are stitching related are in this room.

Here's a new idea....
my furry friends were digging around on my plastic bag of fiber fill. So I purchased a tall kitchen waste basket and the problem was solved, and it looks neat and clean too!

Fiberfill anyone?....

And you all remember my 15 drawer organizer....
it found a new home too, and nicely labeled so that at a glance I can pull the over dyed cotton or silk and find the perfect count fabric.

What's in those baskets on the top? Well let's see.....
Well who would have guessed?! :)

And in the other....
boy am I behind...four years worth behind too.....

Then this summer I added a 10 drawer organizer in snazzy pink!
I labeled them with all of my FAV designers and each drawer contains all the patterns I own of that particular designer! Little House and Country Cottage Needleworks has their own tub file system since I believe (last fondling of the patterns) that I have all of them ever published....(yes, I am a glutton) And Prairie Schooler and Blackbird Designs are getting pretty close to needing their own tub filing system too.
*note this organizer can be found at Office Depot for around $40*

Hey, what's in the basket on top?...
Well, who would have guessed?!

Oh and I've got more baskets....
All of these are kitted with threads and ready to go....and I have two more PICNIC baskets, but I'm going to stop here. Probably go to confession too, because I believe I've passed gluttony and have gone on to gorging incessantly.....

In fact....
maybe I need to lie down in my room and think about my gluttonous sins for awhile.

Oh look who joined me....
sweet boy of mine....he's a fellow glutton too...although of the Fancy Feast Cat Food kind....I believe he just got done with a can, in fact...

Well....
maybe a little boob tube might ease our collective conscious....

Hey! YoHOO! One of you five other people that live in this house?! Can somebody bring me a Coke? Red and I are resting. . . .

THANK YOU for touring my Room with me :) That was fun!

Until next time....
I'll see you next time, hopefully with some real stitching to show you. Until then, I'll be "keeping my hands to work and heart to God"!
Hugs and love,

"My Room".....