Serene Stitches

Atanyk

2012-02-10T14:49:00.003-05:00

My sweet boy...

Bella

2012-02-10T10:16:00.002-05:00

Time on my hands

2010-05-29T20:11:00.001-04:00

what a wonderful experience!

My house is clean and organized. I've had lunch dates with friends and some thrifty shopping time. And, I have had lots of stitching time - hooray! It's a wonderful start to my summer.

I started Jean Rattray (another A&E) - it has lots of green and apples with white centers - not sure what that is about.

Jean Rattray
Threads of Gold
40 ct something, recommended threads

I also finished my May ornament (SAL with Siobhan and Lois). This is a Shepherd's Bush ornament from the 2006 magazine. It was a fun & easy project.

Mary & Joseph
Shepherd's Bush
32 ct something, recommended threads

I received a wonderful surprise package from Terri. It was so prettily wrapped and packed in a cute, cute basket (that I failed to photograph). Aren't these strawberries so very sweet - I love each and every one of them! Terri, thank you so very much - it was such a delightful surprise to receive something handmade from you - I will treasure these always!

I received a package from Deb and, once again, she worked her magic. Deb, you are the best!

???
Cross-Eyed Cricket
Recommended Fabric & Fiber

Winter
The Prairie Schooler - 2006 CS Ornaments
Unknown Fabric & Recommended Fiber

And lastly, I was the lucky winner of one of Becky's wonderful giveaways. If you have not visited her blog, please do so. She is a talented woman with a big heart. So many wonderful charts - I am in stitching heaven. Thanks, Becky!

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend. To those who have loved one in the armed forces, we are most grateful for their service to our country. My grandfather (WWII), father (Vietnam), and brother (Air Force) served in the military.

Happy Stitching!

Cari

The Big Day

2010-05-19T09:26:00.004-04:00

Saturday, May 15th, 2010 - I graduated!

There were over 9,000 graduates of which, 4,400 participated in Saturday's Commencement Ceremony. Glen Beck was our guest speaker. The main ceremony was outside - temps of 92 (nothing like wearing a long-sleeved black gown and black cap in the heat, lol).

It was a wonderful day and my family and friends were all there to cheer me on as I walked across the stage to receive my diploma - B.S. Business Management.

My friends threw me a great party on Sunday - it was very humbling to see all the work they did just for me. I am blessed to have a wonderful circle of close girlfriends - Paige, Elke, Tiffany, Susan, Beth, Linda, Lisa, and Ramona - you are the best and I am so very grateful to call you my friends.

To my blogging friends, please forgive me for being MIA - I owe you lots of emails, thank you's, and catching up to do on each of your blogs. With all my schooling out of the way, I hope to be more consistent with my posting and blogging. I so cherish the friendships I have made this past year through my blog. You all are the best!

I have lots of stitching to show you in my next post.

Have a wonderful day!

Cari

Finishes, Gifts, & Thrifty Finds

2010-04-28T19:48:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone! It's been quite a week and it's only Wednesday. I am running on about 10 hours of sleep over the last two days. Lots of project due as we near the end of the semester. Oh how I love to say that 'end of the semester', whoohoo! No one should ever attempt to take nine classes during one semester - it's been insane. But, I also have to say I am grateful to have all these classes completed.

The series Bones has been entertaining me as I have been working on homework. I just love this show! I started with Season 1 a few weeks ago and am now watching Season 5. I have read several of the books (Kathy Reichs) so it's fun to see the characters come to life.

Staci asked about my scissors in the last post. I found them on ebay. The handles are made of the old Bakelite material. The cream side is showing and the opposite side is a gold opaque color - they are really cool.

I have been very fortunate to win a couple of drawings. The first is a from a new blog I discovered recently. I was so surprised and delighted to win - look at all the wonderful goodies! And, yep, that is a Starbucks gift certificate. Thanks so much Nancy.

candle holders, deco bird, deco tag, pretty notepads, Starbucks gc, and a cute tote bag.

The second item came from the Online Needlework Show. M Designs had a drawing and I WON!!! I had the opportunity to choose my favorite chart - hard decision. I chose this one - I really like the alternate color scheme shown in the corner.

I helped my friend Tiffany (no blog) with her yard sale last weekend and I got some wonderful pieces from her sale though she wouldn't let me pay (love you Tiffany!)

These baskets are so pretty - I've never seen these before.

I love this pitcher. It doesn't have any markings, but it doesn't appear to be old either.

I love milk glass and have several pieces scattered about. Tiffany gave me two lovely pieces. This gorgeous vase and another sweet little hobnob piece.

The little hobnob piece now resides a top the mantel in the dining room. When my husband and I first looked at our home, a piano sat in the dining room. When we moved in (and the piano was gone) we were tickled to find a fireplace hearth with the beautiful tiles in tact. But sadly, no mantel. A few months after moving in, my husband found this gorgeous fireplace mantel in the attic. I stripped it and re-painted it. I have been searching for the missing tiles, to no avail. It's been 10 years, way past time to just settle for finding some different tiles so that we can affix this baby to the wall. It currently just leans against the wall with the top portion just sitting on the bottom, unattached. It's definitely an accident waiting to happen.

And, this came last Saturday as well.....

I am so tickled to own one of these Barnett & Jaffey cases, I love it. And, I owe it all to my friend Terri, "the enabler." Now I just have to find time to fill it up.

My friend Lisa (no blog) gave me these really cool shoes - they didn't fit her. They are JCrew jelly shoes - they don't look like jellies and they are so comfy! She also gave me this can of Vernor's. For those that don't know, this is a Michigan pop and in Virginia, it is extinct. Lisa is from Michigan and goes home often to visit family and she gratefully brings me back a piece of my home state. I am saving it for a movie nite. Vernors and popcorn go together perfectly.

Now to my big news. I FINALLY finished the Yellow House. Another A&E, I am so very happy.

Yellow House
Sheepish Designs
Lakeside Linen Light Exampler & DMC threads

Also, here is my April Ornament. Lois, Siobhan, and I are doing an ornament SAL and we have made it thru FOUR months - hooray!

Just Nan Freebie
Unidentified Fabric & recommended threads.

I have started Jean Rattray (another A&E) by but don't have enough to show right now.

Anybody still with me? Sorry for prattling on for so long! Well, back to my homework...

Have a great week and happy stitching.

Cari

p.s. Check out Paulette and Marsha's new blog and they are having a giveaway! I went out at lunch and purchased some fresh blackberries so I can make their blackberry and vanilla muffins - they look yummy!

Finding time to breathe!

2010-04-19T20:19:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have one of those days where you have so much going on that you barely have time to take a breath let a lone a bathroom break? Well, my whole week has been that way.

It's been a great week and I wouldn't change any of it, but I am so grateful for a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do but relax, catch up on blogging, and spend some quality time with my needle and thread.

I have had lots of homework, social obligations, fun times with friends, homework, physical therapy and regular work - it's been quite a whirlwind.

Saturday I helped my friend Tiffany with her yard sale - I got some wonderful goodies - pictures later. We had a fun day and she got rid of a lot of stuff - which was her goal.

I was quite honored to receive an award from Jolene. Thanks so much dear friend - what a delightful surprise this was.

Now, I am supposed to list 10 things that make me happy and pass this on to ten people.

Things that bring me happiness:

1. My family and my sweet, sweet, Smokie

2. Long talks on the phone with my brother, Shawn.

3. Spending time with my nieces & nephew - Matthew, Ana, Abby

4. The time I spend with my friends - I love girltime.

5. My good health

6. Long walks with a good book playing on my Zune

7. Road trips - to anywhere!

8. Cross stitching

9. The wonderful friendships I have formed thru my blog

10. Antiquing, meandering thru thrift stores, estate sales, etc.

This is always the hardest part as there are so many wonderful people & wonderful blogs - I decided to pass this on to 10 new blogs I have just recently discovered in the past two weeks – hopefully you will stop by and visit them as well…

1. Margaret - A Sampler of Stitches

2. Robin - My Life's A Stitch

3. Edgar - Black Sheep's Bit of the Web

4. Susan - Afford Your Passion

5. Nancy - Nancy's Tidbits

6. Andrea - The Craft Room

7. Carol - Stitching Dreams

8. Staci - Snippets & Stash

9. Corinna - Cup of Stitches

10. Valerie - A Shenandoah Sampler

I also received a wonderful award from Melissa awhile ago but failed to put it on my blog - Melissa you are such a dear friend - thanks for the award! The award rules are to list seven interesting things about yourself and to pass this award on to seven people. Well, I have already done this once and won’t bore you all again but feel free to go here 7 & 7 - Melissa, I hope you don't mind.

Andrea (Deep Fried Cupcakes) won Terri’s giveaway and generously offered one of the charts she received as a giveaway. I was the lucky winner (happy dance) - I was so excited to receive this fabulous chart. Andrea, thanks again for sharing your win - I am most grateful!

I also received a wonderful surprise package from my friend, Deb - thanks so much Deb!

And, I was able to nab one of Tanya's wonderful, wonderful handpainted sets - isn't it just lovely!

Tanya, it is even more amazing in person than on screen.

Stop by and visit with Edgar of Blacksheep's Bit of the Web and wish him a happy blogiversary and congratulate him on his 700th post. He is having a giveaway in celebration of this momentous occasion.

I hope you have a wonderful week! Thanks so much for stopping by and for leaving such wonderful comments - I am truly grateful.

Have a wonderful week and happy stitching!

Cari

Spring is in full bloom

2010-04-01T20:37:00.000-04:00

and what a wonderful, glorious sight it is. Our long winter has given me a better appreciation for Spring.

I know this picture is blurry, but I was driving and just had to snap a picture of this gorgeous stormy sky framed by the cherry blossom trees.

I apologize for my absenteeism - school is keeping me very busy. I am excited to be on the downhill side of things. I currently have six classes and only six weeks of school left, whoohoo!

I have managed to do a little stitching here and there. I did finish my March Ornament - actually two of them, one to keep and one to give as a gift.

Noel
Trail Creek Farms
WDW & unknown fabric

And here is my progress on "The Yellow House Sampler"

Yellow House Sampler
Sheepish Designs
DMC & 40 ct fabric

My one Easter purchase was this cute little beaded bracelet - I just love the spring colors.

Smokie with her new toy. She loves playing in it but keeps rolling it into the tv and scaring herself, it's hilarious.

Well, that's about all I know. Life is kinda boring in my little corner of the world.

Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving me wonderful comments. I am so grateful for all the wonderful people I have met thru my little blog.

Happy Stitching!

Cari

Loose Feathers Patterns

2010-03-25T10:17:00.003-04:00

Good Morning!

I just listed several old Loose Feather patterns on ebay if anyone is interested.

Two Hearts #34 (new) - with Fabric

Beyond My Heart #32 (new) - with Fabric

Moonlit Garden #22

Where My Heart Bloosm #29

Rites of Spring #30 (new) - with Fabric

Stitching update coming soon (including my March Ornament).

Enjoy your day.

Cari

A Spring Giveaway

2010-03-24T10:22:00.005-04:00

from my dear friend Deb at the Thread Gatherer. Isn't it just beautiful! Stop by and visit her blog, she is one amazingly, talented woman.

Enjoy your day!

Cari

Thank you!

2010-03-13T12:45:00.001-05:00

As of 8:59 Friday evening, I officially began Spring Break – whoo hoo! NINE DAYS OF FREEDOM – well almost, three classes are still in progress but 3 versus 6 seems like a piece of cake. I have a long list of things I plan to do while I am off. Top of the list is clean my house! Because of my knee fracture, I cannot get on my hands and knees and scrub my floors. My DH told me not to worry, when they got ‘dirty enough’, he would clean them. Well, it has been almost 3 months and DH hasn’t touched them so, I have a girl coming on Monday to make my house sparkle! I have emails to catch up on and blogs to view, I am going to overhaul the closet in our master bedroom, I have to input my portion of our tax stuff into the computer, I’m going to listen to lots of books, go for long walks, spend time with friends, watch lots of movies, and make lots and lots of x’s.

Speaking of x’s, here is my progress on the Yellow House Sampler

First, I have to thank my brother Shawn for fixing my blog as it was hijacked a couple of weeks ago. I added a counter from the Google choices – well it had a virus. Whenever anyone would enter my blog, it would automatically re-direct them to a site trying to sell something. Shawn is an absolute computer genius! He found the problem and fixed it quickly – THANKS BIG BROTHER!

Secondly, I have to thank the talented and generous Jolene of Dip Diddly Designs who honored me with a blogging award. I confess that I don’t feel very worthy of it as I have not been very attentive to my blog or to others. Along with myself, the award was given to Terri, Deb, Loraine, Yuko, Staci, and Kellie – what an honor to be listed with these six amazing women, congratulations ladies!

There are stipulations that come with the award:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award – check.

2. Paste the award on your blog – check.

3. Link to the person who nominated you – check.

4. Tell 7 interesting things about yourself – check (not sure they are interesting, but there are seven).

5. Nominate 7 blogs and post links – check.

Seven random things about myself:

Ø I am currently taking 9 classes this semester – complete insanity. But, this means I will graduate in May with my BS in Business Management. I will begin my Master’s this summer and my goal is to complete it in a year, Lord willing.

Ø I live in a house that was built in 1895 and each room has a fireplace. In my bedroom my favorite place to drop my jewelry was onto the mantle. Well, sure enough my favorite necklace slipped behind the fireplace mantle one evening. I took a wire hanger and tried to slide the necklace out. First I came out with someone’s checkbook, next a photograph of a bride the back was dated 1898, a $20 bill, another $20, and another $20, a $10 (none of this was money we had lost), a postcard from 1910, a few hand-hewn (handmade) nails, and lastly my beloved necklace.

Ø By the time I graduated high school, I had moved 14 times. I never attended one school more than two years. No, my father was not military, he worked in the grocery business and when he received a promotion, it meant moving to a new area to manage more stores. I was born in Michigan and lived in Illinois, Minnesota, Tennessee, Alabama, and Virginia.

Ø I have four brothers, no sisters, DAVID * JASONN * SHAWN * BOBBY.

Ø I love shoes, especially high heels and wear them most of the time. (of course, the fact that I am only 5’5” is a motivator)

Ø My previous job was managing four departments. One of these departments was Production. I would frequently help out which meant lots of running around. I would often kick my heels off to allow me to move faster and give my poor feet a break. Unfortunately, my employees got great amusement out of hiding my shoes. One afternoon after completing a huge order, I walked over to the table where I had kicked my shoes off, slipped my feet back in and as I began to walk away, I realized everyone was watching me and, I realized I couldn’t move – they had velcroed my shoes to the carpet.

Ø My favorite snack foods are chocolate and popcorn – not necessarily together. And, I am a coffee snob.

Now comes the hard part, choosing only seven blogs to nominate, I did choose seven that were not on Jolene’s list but it was still hard as I love so many blogs, here goes…

v Siobhan – Notes from Blue Hen Hollow

v Lois – Of Needles, Pins, and Stitching Things

v Margaret – Days of a Sampler Lover

v Laurie – Corgi Cottage

v Tanya – The Scarlet House

v Melissa – Words and Blooms

v Kim – Threadheads Unite

Take a few moments to visit these talented women, their work will inspire you.

Thanks to everyone who stops by for a visit, your comments mean so much!

I’m off to get all dressed up as we have two wedding to attend this afternoon.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cari

And the Winner Is....

2010-03-01T20:20:00.003-05:00

Laurie in Iowa! Congratulations Laurie! Will you please email your address to me and I'll put it in the mail this week.

Thanks for all the wonderful comments on my last post. I have met so many wonderful ladies during my short time in blogworld.

Happy Stitching

Cari

Gifts Galore

2010-02-24T17:15:00.004-05:00

Smokie wanted to model the gifts. This bench is her favorite sleeping spot.Those of you that follow Alma's (Blackbird Designs) blog know that she recently has an amazing giveaway and I won, I really won. I was quite shocked and excited. The box arrived on Monday and it was full of wonderful items. The pincushion bottom is a wonderful piece and it includes a free pattern.
Bluebird pincushion ~ Bird in Hand pincushion

Next is Blackbird Designs new book, Honeysuckle Manor. It is full of wonderful patterns.And lastly are two Blackbird leaflets and a Stitcher's Journal. Snow Garden ~ Valentine Rose

I received so many wonderful items that I wanted to share. So, I am having a drawing for all my followers. Up for grabs is "Snow Garden." Just leave your information on this post by the end of the day on February 28th and I will draw a name on March 1st.

Thanks Alma & Barb for the wonderful giveaway -
your generosity and your talent are amazing!

Lastly, is my February ornament (it's your turn Siobhan). Siobhan, Lois, and I are stitching ornaments together, our goal is one a month. Lois finished BBD Merry Christmas Stocking, it is beautiful! My finish is by Midsummer Nights Designs and it will find its way to Deb sometime soon for her to work her magic.

Jingle, Sparkle, Joy
Midsummer Night Designs
DMC & random fabric

I have to tell you how sad I am - I always google my blog when I want to check it (it's supposed to help it somehow, the more searches. the better). Anyhow, to my shock and dismay someone has started a new website and a new facebook account using my name, Serene Stitches. I am really upset about it and while I understand I don't own these two words, I kinda feel that my identity has been stolen. Has this happened to any of you? (boohiss)

On another note, after this week I only have two weeks left in this sub-term, hooray! I have a week break and then I begin the next sub-term. I actually filled out my graduation application yesterday - it was quite exciting and it is actually beginning to feel real.

I hope you have a wonderful week full of stitching time.

Cari

Movies I have seen: Expiration Date; Definitely, Maybe; Nothing but the Truth; Arthur; People Will Talk.
Books I have listened to this week: The Last Song, Nicholas Sparks; A Share In Death, Deborah Crombie; The Body in the Library, Agatha Christie; The Mirror Cracked Side-to-Side, Agatha Christie.

Living in a Snowglobe

2010-02-15T15:36:00.004-05:00

Yep, it snowed again - I feel like I am living in a snow globe and someone keeps shaking the darn thing. I know you northerners (I say that affectionately as I am one by birth) are tired of us southerners whining about all this snow but it really has been an unusual winter. Well, I made it through last week, finished all my homework by Saturday, and I spent a relaxing Sunday, Valentine's Day, with my husband. We went out for lunch and then to the movies. He had been asking me what I wanted to do for V-day and I kept teasing that I wanted to see all the new chick flix. Of course, this caused lots of eye rolling and a 'be serious'. But after lunch, when I asked what was on the agenda, my dh said - "you said you wanted to see some movies so that's what we are going to do" I was so surprised and delighted. We saw "Did You Hear What Happened to the Morgans?", "Leap Year", and then I felt sorry for the man and we went to see the new Travolta movie "To Paris, With Love". It was a fun and relaxing day - which is exactly what I needed.

I ordered this in December and it just arrived - it was the Kit-of the-Month at Shakespeare's Peddler and I just love the fabric that came with it. Aren't the scissors wonderful! They were an unexpected surprise from Deb - I was so delighted to receive them and I love them - thanks again Deb!

Lastly, this is my paltry progress on The Yellow House - if you want to see the whole thing all stitched, stop by and see Deb's amazing finish. I have been switching between this piece and Liz when I can steal a few moments.

The Yellow House Sampler
Sheepish Designs
Lakeside Linen Light Examplar & DMC

Have a great week!

Cari

Current movies: Leap Year, From Paris with Love, Did You Hear About the Morgans?, The Jacket, Edge of Darkness, Rendition
Books I listened to this week: Andrew Jackson by Robert Remini; The Cat Ate My Gymsuit by Paula Danziger; The Time of My Life by Patrick Swayze; Illusions by Jill Gregory; Christmas In the Plains by Jimmy Carter; Dairy Queen by Catherine Gilbert Murdock
Currently listening to: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks

Sigh

2010-02-13T23:11:00.002-05:00

I confess to be out of words as I just completed my 8-page mid-term - my brain and fingers are exhausted. My other assignments this week were 9 discussion boards, two mid-term exams, a paper on Iago (Othello) and well, I am grateful this week is over! Only four more weeks to go in this sub-term. The Olympics have been great background noise as I type away. Go USA Go!

I am so sad at the state of my blogging these days, but there has not been time to stitch and thus, nothing to show. I have been visiting your blogs but not much commenting from me and I am sorry for that. I also owe quite a few people (Deb and Melissa and Elke) reply emails. I am most grateful for all of you who are still checking in and for leaving comments - you all are the BEST!

Ha, I just remembered I do have something to show - I borrowed the picture from Deb - a FINISH. This is my sweet little La D Da piece that Deb so wonderfully finished and stuffed with crushed walnuts. I can't wait for this to arrive in the mail - she does amazing work. Speaking of which, Lois your ornament is gorgeous!

Well, as PP would say, 'That's All Folks'!

Happy Stitching,

Cari

A Winter Wonderland

2010-02-07T15:15:00.001-05:00

More snow, lots more snow. They threatened 24-36" on top of the 15" we received last weekend. I think we wound up with 8-10". The good news is that all the snow resulted in a 3-day weekend - whoohoo! Saturday our phone must have rang 5-6 times before noon, a sledding party was in the making and we were invited (several times over). So with a little pleading, my husband agreed. Thankfully the main roads were clear... Our Street

The best place for sledding is 2-3 miles away at a now defunct golf course. It's a beautiful piece of property and has lots of great hills.
There were about 15 families from our church that met and we had an amazing time. My husband was like a kid and was right there with the boys sledding off ramps and going airborne. There were a couple of college kids that crashed our party and provided us with quite a show. The snowboarder below and another guy on skis. The guy on skis would go down the hill off this ramp and do a back flip - it was amazing to watch. I tried to get him on camera but it all happened to quickly. This is also the ramp my husband and another kid (who was only 12) decided to sled off of. I confess I tried to convince my hsuband what a bad idea this was but once Branson (12) had a successful sled jump, there was no stopping my husband. I only wish I had caught him on camera.

A couple of my girlfriends trying out an old-fashioned toboggan - this thing flew but was heavy to carry back up the hill. The snow tubes seemed to be the most fun but there was no steering these babies - so everyone knew to watch out when they were barreling down the hill. There's another ramp the kids built off to the right and the inner tube would just sail over it - this particular hill and ramp was also the scene for many wipe outs, collisions, and sled overs (sleds toppling people and then riding over top of them.)

I couldn't resist showing this last picture. This is my friend's youngest daughter, she is 2 1/2 and just the cutest little thing.

I didn't join in the fun for the sake of my knee - I thought I could sled, but I knew my knee was not strong enough to get me back up the hill. I just hung out and socialized with friends and watched all the sledding. More snow is predicted for Wednesday and another storm next weekend - maybe by then I will be able to do some sledding myself.

I'll share some stitching in my next post. Thanks for stopping by to visit me, I just love all the comments.

Enjoy your Sunday and happy stitching!

Cari

My Latest Projects

2010-01-31T13:06:00.002-05:00

Here's a picture of Elizabeth Savilles not much change from the last picture. I hope to make some progress on her this week.

The missing fiber finally arrived....
My other big project these days involves these...The other five books are in my desk at my office - for those that are counting, that is ELEVEN books. Three of my classes are only 8 weeks long and the other three are the full 16 weeks. Doesn't leave much time for stitching, or sleeping, or eating.

Well, Virginia was hit with a second snow storm this weekend. It began Friday evening and it snowed thru Saturday, totally 15+ inches. I woke up on Saturday and went out on the porch to survey the vast amount of white stuff and found this cute little trail of footprints spanning the length of our porch

Here's a view off our deck Saturday morning. The snow was so deep, I could only open the door a small fraction.

As if the snow was not enough excitement, I walked out of the kitchen and there were these cool blue lights in the sky. I open the door and this blue 'light' was racing up and down the power lines - it was quite spectacular. Then the lines started shooting sparks, then flames raced down the line and all went black. Yep, it was 16 degrees here and we lost power, 5.5 hours later it was restored. What to do in the dark - then I saw the little blue power light on my laptop and realized it was charged. So, I pulled out all my charts, yep, ALL of them. I created an Excel spreadsheet with a list of all my cross stitch charts, magazines fibers, fabric, . beads, etc. I also made a list of fabrics & fibers I need to kit up a few wonderful charts I found in my stash. I feel so organized.

This picture just doesn't do the light show justice - but you get the idea.

Lastly, I finished my January ornament just in the nick of time. I actually did two of the same. The first is stitched using one thread and the second using two threads.

PS Winter
2006 Christmas Ornaments Magazine

Well, since we are all snowed in and my homework is complete, I am going to spend my afternoon stitching.

Have a great week!

Cari

Listened to these past two weeks: Visions in White by Nora Roberts, A Child's Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, Three books by Geronimo Stilton (don't laugh they were cute), The Christmas Sweater by Glenn Beck, The Call of the Wild by Jack London.
Currently listening to: Illusions by Jill Gregory
Recent movies: Avatar, 11:14, The Survivors, I Capture the Castle, You Can't Take It With You

Update on Liz

2010-01-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

I've been spending my evenings with Liz and enjoying every stitch. I am still missing one skein - which I ordered and was told that it was in the mail ELEVEN days ago. Now, I know the mail is slow but really 11 days? I have emailed asking for confirmation that it was mailed and 3 emails later, no reply from the store owner - very frustrating! Back to Liz, she is a beautiful sampler and I do understand why some people have been frustrated with her. The chart is very interesting and I would love to understand why there are so many missing pieces. Nonetheless, I prefer symmetry and am fixing the errors as I find them. I am on Page 6 of 12 - it's a fast stitch (especially when you are missing a fiber, but I digress). Forgive the wrinkles - I just didn't want to climb the stairs to the iron.

Smokie and Liz

Elizabeth Savilles
Fingerworks
Vintage Light Examplar
OWS Thread

Speaking of stairs, I had a great report from the doc. My knee is healing wonderfully. The x-rays show just a small space between the bones so I'm not 100%. I begin physical therapy on Monday - 2-3 days a week for SIX weeks. I have started exercising my knee and when I'm at home, I take the brace off. The thought of not having my brace to protect my knee in case it gives out is a bit scary - a thought I shared with my friends. One of which showed up that night with a 'gift' - a cane. Not a cool looking cane but an ugly, old lady industrial silver cane w/a black rubber handle - gotta love of my friends.

It's going to be a quiet weekend - I took 3 tests today and completed a discussion board assignment. I have three additional classes that begin on Monday. So my schedule will really be busy beginning next week. I'm going to spend some more time with Liz and begin my 1st ornament for 2010 and doing some cooking.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend full of stitching time.

Cari

Listened to this week: Second Chapter by Neil Simon and Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund
Currently Listening to: Vision in White by Nora Roberts
Currently Reading: Second Sight by Amanda Quick

A Finish and Introducing Ms. Savilles

2010-01-10T14:15:00.001-05:00

Be Ye To Others is complete! I just love this piece and all the specialty stitches really made this a joy to stitch. If you decided to stitch this, take note that there are a couple of discrepancies between the colors in the picture and the colors charted.

Be Ye To Others
Hillside Samplings
Norway Cream & mixture of DMC & Silk

I struggled with what to start next and made a few false starts before choosing Elizabeth Savilles – this is another lovely sampler. It calls for OWS threads and they are wonderful to stitch with. I am missing one color which Theresa graciously mailed to me this week (thanks T) – I am hoping it will arrive Monday.

Elizabeth Savilles
Finger Work
Vintage Light Examplar
Recommended Threads

The leg brace and I are still one – I return to the doc on Wednesday and am praying that the x-rays will show that my knee has healed and I can begin physical therapy and become more mobile. Let me tell you, five weeks of sitting on my tush is a long time, which can clearly be seen by it’s expansion!

Three of my classes begin on Monday and then additional classes will begin the following Monday – it is going to be a busy semester for me. But, it will all be worth it when I receive my diploma in May.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope your weekend is full of stitching.

Cari

Listened to this year: Pursuit of Honor by Vince Flynn; Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd;
Currently listening to: Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund
Currently reading: Second Sight by Amanda Quick
Movies I have seen this year: Blind Side; Sherlock Homes

2009-12-24T17:55:00.006-05:00

Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

God bless you,

Cari

I'm Free!

2009-12-19T10:31:00.003-05:00

(no, not from jail!) No more work or homework! I am on vacation for 10 whole days AND I completed my 5^th and final class of the semester yesterday, hooray!

My last assignment was a 5,000 word paper, due at midnight on Friday (I turned it in at 11:23 p.m.). So I sat at in front of my computer all Thursday evening and all yesterday, except for a quick break to meet friends for lunch. Around 4:30 I looked up from my computer screen to see the sky and the ground awash in white – what a beautiful sight it was. This morning this is what our neighborhood looks like…

It is a rare thing for us to get this much snow in Virginia and even rarer that it sticks for any length of time. It’s perfect for sledding and we have some awesome hills nearby. I got so excited at the thought that I called a friend and tried to make a sledding date until she quickly reminded me that – DUH, I have a fractured knee – in my frenzy over all the snow, I completely forgot (it’s ok, you can laugh at me – she did).

Here is my progress on my current A&E

Be Ye To Others

Hillside Samplings

40ct Norden Cream

Mixture of DMC & Silks

Awhile ago, someone had asked me to share some more photos of our old house. Our living room ‘looked’ so clean this morning that I thought I would snap a few pics.

The two dog pictures are actually paint-by-number that my husband’s mother painted as a child. And the little arm peaking up from behind the couch is my stitching lamp.

I can't thank each of you enough for all the wonderful well wishes ~ only 4 more weeks in this brace but, it affords me lots of stitching time.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cari

2009-12-11T10:10:00.000-05:00

Good News: I didn't break anything

Bad News: I fractured my knee cap

Good News: It is my left leg, so I can still drive

Bad News: I have to wear this blasted contraption for FIVE WEEKS

It was a rainy Saturday and I had a full day of fun events. I came home from the cookie exchange at church rushed in the house to change and head back out to a luncheon. So, all dressed up in my heels and sparkly Christmas sweater I headed into the garage - failing to see the nice rain puddle that had slid off my car on to the tile floor - lost my footing and came down on my left knee. Below is the scene of the crime. Half the garage is for my car the other half is my husband's workspace. The wrapped post? Funny you should ask - my husband took a foam egg crate and wrapped it around the beam and then covered it in plastic so that "WHEN" (his words) I hit the post it would keep the car safe - funny man. For the record, it has been 10 yrs and I have not hit the post!

While my injury has put a crimp in my Christmas spirit, my stitching is coming right along. The first 2 days I hurt to bad to even stitch - ever felt that way? Below is my progress on on "Be Ye To Others" See the lovely, very time consuming over one lettering - I'm off a whole square and have to finish ripping it out - boohiss! Ripping it out is even more time consuming than stitching it! The empty space under the border is for 5 sets of initials. I thought about this for awhile and decided to use the initials of my mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great, and great x3. I called my aunt and she pulled out the genealogy she is working on and read thru names for me. I learned a couple of things about my ancestors a.) they were not creative and/or b.) they were patriotic - here are some of my relatives names - Christopher Columbus Johnson, Daniel Boone Johnson, George Washington White, America Johnson, Atlanta Georgia Johnson. I can just imagine the teasing these poor people received when they were kids.

Be Ye To Others
Hillside Samplings
40 ct Norden Cream
Mix of DMC & Silk

Every morning Smokie keeps me company as I curl my hair and put on my makeup but as soon as she hears the pop and hiss of the radiator, she races down the stairs and this is where I find her as I am leaving each morning.

She was not to happy to be disturbed from her morning nap

.Our house was built in 1895 hence the radiators. They get so hot that you can't touch them and I was concerned that her laying on them might harm her. So on my next visit to our vet, I asked him just that - oddly he had a coughing fit (I swear it sounded like laughter) before answering "No, the radiator will not cook your cat"

I hope you have a wonderful weekend! Thanks for stopping by, I really enjoy hearing from each of you!

Cari

Only 14 days 'til Christmas...

Giving Thanks

2009-12-03T10:34:00.002-05:00

for a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with family. My nieces ~ Abby & Ana

My husband, Abby, Me, & Ana
Abby loves her Uncle Bill
p.s I'm not that short, I'm just bent over to hug Ana
and my hairdo is compliments of little Abby

My Husband, Abby, & Ana

As I type this, I have been asking myself why I have no pictures of my very handsome nephew or of my brother - but they were there as well. We ate lots of good food and played lots of games - Sequence, Canasta, and I leaned how to play Nertz, which is a great game!

Below is my progress on "Be Ye To Others". Ignore the strings to the side. When I work with a pattern that is done in pages, I tend to finish a page before moving to the next and instead of ending the thread, I just pull it to the side - what do you guys do?

Be Ye To Others
Hillside Samplings
40ct Norden Cream
Mix of Silk & DMC

The best for last...

Melissa of Words and Blooms graciously honored me with this award ~ my very first and it couldn't have come from a more delightful lady ~ thank you Melissa!

Don't forget to check out my updated Trade Blog and Mary Kay Sale.

Happy Stitching.

Cari

Stash Reduction Sale

2009-12-03T07:51:00.001-05:00

I have updated my Trade Blog.

I am also offering my Annual Mary Kay Inventory Reduction Sale

on my blog - this will only be up for 10 days and only while supplies last - have fun shopping!

Cari

Loss of Identity..

2009-11-23T07:36:00.007-05:00

I've lost my wallpaper and can't figure how to get it back - the label is still in the corner "hotbiggityblock" laying claim to their design but, it's gone. I've emailed them to no avail AND I even tried to download other wallpaper from other sites all I get is this white screen. It's like being naked in front of the whole world - HELP - anybody have any suggestions? (thanks to everyone for their help - my blog is back to it's usual self ~ well, it's Christmasy-self)

Thanksgiving is in 3 days - can you believe it? Where has the time gone? My husband and I are headed to Columbia, SC to spend time with my brother and his family. I actually have four brothers - yep, FOUR! Looking back, I have no idea how my mother survived raising all of us (she stayed home while my dad worked). Me, I was the good child usually curled up in a chair somewhere with my nose in a book, but my brothers - hellions, mischievous kids always in to trouble or creating trouble. I am still hearing stories of things my brothers did that I never knew about. Jasonn was the brains of the group - always coming up with the next daredevil idea; David he was the quintessential daredevil - he'd do anything you told him to; Shawn was the actor - he was good at pretending to be the innocent or the injured party. I remember one time he really made me mad and I was yelling at him - mom came around the corner and the kid dropped to the ground and started crying and saying "why did you hit me? Oh, it hurts" - I was grounded for the weekend. Bobby was the baby and he too would do whatever he was told because he wanted to be included with the 'big boys'. Now we are all grown up, have families of our own, and live in 5 different states.

In honor of Thanksgiving, I stitched up Paulette's cute little turkey "bok bok" - though I left off the words. Isn't he just the cutest thing!

bok bok

Plum Street Sampler

misc fabric & DMC

I also stitch SB Scaredy Sheep - I stitched this a couple of weeks ago but forgot to post it - it was a fun, quick stitch.

Scaredy Sheep Kit
Shepherd's Bush

And lastly, my meager update on my current A&E. This is going to be a gorgeous sampler - the colors are just beautiful and the 40ct fabric makes a huge difference in the look. I can't wait to start stitching the house - I should have lots of time at while visiting my brother.

Be Ye To Others
Hillside Samplings
40ct Norden Cream
Mixture of silks & dmc

I am off to catch up on all my favorite blogs - I wasn't on the computer this weekend and can't wait to see what you all have been up to.

I pray that you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving.

Cari

Rain, rain...

2009-11-16T08:58:00.001-05:00

go away and come again another day. The remnants of Ida have been lingering since Tuesday with no end in sight. My trusty umbrella has proved to be useless as the wind continues to blow it inside out - so, I arrive to work each morning looking like a drown cat.

I finished another class this week - hooray. Only 3 to go and only 5 more weeks of school. Then I plan to spend my free time stitching, stitching, stitching. I even plan to pay someone to clean my house as a reward for getting thru this semester . I have lots of new stash....

PSS In Paradise (yes, I caved - I just had to have it), SB Spooky, some new threads

Just Nan Christmas Cheer, SP Jenny Bean Ornament, Glorianna and OWS Floss, and some fabric.

I also won a couple of things from ebay - I just love Sheepish Designs!

Simple Guidance, Pear Orchard Farm, Pray For Me, My Favorite Things

And these, they are just the most hysterical pair of scissors I have ever seen and had to have them...

1978 Wonder Woman Scissors

I finished A&E - This was a fun, quick stitch. I felt a little weird cross stitching nipples on Adam, I am definitely thankful for leaves.

and started another small - can I just say (again) that I am tired of working on smalls and want to get my hands on a big ole sampler - but every time I kit something up, I find that I am missing this or that - very frustrating, but my own fault. This is an adorable little project by Paulette - she has it on her site as a complimentary pattern.

bok, bok by PSS

While taking pictures this morning, I was removing price tags and decided to give one to Smokie -she was none to pleased...

Well, I started this post 6 days ago - since then,

· the sun has come out. In fact, it was 75 Saturday and Sunday, a beautiful weekend!

· I finished another small - pics later

· AND, I went thru all my stash 'til I found one big project that I actually had all the parts
to and started it. I am so very happy to have a something substantial to work on and
even better, it is an A&E!

Be Ye To Others - Hillside Samplings #78
40 ct. Norden Cream
Mixture of Silks & DMC

Lastly, the winner of last week's contest is...Robin! Congratulations Robin!

Happy Stitching!

Cari

My Stitching Progress

2009-11-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

It's Thursday - hooray! My friend and I decided to meet at 5:45 a.m. to go running. Well, I woke up and couldn't find the clock so I grabbed my Zune and clicked time only to discover it was 5:40 - I raced out of bed, got dressed and headed down the stairs when it hit me... I never changed the time on my Zune. I couldn't believe it was only 4:45 in the morning - needless to say, I went back to bed - fully clothed (no use getting dressed twice) and slept for another hour. It is so nice to have my exercise completed before work and watching the sunrise was beautiful.

I finished Needles & Pins this past weekend - I really like this one and plan to send it to Deb for her to make into a door hanger - it will look perfect in our guest bedroom, affectionately known as the Pink Room.

Needles & Pins (kit)

Milady's Needle

I started an A&E that I found on ebay - I decided to stitch it on 28 ct. Lambswool 1 over 1. This meant that I had to make some adjustments. The pattern calls for a chain stitch to make the apples and for the middle of the sun - I opted for Algerian stitches and love the look. I don't care for the butterfly above Eve's head and may take it out. Hopefully I will finish this one this week . As much as I love how quickly I can finish these small projects, I really, really want to get my hands on a big project. Sarah Woodham 40 ct is on backorder so I picked up Elizabeth Savilles but had to order the Olde Willow thread - I may just have to resort to picking up a WIP (poor me).

Adam & Eve
Snippets of Olde
28 ct Lambswool 1 over 1
DMC Thread

I ordered my fibers for Sarah Woodham and Joyeux Noel and a new pair of scissors - The Love Scissors by Kelmscott (thanks Jan).

Belle Soie, Crescent Colours
The Love Scissors by Kelmscott

Lastly, I completed my 50th Post and thought it was a good excuse to have a GIVEAWAY. The chart is Blessings & Kind Wishes by Blackbird Designs and it includes the suggested fabric. Just leave a comment on this post and tell me what your favorite fabric and fibers are. No need to post it on your blog as I would prefer the prize to go to a regular visitor.

Enjoy your day & happy stitching!

Cari

The Colors of Fall

2009-11-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

Saturday, my husband and I took a drive on the parkway. I love to go in the Fall when the leaves are changing - the colors are always spectacular. This year we went really late but it was still beautiful. We stopped for an early dinner at Chateau Morrisette. It's a winery and they have an amazing restaurant. It's located at the top of the mountain and you can sit outside and enjoy the beautiful view while eating a spectacular meal. Sadly, it was rainy and foggy when we arrived, so we enjoyed our meal indoors.

Our view along the Blue Ridge Parkway...

Chateau Morrisette
My Husband

We arrived home too late to hand out candy, plus it was raining. So we opted to rent some movies. We just discovered these great 'red boxes' - has anyone else found these? Movies are only a dollar BUT, you have to return them the next day. We rented "The Proposal" -Sandra Bullock is just too funny. We also got "Australia" - another great movie. I got lots of stitching in both on our drive and watching movies (pics later). These boxes are a great idea - whoever invented them is a genius! It occurs to me that some of you are probably laughing at me as these boxes have probably been around for along time and just because I just found them doesn't mean they are brand new - oh well.

Catherine asked about the Chocolate-Covered Cherries pattern it was designed by Casey Buonaugurio - she has several freebies available.

Happy Stitching!

Cari

Thanks Deb,

2009-10-30T21:19:00.003-04:00

for these beautiful finishes!

Twisted Oak Threads

(I don't recall the name

and I'm too tired to go look for it)

Lizzie Kate

Spooky Patch

Free Design

Casey Buonaugurio

Chocolate-covered Cherries

Free Design

Deb @ Artistic Needle

Monday, Monday...

2009-10-26T07:31:00.005-04:00

Isn't that a song? I confess, I am music-illiterate - I usually have my Zune playing 24-7 but I listen to books, not music. I am currently listening to "Consent To Kill" by Vince Flynn - he is a fantastic author and one of the writers for "24".

I had such a good weekend, I'm sad that it ended so quickly. I finished A Bird In Hand - it was a quick stitch and I will package it up today and send it off to Deb for finishing. If you are interested in the chart let me know and I will be happy to pass it on.

A Bird In Hand

La D Da

Recommended Fabric & Fiber

On Saturday, my friend had a jewelry show at her house - her sister-in-law makes the most amazing jewelry. After much deliberation, I decided on this black & white necklace.

Necklace designed and created by Paige Weaver

My new project is crocheting baby afghans. I have three friends that are expecting - two are due in January and the third is due in March. Each blanket will be white and then bordered in pink or blue. I enjoy crocheting but prefer to spend my time cross stitching.

My precious little cousin turned 3 this past week ~ Happy Birthday, Sarah!

I hope you each have a wonderful week full of stitching time.

Cari

Accomplishments

2009-10-21T07:36:00.005-04:00

1. I finished my mid-term
2. I finished my final exam (different class then above)
3. Bathrooms cleaned
4. In the Garden completed

5. Our Ladies Night Out went very well. My friend and I organize a Ladies night at church 3-4 times a year. We are blessed in that we have this lovely stone cottage on the church property. It's a very homey, comfortable place to meet. We always a fun, relaxing evening. There is no agenda - everyone brings their favorite appetizer or dessert and we just have an evening of fellowship. Somehow our topic strayed to our local 'flasher' - there have been 83 sightings in the past week - he must be a busy guy (or maybe it's that he's not busy). Who does such a thing and why??? I have never laughed so hard as we all gave our opinion and what we might do if we had the misfortune of running into him . I have to wonder why the police haven't caught him with 83 sightings!

In the Garden Kit
Milady's Needle

I am still waiting for my fabric to arrive for Sarah, so I am working on my small projects that I purchased from Market. The picture below is of the new LaDDa kit - the color is a little off, the fabric is dark but a little more on the gold side. Not sure if I like it yet, but I am going to keep going.

A Bird In Hand Kit
La D Da

Well, that's all folks - nothing new or exciting in my little corner of the world. Enjoy your week and thanks for all the wonderful comments!

Cari

Two finishes and a WIP

2009-10-12T07:25:00.004-04:00

Monday's they always arrive entirely too quickly - especially after stitching a little too late into the evening.

I can't complain as I had a wonderful, long weekend. Thursday and Friday were Fall Break at the university so I was able to leave early both days and enjoy the beautiful weather we are having. When I left on Thursday, I was so excited as it meant I could go running - I usually get off work at 5 and have a Bible Study that starts at 5:30 - so I rushed home to enjoy some time outside. In my excitement, I was speeding along (literally) and passing all the slow people (ie. going the speed limit) and I turn on to my street which goes from two lanes to one lane and just felt the need to pass everyone before it became one lane - well, up ahead was a police officer. So, I nonchalantly slid back into the slow lane and casually passed the cop...

he pulled out behind me!

Well, I decided I was long over due for a ticket and really deserved this one, so before he could turn his sirens on I just pulled over, got out my license, and rolled down the window. He took my license and said "Do you know why I stopped you" and I replied "Yes, I was speeding" and he started talking before I finished "I stopped you because you were... speeding? he said it in a tone of bewilderment. Then he asked me how I knew he was going to pull me over as he had not turned on his lights - I said "because I was speeding, I was so excited to have a half day off, I just wanted to get home" He told me to stay in my car and started to walk away but I stopped him as he forgot to ask for my registration - he said he didn't need it as I was being honest. (So, was he just going to assume I didn't steal the car?)

The officer was gone mere seconds when he returned and handed me my license and told me he was not going to give me a ticket - my turn to be completely bewildered. He said because I was so honest he was going to let me go - can you believe that? I was so shocked and humbled because I truly deserved the ticket.

I had a wonderful "stitching" weekend! I spent time organizing my floss (it was a mess), kitting up my new projects, and then stitching!

Just out of curiosity, is there any reason not to wind my NPI on the paper bobbins/winders?

I finished the Learning Girl Sampler last week - finally, a picture - the 3rd one is the true color!

The Learning Girl Sampler

I worked on one of my new Shakespeare's Peddler kits. It would have gone a lot of faster if I had not made so many errors! Plus, some of the floss is really close in color - and why don't they label it????

Count Your Blessings
Shakespeare's Peddler
Recommended Fiber & Fabric

And lastly, I started on this sweet little A&E - It's a fun project!

In the Garden
Milady's Needle
Recommended Fabric & Thread

I don't know what I will have time for this week - tons and tons of homework! Thankfully, another weekend is just around the corner.

Cari

Giveaways Galore

2009-10-10T08:23:00.006-04:00

Jennifer @ Feathers in the Nest is having a wonderful giveaway (those scissors are wonderful!)
For those of you that love Halloween, stop by and visit with Jolene - she's having a cyber party which includes a giveaway & an adorable free chart.
I just discovered Marcsi's blog (thanks to Nina, who has some of her lovely hand-dyed linen for sale) and she is having a lovely giveaway.Good luck to everyone!

Cari

Market Stash

2009-10-08T07:32:00.003-04:00

I was so excited to arrive home and find packages on my porch! One was my school books - not much fun there but, the other was from Theresa at Shakespeare's Peddler. Lots of wonderful goodies to stitch! I plan to spend some time this weekend kitting them up.

Joyeux Noel (BBD), Sarah Woodham (SP) Jenny Bean's Halloween (SP), & Jenny Bean's Pin Tuffet

Christmas at Hawk Run (CHS), A Bird In Hand (LaDDa), Needles & Pins (MN), & In The Garden (MN)

I traded w/Nicole and received this lovely chart - I hope to start on this one soon as I just love this pattern.

Elizabeth Savilles 1841
Fingerworks

My new stitching friend (from church) Barbara called last week and said that she received two of these magazines in the mail and would I like to have one - what an unexpected blessing.

And last (but definitely not least), my sweet Smokie...
I didn't have time to iron my Learning Girl Sampler this morning but will take pictures of her soon to show. Now the fun dilemma of deciding which project to begin next - so many great new things to choose from! Speaking of new projects, has everyone seen what Theresa plans to work on next? An A&E Sampler - I am so excited!

Thanks for all the lovely comments - it's such a pleasure to check in on my blog and see that someone has visited and left me a note.

Hope your day is full of stitching.

Cari

Dip Diddly Designs Giveaway

2009-10-02T09:45:00.005-04:00

Stop by and see Jolene, she is having a fantastic Halloween giveaway on her blog!

Enjoy your weekend!

Cari

The Learning Girl Sampler

2009-09-29T07:26:00.001-04:00

Good Morning!

Just a quick update on my current WIP....

I hope to finish her this week - I definitely have startitis but am determined to finish this piece before starting anything new.

New items from Market should be rolling in soon - can't wait to see what everyone chooses to work on first.

Thanks for all the lovely comments on my last post - what a wonderful community our little blog world is.

Cari

Framed Pieces

2009-09-26T09:58:00.005-04:00

I finally received the last of my stitching from my LNS (I dropped it off in June). This one will be perfect for the Fall Season...

Blackbird Designs

Moonlit Garden

Recommended Fiber & Fabric

Someone had asked to see my 'Christmas House'. I pulled it out for the show last weekend and thought I would snap a picture before putting back in storage ('til Christmas).

Christmas House

Patricia Andrle

Recommended Fabric & Fiber

(The red beads on the porch railing garland are my extra touch)

I have a little housecleaning, a 200-word response to a discussion question for school, and a big pot of chili to make before I can settle in with my cross stitch.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cari

Sweet Stuff

2009-09-22T07:21:00.006-04:00

A few more pictures from our craft fair on Saturday. One of the artists painted signs for us - this little awning was my favorite - isn't it cute. So was everything displayed beneath it!

I'm not sure if you can tell, but the brown thing is a bench and it has a yellow quilt draped across the back of it - how clever is that!

And these amazing cupcakes - aren't they beautiful! We had a hard time convincing people that it was ok to eat them - so, I showed them :-)

These were so fun, they are sunflowers, the middle is miniature chocolate chips and the ladybug is a red M&M. I am going to have to give these a try.

Our chocolate fountain was the big hit of the day - I wish I had taken a picture of the masses surrounding this thing with their toothpicks outstretched. Someone had made these delightful eclairs and I decided they would be really good dipped in the fountain - I was right, yum! Of course, an hour later (it was probably only a few minutes, but still embarrassing) my one friend came up to me (laughing I might add) letting me know I had chocolate on my mouth (both corners) and my chin. I say one friend because the other 100 ladies in the room never said a word - but now I know why they smiled goofily at me whenever I stopped to chat - real funny aren't they. Several ladies chose a corner of the room and displayed all their wonderful pictures and souvenirs from their missions trips abroad.

I do have stitching to show, but haven't had time to iron it and take pics. It's been a busy week and it's only Wednesday.

Enjoy your day!

Cari

The Show...

2009-09-21T07:28:00.005-04:00

was a wonderful success. We are blessed with so many talented women in our church. I was amazed at all the wonderful works of art! We had knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, card making, tole work, quilting, poetry, gardening, baking, cross stitching, etc.

First up are the quilts, they were all beautiful, but this first one is my favorite! There are no captions as I am quilt-illiterate and do not know what type they are.

The Garden area:

We had 7-8 artists display their work, the picture below is of work painted by my dear friend and artist, Alethea. She amazes me at how talented she is and that she finds time to be creative while being a wife, mother of 4, and she homeschools. She no longer paints 'smalls' as she calls them. Everything she does now is huge and it is all fruit and veggies. She's so funny, each picture she paints is about someone in her life.

Lastly, is the cross stitching. There were only two of us. The first is mine and the rest belong to a lady named Barbara, who does amazing, amazing!, work.

Blackbird Designs
Strawberry Garden
Recommended Fabric & Fiber

You should be able to click on the pictures below and see a closeup. They are all done in beads. 'Joy' she designed herself. She had a whole table of her work, each just beautiful. She and I have recently become friends due to our cross stitch obsession. She is such a delightful lady. She called me Saturday evening to tell me how much she loved my work and offered to let me go thru her stash! She is 74 and said that she will never be able to stitch everything and would love to share it - can you imagine, I am so excited

By the end of the day, my poor feet were so sore. I got up early and ran, not considering I would be on my feet the remainder of the day - from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. AND in heels - silly me.

Well, that's all folks..

Thanks so much for stopping by, I enjoy hearing from each of you.

Enjoy your Monday!

Cari

Gathering my work

2009-09-18T07:30:00.009-04:00

for the big day tomorrow. We have a luncheon and all the ladies at church will be displaying their handmade items. We have so many talented women at church, I can't wait to see what everyone brings. I gathered items last nite and dropped them off at the church - it was so hard to choose which framed pieces to take. I chose Strawberry Garden, Noah's Ark, The Lord's Prayer, Christmas House, and a piece I don't know the name of. Then, I made the mistake of opening my finished drawer, too many to choose from but it was such fun perusing through old pieces. Next I moved onto my WIP drawer which left me with a guilty feeling :-) In the end, I chose two additional pieces one finished and one WIP...

Rosewood Manor
Inspiration
Recommended fiber and fabric

Mirabilia
Cinderella
Recommended Fiber and Fabric

I love planning events, but I always stress that maybe no one will show up or that we will run out of food and of course, with this event, I pray that nothing happens to anyone's precious pieces. I hope to have lots of pictures to share.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cari

This and That

2009-09-15T07:25:00.004-04:00

First I have to say a big, huge thank you to Robin. She sent me the remaining "Spot of..." patterns from Drawn Thread! I can't wait to start on Fall, it's so cute! Thanks again, Robin!

Drawn Thread

Spot of Summer, Spot of Winter

Spot of Fall, and Welcome Spot

I am still working steadily on "The Learning Girl Sampler" and enjoying each stitch (except the french knots). I failed to read the instructions thoroughly and did not realize until last nite that all Satin Stitches were to be done with 3-ply (everything else is 1-ply). So I am going back and stitching over the outside blue border. You can see where I started in the top right corner - it looks fuller and brighter. Only 10 more letters to go and I should be able to start on the house soon.

The Learning Girl Sampler

And last is a little design I did several years ago and pulled out to make into a pillow. I'm sorry, I don't know who the designer is or the design name. Believe it or not, I did take time to iron it this morning - I probably shouldn't even admit that, oh well.

I have a busy week ahead of me. The Women's ministry at church is having a lunch this Saturday. It's also an opportunity for ladies to showcase their talents, it's titled "God's Bountiful Blessings". I am on the committee and we still have a few last minute items on our to do list. I can't wait to see all the wonderful things the women are bringing to display - quilts, knitting, scrapbooks, paintings, needlework, and even some ladies reading their poetry. And my favorite, the bakers - homemade goodies for all us to taste, yum!

Happy Stitching!

Cari

Guess What I Found...

2009-09-12T13:53:00.004-04:00

those of you who are A&E and Plum Street Sampler fans are going to be so excited. I couldn't believe it when I saw the picture and was more surprised that it wasn't on Paulette's blog first...

A Picture of her new A & E Sampler, "Paradise Lost"!

Theresa of Shakespeare's Peddler has an orphan of the day each day her shop is open - so I visit her sight frequently. Well, today she has a picture (the WHOLE picture) of "Paradise Lost" - hurry and check it out, it's great!

On another note, my Toy Story will return to my WIP pile for a revamping of the toy section.

Thanks to everyone who stops by to visit. I just love everyone's comments - you are all wonderful!

Enjoy your weekend.

Cari

Here Kitty, kitty

2009-09-10T20:10:00.005-04:00

Smokie's eye light up and her ears perk when you talk to her - she just loves attention. Smokie also likes to keep me in her sight at all times, she's wonderful company. Here she is perched on the desk in our office watching me work on the computer. When she feels the need for attention, she will change her position and lay in front of the computer screen or just pace in front of it until I pet her.Caught her tail in mid-swish...
Below is an old pattern by Patricia Andrle - she did a series of these hardanger window series (or cross stitch illuminations). I've completed the Christmas House - which is a beautiful pattern, I'm working on the Romantic Gazebo, and on on the hunt for her Victorian House (BH&G Jan/Feb '98). Below is the Toy Store which I completed a couple years ago and just pulled out of my 'finished drawer' with the intent to have it framed but, I have a dilemma. I just love the toy store - all the specialty stitches and the soft subtle colors. Next pic is the inside of the toy store - I love the bright, vivid colors of the children's toys but... I don't like them put together (last pic). I can't believe I didn't realize this two years ago when I started stitching it. Lord willing, the pattern is still in somewhere in my stash and I will restitch the toys in softer, more muted shades that will compliment the store.

The Toy Store

Patricia Andrle

Recommended Fabric and Fibers

The Toys - done over 1

YUCK!

trivia... Betsy Foster of Elizabeth's Designs is Patricia's daughter.

It's been a busy week and I am grateful that tomorrow is Friday! If I only I can complete my homework, then I can spend the weekend relaxing.

Happy Stitching

Cari

2009-09-06T12:55:00.005-04:00

What a beautiful weekend it is here in Virginia! I finished listening to Janet Evanovich's new book "Finger-licken Fifteen" - it's great, of course. I have to admit that I received numerous strange looks as I kept laugh hysterically throughout the story - when people on the trail started giving me a wide berth I realized how silly I must look hot and sweaty as I jogged along laughing uproariously at something no one else but me could hear. Oh well, it was well worth it. I am now listening to Mary Kay Andrews newest book - "The Fixer Upper". If you have not read this author, I highly recommend her. Her stories are delightful.

A delightful elderly lady from church learned that I cross stitch (as does she) and invited me to a Needle Arts Exhibit. We traveled to it yesterday and I was just amazed at the work displayed. There was such a wide variety of needlework - stump work, bargello, hardanger, goldwork, and brazillian, just to name a few - some of which I had never heard of or seen before. They also displayed some exquisite bead work. If anyone is interested, the show is in Bedford, VA and is presented by the Blue Ridge Chapter Embroiderer's Guild and the 7 Hills Chapter of American Needlework Guild. I have not heard of either guild but would like to learn more - I have no idea what a guild does. Does anyone belong to a guild?

I received some stash recently - it's so hard to resist a 40% off sale!

Silkwood Manor - Just Nan

Barnabas meets Bella - Just Nan

These popular patterns have been on my wish list - I can't wait to start stitching!

The Plantation Sampler

Betsy Davis

Betsy Manchester

And lastly, progress on my Learning Girl's Sampler - I am really enjoying stitching this.

Well back to my stitching and Samantha. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon.

Cari

Quick Note

2009-09-05T15:59:00.002-04:00

Happy Saturday!

I have lots to share but will wait 'til I have more time. I just wanted to let everyone know that Theresa of Shakespeare's Peddlar has created a blog - stop by and say 'hi'!

More later...

Cari

Framed Piece and WIP

2009-09-02T07:37:00.007-04:00

I am so excited to have a three-day weekend! My plan is to finish all my homework today so that I can spend my three days just relaxing!

Here is another framed piece I finally received back from LNS - she still has one more (all of which I took to her in June). I am going to check out a couple of not so LNS (both an hour away) and see if either do framing. She does a wonderful job, but I just think two months is too long to wait for my framing - don't you? I would rather drive an hour and get it back in 2-3 weeks.

I am so pleased with this piece - this is one of my favorite frames.

When My Heart Blooms
Blackbird Designs
Recommended Fiber and Fabric

And finally, here is my newest project The Learning Girl Sampler, she is so pretty - this picture does not do her justice. I plan to spend lots of time with her this weekend. I am also working my way thru the 'Bewitched' series, I'm on Season Two. I can just hear Gladys now in her whiny tone "Aaabner" and Darrin in his very stern voice "Samantha". When I am in trouble with my husband he uses my first and middle name, which is my qeue to make myself scarce :-)

Enjoy your day - it's beautiful here in Virginia, we are having a cool spell this week, mid-70's, which is a nice break from the heat and humidity.

Cari

Finishes and a Frame

2009-09-01T07:43:00.000-04:00

Happy Tuesday!

My stitching time has really dwindled since school started. I did finish this adorable little Drawn Thread piece (thank you Katrina). I had such fun stitching it and would like to do the other three. If anyone has the other charts and would like to sell them, let me know.

Spot of Spring
Drawn Thread
Suggested Fabric and Thread

This one I finished awhile ago - I'm going to take it with me on my next trip to TJ Maxx and see if I can find a fancy little frame for it.

Cupid's Teenie Sampler
Sweetheart Tree
Suggested Fabric and Thread

And lastly, a framed piece...

My Quaker House
Blackbird Designs
Recommended Fabric and Thread

Well that's all I have for today. My NPI Silk did arrive over the weekend and I started on The Learning Girl Sampler - I'll try to take pics tonite.

Enjoy your day.

Cari

2009-09-01T07:39:00.010-04:00

just thought you might want to know about a new giveaway. ..

deb of the thread gather is celebrating her

1-year anniversary

with a wonderful giveaway, a fabulous giveaway!

stop by and congratulate her

but don't feel like you have to enter the drawing, really

besides, i really want to win and the less people that enter, the better my chances are.

Thanks, Deb!

Come one, Come all, there are giveaways to be had

2009-08-25T14:34:00.014-04:00

and they are wonderful.

Jan of Belfonte Notes has completed her first design and to celebrate, she is giving one away. She is so talented.

Tree of Life Samplings
Rare Treasures

Jolene of Dip Diddly Designs is so generous! She is having another giveaway, a copy of the Anna Stonebreaker Sampler by Hands to Work (isn't beautiful!) Thanks, Jolene!

Anna Stonebreaker Sampler
Hands to Work

And last, but definitely not least is a giveaway by Melissa of The Daily Mel. I just discovered her blog yesterday and enjoyed visiting. Melissa is celebrating her 8th Blogiversary and is having an incredible giveaway to celebrate.

I am such a blonde, I completely forgot to post this picture yesterday. I mentioned the finish, but didn't upload the image (as you can see from the wrinkles, I was in a hurry)

Moonstruck Cat

Anne Stanton

Recommended Fabric and Fiber

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Cari

The bell has rung and school is now in session

2009-08-24T15:02:00.020-04:00

Well, August 24th has arrived. For me, today is the beginning of Fall Semester. I am taking 4 classes over the next 16 weeks. While I am anxious to finish my degree, it really cuts into my stitching time :-) (a girl has to have her priorities).

One of my friends called and said she needed a break from her husband and kids and so we decided to have a girl's weekend. We opted for DC since she had not been there in 15 years. Our first stop was to see Julia Child's Kitchen as we had just seen the movie the week before. We walked by the White House, Ford's Theater, and several other buildings. It was lots of fun!

I have been waiting and waiting for my NPI Silk to arrive so I can start my new project. In the interim, I have finished two fun little projects Moonstruck Cat and Victorian Lace.

If I had the opportunity to restitch Victorian Lace, I would use pink beads in lieu of the light pink. If anyone is interested in this little pattern, please email and I will be happy to pass it on - it's in a magazine which is full of other patterns.

Victoria Lace
Unknown white fabric and DMC thread

I started another small project last nite, Spot of Spring by Drawn Thread. I really like this pattern and it should be a quick stitch.

Spot of Spring
Drawn Thread
Recommended Fabric and Fiber

I am hoping that my silk will arrive today as I can't wait to start on The Girl's Learning Sampler.

Enjoy your day.

Cari

One more giveaway

2009-08-18T07:29:00.004-04:00

I forgot to mention a giveaway. It's not cross stitch related, but it is an amazing blog. Susan at "Between Naps on the Porch" is celebrating her one-year anniversary by having a giveaway each day this week. I'm sure you will have a lovely time perusing her table settings, her beautiful home, and her amazing talent of turning garage sale finds into works of art.

I am still waiting (impatiently) for the postman to deliver my fabric and fibers.

Enjoy your day!

Cari

Giveaways Galore

2009-08-17T15:57:00.005-04:00

Check out Stitchin Times Five for this great giveaway, thanks Lori!

And the Craft Blog for a wonderful fabric giveaway!

Stop by and visit with Edige as she is having a delightful 'pink' giveaway

Good Luck to everyone!

Cari

Pumpkins, Chocolate Covered Cherries, and a WIP

2009-08-17T07:18:00.006-04:00

Happy Monday!

It was a wonderful, relaxing weekend. I saw a couple of movies - "Public Enemy", with my husband, it was good and of course, Johnny Depp was fantastic. I also saw "Julie and Julia" with my girlfriend - also very good! After reading Debbie's comments, I really want to read the book. I just love to cook and really enjoy trying new recipes so the premise of the movie was really fun to me - working my way thru a cookbook. Though, I admit, I would not be brave enough to bone a duck or cook a calf's leg (gross!) I would love to know what Julie's life is like now that a book and a movie have been written about her.

I have been watching old tv series - our library has a wonderful selection. I started with the "Gilmore Girls" and am on the last season - I wish I was as funny as Lorelei. This week I picked up "Bewitched" - Season 1. It has been so fun to watch these, even my husband has enjoyed them. It would be great to twitch my little nose and have all the housework done so that I could just enjoy cross stitching :-)

Sorry this first picture is fuzzy. I finished this fun, little project earlier in the year. It is one of many that I am going to send to Deb for finishing. I continue to see pictures of her work and read wonderful comments so, I decided I would send some of my finishes to her as well. I have a drawer full of completed projects that need to be framed or finished in some fashion.

This little project was so much fun! It's a free chart by Casey - the picture does not do it justice. The pattern calls for little pink x's in the background which I substituted with pretty, little pink beads. Deb, this one is coming your way as well.
Chocolate Covered Cherries

Casey Buonaugurio

Recommended Fabric and Threads

This is the project that has been occupying my time as I await (impatiently) for my fabric and threads to arrive so that I can begin "Girl's Learning Sampler". I will probably turn this one into a pillow. It's been a quick stitch and I may have to find another little one to do while I wait. If anyone would like this "Moonstruck Cat" pattern, I will be happy to pass it along.

Moonstruck Cat

Anne Stanton

Suggested Thread and 28-ct white unknown linen

Cari

Giveaways - Threadheads, Dip Diddly Designs

2009-08-15T22:49:00.001-04:00

I wanted to tell everyone about a couple of giveaways.

Kim at Threadheads is giving away some French General accessories. You have to see these as they are just wonderful!

For all you Jane Austen fans, Jolene at Dip Diddly Designs is giving away a set of 6 DVD's called the Jane Austen Collection.

Giveaways are so much fun! Good luck everyone.

Cari

Stash Reduction Sale

2009-08-13T15:38:00.005-04:00

Good Afternoon!

While going through my stash, I came across numerous patterns that I have either completed or know that I will never start. I have listed them on my SALE BLOG - Happy Shopping!

Cari

Need some help, please.

2009-08-13T08:47:00.003-04:00

Well after going thru my stash, several times, I came across this magazine, I just love the cover piece it is called the "Girl's Learning Sampler", and decided this would be my next start. But, I need some direction. It is charted for DMC and I would like to convert it to NPI. I have never converted anything before and am not sure how to do this - is there a standard conversion chart somewhere? It also calls for 32-count Ivory Jobelan, but I would like to stitch it on a 36-count - something light colored as I really like the look of the finish pictured.

In the interim, I am working on a couple of small, whimsical pieces. I'll post pictures later.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Cari

A Finish...

2009-08-11T07:10:00.005-04:00

Happy dance, happy dance....

I am so thrilled to be finished with this piece. There are so many projects I want to start and others I need to finish. I plan to sit and go thru them this evening and make a decision as to what I will concentrate on next.

Meanwhile, I need to find a frame for "Boo" - that will be my mission during my lunch hour this week.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Cari

My Morning Run/Walk

2009-08-08T10:36:00.009-04:00

I got off to a late start this morning. I went to the drive-in theater last nite and didn't return home until 2:00 a.m. It's so fun to go and it's only $6 for two movies but as the shows don't start until after sunset, it makes for a late, late nite. I saw Ice Age III and Night at the Museum II - very cute!

Before I went back to work, I would run(or walk) 5-6 times a week. I love to get up early and start my day outside. Since I returned to work, I now run in the evenings except on Saturday. On Saturday, I visit our Farmer's Market early in the morning and then run.

The route I normally run is a loop that takes me thru 3 different neighborhoods and along our local wooded trail. Below are some of the homes I pass on my route. I took pictures of a few of my favorites and, as you can see, I have a predilection for big, old brick homes. And the homes along my route are just beautiful! The first one is my very favorite!

The house below is a sweet home. It is made of green stone and I love the woodsy setting.

Love this one, it is set so far back and the tree-lined driveway makes for quite an impressive entrance.

At the end of this neighborhood, I enter the trail (below). I am only on it for a mile but the trail goes for several miles. I usually see deer on my run, but not today - too many people were out enjoying the beautiful weather.

So what does your dream home look like? What does the scenery look like along your daily route? Can't wait to hear from you.

Enjoy your weekend.

Cari

Weekend Getaway, Fun Finds, and a Giveaway

2009-08-04T09:42:00.001-04:00

My husband and I had a wonderful weekend at Shenandoah Crossing. We enjoyed the new pool complex that had just opened, rented a canoe, and had some friendly competition down in the game room. My husband was really excited about going canoeing and thought it would be romantic to paddle me around the lake - it did sound nice. The reality was that I spent the hour worried that we were going to tip over. So what he heard was "the boat's tilting, why is the boat tilting" or "please don't let this thing tip over" or "is the hour over yet" or "why are you moving around" - his response to that was "because I have to paddle" - poor guy, he was very patient with me. I'm not usually so wimpy and if the lake had been full of pretty, clear blue water I wouldn't have cared if we tipped over, but this lake water was very dark and I kept picturing the Abyss and swamp monsters and snakes. When I wasn't worrying, I really enjoyed the canoe ride. In one of the coves, we saw a beautiful white crane and a blue heron.

We drove to town one day and meandered thru all the little shops. All I can say is that Gordonsville, VA must be home to some immensely wealthy people as most of the shops were very high end. We did make one discovery (within our budget) - a garden/antique shop had just acquired some windows from an old church (they were putting in new windows). I just fell in love with them and we bought the last small window. I am still thinking of ways we could use the big window and we may go back and purchase one. Isn't it just darling!

I like it just the way it and want to hang it on this wall. My husband thinks I need to strip it and either paint it or stain it. He also thinks that just hanging it on the wall will be too plain. Any thoughts, ladies?

The larger window looks just like this but is 4'. I would love to purchase it, remove the glass and replace it with mirrors, and use it in our upstairs bathroom.

On our way home Sunday, we stopped by a delightful antique mall "Blue Moon Antiques" and we found some treasures. I fell in love with this little table and the best part is that it matches a table we already have. This has found a place in our 'pink room' (a guest room). We found a second table but as we were in my car and the window took up our trunk space we are retuning this weekend to pick it up.

This was my favorite find, it's called a Canasta Shuffler. You have to be a member of my family to fully appreciate what a great find this is. As a kid, when we would go visit my grandparents, my mom, her siblings, and her parents would play Canasta for hours and hours. We still do that today, whenever I get together with my family, we spend every evening around the dining room table playing Canasta. Those hours around the table are full of wonderful memories and a few arguments as we tend to be competitive :-)

You place the cards in the middle, crank the handle, and shuffler spits out cards on either side. Interestingly, today's playing cards are too big - they must have made cards smaller back then. I have a couple of old decks I found at a yard sale and they fit perfectly. I will have to be on the hunt for more 'old decks'.

Last, but not least is a little finish I did a while ago. Once I find material, I will make this into a pillow.

Home
Shepherd's Bush
Recommended Fabric and Fiber

Oh, almost forgot, Mary Kathryn is having a give away! Enjoy your week.

Cari

Hooray for Fridays!

2009-07-31T10:22:00.002-04:00

I am so glad it is Friday - especially today as my husband and I are headed out of town. We are going to Shenandoah Crossing (yep, again) but this time, my dear husband will be with me - hooray! I can't wait.

I was reading Terri's blog this morning and just had to open my stash drawer and have some chocolate for breakfast - it was decadent! I was at TJ Maxx this week and they had these pretty decorative boxes of Joseph Schmidt chocolate truffles marked down to $4 ($4!). Needless to say, I just couldn't pass them up - actually now I am wishing I had bought another box.

I also buy my shampoo and conditioner at TJ Maxx (I always say, if they would start carrying milk and eggs, it would be a one-stop shopping for me - I love TJ Maxx) and this time I picked up Sexy Hair products (hey,the name sounded appealing). My husband helped me unpack and questioned my paying $5 for a bottle of shampoo (no, he's not a tight wad, he just doesn't know how much things cost as I do most of the shopping). Anyway, I was in Walmart yesterday and they had Sexy Hair on the shelf for.... $16 a bottle. Yep, I pulled out my cell phone and called my hubby to crow at how much money I actually saved us :-)

Speaking of saving money, remember my 'girl's nite out' birthday celebration. Well, several of us chose the chef's special dessert of the nite which was, of course, chocolate - it was absolutely divine. Well, I learned (inadvertently) that the 'special' dessert was $12 - $12 for a dessert??? - I know it was chocolate and really great chocolate at that but $12??? I felt terrible as I had no idea and would never have chosen such an expensive dessert for my friends to treat me to. I think we will probably go back to our 'regular' girl's nite out restaurant for the next birthday dessert.

On Wednesday, my husband and I went to dinner at a new little Italian restaurant. We had our very first date at this restaurant 12 years ago. On our first date, the restaurant had a different name and served American cuisine. On our 9th anniversary it changed names again, and on our 10th, and now our 12th. On that first nite, as we sat outside having dinner, my husband said "one day I'd like to live on this street" and 2.5 years later we were married and purchased our first home... on that street. Every year when we go back to the restaurant, I always marvel at how God has blessed us (Jer 29:11)

Below is a picture of one of my WIP. I haven't filled in the sheep yet as I think I may do those with my punch needle.

By the Bay Needleart

In My Father's House

Recommended Fabric and Thread

I finished this little guy awhile ago and I am going to attempt to frame him myself - this is a first for me. Are there any good sites that give framing instructions for dummies?

Another WIP, I just received more of the NPI silk that I needed so I will be working on this project over the weekend.

Plum Street Sampler
Fruit of the Spirit
Recommended Fabric and Thread

Thank you for stopping by and for all the wonderful comments. I hope you have a wonderful weekend with quiet moments to enjoy some stitching time.

Cari

Boo Club: Almost Finished

2009-07-28T09:18:00.000-04:00

Good Morning! We had a "girl's nite" last nite to celebrate my birthday. Everyone was so busy last week with VBS, we decided to postpone it 'til this week. We went to a fancy little restaurant downtown and had amazing desserts and coffee. It was a great evening spent with great friends!

As you can see from the pictures below, I am almost finished with this project. I only have the border left to complete. Sadly, I have run out of the black (Mascara) so I will probably take a break this week and work on a 'me' project and then come back to this.

Well, I need to place an order with Theresa for thread and then get back to unpacking all these boxes in the office.

Enjoy your day!

Cari

Stash Additions

2009-07-27T07:25:00.004-04:00

Happy Monday to everyone!

It was a wonderful relaxing weekend. Saturday we went swimming with some friends. I was playing with their little two-year-old in the pool and she grabbed my swimsuit top and said "what's down there?". As I am not a mom, I was completely unprepared for such a question (my first thought was 'not much' but somehow I just knew that was not the appropriate answer) and tried to divert her with the water ball - thankfully it worked :-)

I received some great patterns this week. These two are from Tanya's stash reduction and the third is one I purchased from ebay. Someone suggested starting a SAL for A Sweeter Love, but I can't recall who it was (does anyone else know who it is?). Anyhow, now that I have the chart, I just need material and I will be ready to sign up!

Star Light, Star Bright ~ Little by Little

A Sweeter Love ~ Plum Street Sampler

Scare Crow Wabbit - Sheepish Designs

My Heart's Garden
Shepherd's Bush

This little beauty is from Jolene - I won the mystery prize in her drawing last week. I was so excited to open my mailbox and find this on Saturday! I just wanted to sit down and start stitching it immediately - it is so sweet. Thanks Jolene!

I worked diligently on "Boo" all weekend and only have the border left to do - I'll post pictures soon.

Cari

My Weekend Finds and Giveaways

2009-07-24T21:03:00.008-04:00

Hooray for Fridays. Our department, at work, moved this week. Our new offices are 1/4 mile away (but in the same building) from our old offices - needless to say, my poor little feet are so tired from all the walking. Thankfully, we had big, strong men taking care of the move - I just had to supervise the packing and the delivering. Next week I will spend my 40 hours unpacking and organizing (my favorite thing to do, I know, I'm weird).

I am ready to put my feet up, watch a good movie, and do some stitching - but first, I wanted to tell you about a couple of giveaways. I found a wonderful new site today (thanks to Terri) that just fascinated me "Between Naps on the Porch" and, they are having a giveaway! Also, Jan, at Belfonte Notes is having a wonderful giveaway in honor of her precious new granddaughter, Alexandra. Here is a picture of all the wonderful things we have a chance to win.

I also wanted to show you a couple of pictures from my purchases last weekend:

Two vintage shadow portraits. I am hoping my dear husband will hang them tomorrow.

I was going to show you a picture of the civil war bullets I picked up, but I am not sure where Bill put them. (just found out he took them to work - guess there won't be a picture - sorry)

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments - it's always so fun to check my blog and see that I have comments.

That's all for now - I hope to show you a completed Boo after this weekend.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cari

My Birthday Weekend

2009-07-20T09:07:00.005-04:00

Good Morning!

I thought I would share some pictures from my weekend. But first, I have to confess that these are pictures from the resorts website BUT, my pictures would have looked like this, if, I had remembered to bring my camera. :-) The name of the resort is Shenandoah Crossing and it is 30 minutes outside of Charlottesville, VA. This was my first visit and I just fell in love. The best part, it was only $69 a nite ($89 if you wanted a room w/2 queen beds) and this gave you full access to everything the resort had to offer (horseback riding was extra). You also had the option of renting a cabin or a condo.

I started every morning with a walk around the resort - it was so peaceful with just the sound of the Canadian geese quacking to each other as they meandered across the fields. And every evening after dinner, I walked along the fence petting the horses and sneaking them carrots. Saturday I drove into town and wandered thru the quaint stores and antique shops. I purchased two little silhouettes in gilded frames that I will hang in the living room close to the fireplace and I bought some civil war bullets for my husband (I'll try to post pictures later). Then I relaxed by the pool with a good book. I was so relaxed, I didn't pay attention and burned my fair skin. Thankfully, the lady lounging on the chair next to me suggested, in her delightful English accent, that I might want to get out of the sun. So after coating myself in Mary Kay Aloe After-Sun Gel (the best on the market!) I drove back to town for dinner. It really was a lovely weekend, I came home Sunday afternoon feeling well rested and rejuvenated!

The Manor House

The Lodge (from the back)

(okay, you know these are horses no caption needed)

The Lodge and Manor House overlook this beautiful lake

The Lodge is in the background

I am so thankful that I had this time of relaxation. I did spend my evenings stitching - I'll post my progress later.

Cari

An Update and Giveaways

2009-07-17T07:30:00.003-04:00

Hooray for Friday's! I am especially excited about this weekend as we are going away - a birthday trip for me - to a resort in the mountains. We have never been before, but friends tell us it is just lovely! I admit that I am just as excited about exploring the cute little towns near by and the prospect of finding some great stuff at their antique/thrift stores.

Confession time… Upon completion of a recent blog entry, I realized that Sept 1 is just around the corner and felt pressured to continue working on Lizzie Kate’s Boo. As much as I love my friends and family and can’t wait to send them this piece, I really, really want to work on “my projects” – I know that sounds so selfish but I just can’t help it. I have two or three WIP that I am just itching to stitch on and have several others that I can’t wait to start. I only have 4 blocks on Boo to complete – and of course, the dreaded border!

Lizzie Kate

"Boo Series"

Recommended Fabric and Threads

By the way, Jolene is having a give away - check out her blog! Also, Paulette is having a giveaway on Sunday - yep, you have to wait until Sunday to enter the drawing!

Enjoy your weekend.

Cari

The Weed Eater, Our Foyer, The Lord's Prayer

2009-07-15T07:16:00.017-04:00

Good Morning!

I have to share my story from last nite. Our church is preparing for VBS to begin on Monday, July 20th. The theme this year is "Son" Rock Camp. Several ladies gathered at church last nite to decorate the church accordingly. My friend, Alethea (who is an amazing artist), is in charge and she directed us less artistic types into creating amazing scenery. We also decorated the sanctuary balcony - we erected a huge tent and surrounded it with fake trees and other greenery. It looks great - sorry, I didn't think to take pictures. Well we didn't have enough trees so (since I live closest to church) I ran home and pulled several Christmas trees out of the garage. I parked my car in the street, pulled my husband's truck into our driveway, and began loading the trees. In the meantime, my husband finished mowing the lawn, watched me struggling to haul the trees down the stairs and into the truck bed (note, he did not offer to help - but I am sure he was exhausted as mowing the lawn - on a riding mower - can be very tiring!) and then went about finishing whatever he was doing. I hop in the truck and take off only to hear a crunch - I see my husband in the rear view mirror so I don't panic - he on the other hand storms over - yells "back up" and lifts his weed eater out from under the truck - looks at it - and then flings it across the yard. The big question is why would he lay the weed eater in the driveway, in front of the truck that I am loading up to take back to the church???? He still hasn't answered me on that one. He just counters with "you should look where you are driving it could have been a person". What kind of rationale is that, who is going to lay down in our driveway in front of our truck? I think he just wanted a new weed eater.

Below is a picture of our foyer (our house was built in 1895). I took this picture at such an angle that if you look in the fireplace mirror, you can actually see the fireplace in our living room (trust me it was not the act of a great photographer, just purely an accident). To the left of the fireplace is "The Lord's Prayer" by Stoney Creek - a closeup is below.

Walking in the front door and seeing this amazing stairwell and all the gorgeous woodwork and architectural detail is why I fell in love with this house 10 years ago. Wow, it's hard to believe that in November, we will have been in our house for 10 years. Trying to get our furniture up this staircase was so much fun -it's narrow and turns three times!

I finished this piece a couple years ago. It's the biggest piece I have ever done.

The Lord's Prayer
Stoney Creek
Recommended Fabric and Thread

Enjoy your day!

Cari

Recent Acquisitions

2009-07-14T21:25:00.003-04:00

I started watching HOUSE two weeks ago – from the beginning. Our local library has them all on dvd. I am almost done with Season 1 and am really enjoying the show – I think I have hooked my husband as well (heehee).

I received some new charts this past week – well new to me.

This one is from Nicole’s blog “Miss Lila’s House”. I just love this pattern! I decided to stitch it on black and ordered the fabric last week. I plan to stitch it over one.

My big purchase was from Katrina:

Included are:

A Most Noble Pursuit – love this!

Drawn Thread

Spot of Spring
Wayward Garden

Heart In Hand
Hearts Sampler
Valentine Bird

Hillside Sampling
Seasonal Sampling

La D Da
Polly Wolly (fun pattern)

Trilogy
Happy Bunny Bunny Day

No stitching this evening, I just walked in the door - it has been a long day.

Enjoy your evening.

Cari

WIP Update

2009-07-09T19:15:00.009-04:00

Please forgive the quality of my pictures as I am still learning how to use this "thing" (the digital camera that I don't want, but need for my blog). Speaking of which, here is a picture of it. I love the color!
I am working on Lizzie Kate's Boo Club - it's a gift for a family member 6.5 sections to go before completion - target date September 1st. Which should allow my LNS enough time to frame it and me to ship it. It's been a fun piece so far and very different then my typical samplers.

Lizzie Kate

Boo Club

Recommended Fabric & Fiber

This is my dear sweet Smokie. Once I can figure out how to turn off the flash (don't laugh at me), I will take a better picture of her as she has her eyes closed in all 10 pics - yes, it took me that long to figure out why she was blinking.

Here are updates on my "Fruit of the Spirit" by PSS. I am really enjoying stitching with NPI thread - it feels so luxurious! I am using the recommended fabric and thread. The fabric is not as mottled as it looks (stupid camera).

Well, that's all I have to share for now. I am going to spend my evening watching Season 1 of House and stitching on "Fruit of the Spirit".

Enjoy your evening.

Cari

Charts for Sale

2009-07-07T09:23:00.003-04:00

Greetings from Sunny Virginia!

Just thought I would pass the word...

Both Nicole and Katrina are having a sale, lots of great charts! I just received "Miss Lila's House" from Nicole and I have several on the way from Katrina.

Enjoy your day!

Cari

Pillows

2009-07-06T18:40:00.008-04:00

I love three day weekends! It was a wonderful, relaxing holiday - but not a lot of stitching.

We watched "Twilight" yesterday and I confess that I found it to be very slow and boring. Sorry, I do not mean to offend the Edward fans. I just feel they could have made the movie in half the time if they had eliminated all the artsy parts. We also watched "The International" which I thought was a great movie that deserved a better ending and "State of Play" which was ok.

As I was collecting completed items to take to my LNS for framing, I found this little treasure in my drawer. I decided that I would make it into a pillow - well, that I would send it to my mom-in-love and ask her nicely if she would work her magic for me. She is an amazing seamstress!

Unknown

Below is a picture of a pillow that my mil made for me. She has made 4 pillows for me (so far) and her work is amazing. She currently has three additional completed cross stitch that she is making into pillows - I can't wait to see them. My birthday is in two weeks and I am hoping she will surprise me with the pillows then!

JBW Designs

Marriage Sampler

Recommended Fabric and Threads

God Bless the U.S.A

2009-07-03T21:18:00.014-04:00

So what are your plans for this 4th of July?

We don't have any 'set' plans. We will probably grill out, watch the fireworks, and just enjoy our free time.

Today we traveled to Roanoke and had dinner at Abuelo. If you haven't been, it's a wonderful 'upscale' Mexican restaurant chain. Abuelo's is to Mexican food what P. F. Chang's is to Chinese. After dinner we went to see "Up". If you haven't seen it and didn't plan to because you thought it was a 'kids movie', I challenge you to rethink and give this movie a try - it is truly a delightful film. We saw "Up" at an old, restored theatre called The Grandin - it was our first visit. It's a charming renovated theater - so much character. The best part, this is the first movie we have sat thru in years that we were not distracted by a single cell phone ringing or worse, people texting and the distraction of their bright shiny screens glowing in the dark. Does this drive anyone else crazy? I can't wait to go back to this theater.

As many of you know, I returned to work. Yesterday was the end of my 3rd week and I received my 1st paycheck. The auto deposit had not been processed, so I received a live check. I felt all grown up, going to the bank and depositing my paycheck - it was a great feeling! So, after completing 3 weeks of work, I thought I deserved a 'treat'. My purchase was a ..... digital camera. Don't get too excited, it's an inexpensive, simple thing that will do the job of providing pics for my blog. I am still very attached to my NIKON 35mm!

I received my NPI Silk Threads this week and my fibers for Mary Wigham - all on sale! I also purchased LHN newest design "Love One Another" (also on sale). I love this pattern and plan to make a few for Christmas gifts.

I have two new starts.

Mary Wigham (finally)

The Fruit of the Spirit

Plum Street Sampler

Suggested Fabric & Thread

I hope your 4th of July is full of happy moments with family and friends.

Cari

More Completed Pieces

2009-07-01T19:19:00.009-04:00

Thought I would post a few more of my completed pieces. This piece is the first project I ever completed (about 16 years ago). I recently had it re-framed and it hangs in the upstairs hallway. Sorry I don't have any info on this one.

Here's another older project that also hangs in our upstairs hallway. I like the beading on this - it add some elegance to the simplicity of the piece. I think this was the first project I finished after we were married (5/14/99). I loved stitching my new initials CLS instead of CLR.

These two are very recognizable - Lizzie Kate. She does the cutest patterns. I did one for my sweet Banditt (our dalmation that passed away 3 years ago) and the other for my Smokie. In case you're a little slow, yes, our pets are Smokie and the Banditt :-) No, I have never seen the movie. Our dog came with his name and our cat is gray - it just made sense :-) For a short while, we had a black cat - my husband thought I should name it Bear - I guess that's in the movie too? These hang in "The Yellow Room" which is one of our guest rooms. It's too yellow for me - my plans are to stripe it with white to tone it down.

Woof Flip-It

Recommended fabric, thread, & frame

Meow Flip-It

Recommended fabric, thread, & frame

Tomorrow is the end of my work week - hooray! I am so excited about having a 3-day weekend. Lots and lots of cross stitch in my future!

Cari

An Unidentifiable Piece

2009-06-26T19:19:00.002-04:00

I am so grateful that it is Friday. It has just been one of those long weeks. We went to see Transformers II last nite - it is definitely a guy movie. I enjoyed it but would have much rather seen the new Sandra Bullock film.

One of my projects has been to mark all of my framed pieces. So that when I am old and gray, I can flip a picture over and will have a label to remind me of the pertinent details - designer, pattern name, fabric.

This piece is one of my first projects and it hangs in our foyer. The details of the frame (not captured by the camera) are just beautiful.

Alma Lynne

Noah's Sampler

Recommended Fabric

DMC Thread

This next piece is one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I have no idea who the designer is - can anybody help me with this? I do know that I found the pattern in a cross stitch magazine. If I had to guess which one, I would say BHG Cross Stitch & Needlework.

I hear my needle and thread calling - enjoy your weekend.

Cari

Odds and Ends

2009-06-24T19:37:00.008-04:00

This week is just flying by and there has been little time for cross stitch. I did complete a really sweet little piece, the picture doesn't do it justice - my inexperience as a photographer (try clicking to enlarge).

Our Souls Entwine

Brightneedle

Suggested Fabric and Thread

30 ct. Cream Linen ~ WDW

Stitched 1 over 1

As I was taking pictures, I snapped one of this framed piece that I gave to my husband for

Valentines 2008

You Have Stolen My Heart

Lizzie Kate

Suggested Fabric and Thread

I ordered several skeins of silk (NPI) for 'Fruit of the Spirit" by PSS and Ann A. Tarbox by Hillside Sampling. I confess I have never stitched with silk and after reading Nicole's blog, I can't wait to give it a try! The best part is that I got them on sale!

I'm off to do some stitching!

Cari

Finished Pieces

2009-06-21T17:42:00.015-04:00

This afternoon I pulled out several pieces that are ready for framing they just needed a little ironing. I'll take them to my LNS (local needlework shop) this week.

(feel free to click on the images to enlarge)

"Love Birds"

Miss Crescent's Crowne

This was quick and fun to stitch - I can't wait to see it framed!

I used the suggested fabric and thread.

Flower Power December

Ewe & Eye & Friends

This one was also quick and fun to stitch.

My Quaker House

Blackbird Designs

I just love this piece, the colors are so soft and muted.

This is the only piece I have not chosen a frame for.

Moonlit Garden

Blackbird Designs

I completed this piece last year. I put it in a drawer and forgot about it until just recently.

I am still contemplating where to hang this one.

Where My Heart Blooms

Blackbird Designs

Another Blackbird Design - it's hard to resist

Barb & Alma's patterns!

This is the last one, for this trip anyway.

Have you guys seen the new pattern by Little House Needleworks? It's called "Love One Another" it is just precious.

Also, Plum Street Samplers has a free Father's Day pattern. It's another in Paulette's "Hare" series and it is really cute - Thanks Paulette!

New Additions To My Stash

2009-06-20T12:13:00.003-04:00

I received a huge box from Shakespeare's Peddlar this week, including fabric to begin the Mary Wigham SAL. Theresa also sent two frames I had ordered - now I just need to find time to stop by my LNS and drop off everything to be framed.

BTW, Shakespeare's Peddlar is having a huge Cyber Sale, now thru the end of June, great time to add to the stash.

I completed my homework for the week and took my test (an 'A' hooray!). So now I have some play time. And, as you can see, one of my dear friends loaned me her camera. I am going to make the most of it today and take lots of pictures which I will be adding to my blog this week. I want to return her camera asap as it is full of precious family photos and I don't want anything to happen to them while in my possession (or any other time).

The Beginning

2009-06-19T20:36:00.004-04:00

Wow, I actually created my own blog, I am so excited!

Why no pictures? I don't own a digital camera, I have been a rebel and held on to my wonderful NIKON 'film camera' that my husband and I bought as a wedding gift to each other. Not to worry, my plan is to borrow my friend's digital camera and take lots of pictures this weekend and then upload them to my blog (I love saying that my blog my blog my blog).

So, if you happen to stumble upon my blog, please visit again soon to see all my cross stitch projects - some are completed and others are WIP. Theresa at Shakespeare's Peddlar just sent me a huge box yesterday it was like Christmas for me - can't wait to show all my goodies, too.

One of my dearest friends asked me to help her find a verse today and I think it's perfect to end my first post with.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Serene Stitches

Atanyk

Bella

Time on my hands

The Big Day

Finishes, Gifts, & Thrifty Finds

Finding time to breathe!

Spring is in full bloom

Loose Feathers Patterns

A Spring Giveaway

Thank you!

And the Winner Is....

Gifts Galore

Living in a Snowglobe

*Sigh*

A Winter Wonderland

My Latest Projects

Update on Liz

A Finish and Introducing Ms. Savilles

I'm Free!

Giving Thanks

Stash Reduction Sale

Loss of Identity..

Rain, rain...

My Stitching Progress

The Colors of Fall

Thanks Deb,

Monday, Monday...

Accomplishments

Two finishes and a WIP

Giveaways Galore

Market Stash

Dip Diddly Designs Giveaway

The Learning Girl Sampler

Framed Pieces

Sweet Stuff

The Show...

Gathering my work

This and That

Guess What I Found...

Here Kitty, kitty

Quick Note

Framed Piece and WIP

Finishes and a Frame

Come one, Come all, there are giveaways to be had

The bell has rung and school is now in session

One more giveaway

Giveaways Galore

Pumpkins, Chocolate Covered Cherries, and a WIP

Giveaways - Threadheads, Dip Diddly Designs

Stash Reduction Sale

Need some help, please.

A Finish...

My Morning Run/Walk

Weekend Getaway, Fun Finds, and a Giveaway

Hooray for Fridays!

Boo Club: Almost Finished

Stash Additions

My Weekend Finds and Giveaways

My Birthday Weekend

An Update and Giveaways

The Weed Eater, Our Foyer, The Lord's Prayer

Recent Acquisitions

WIP Update

Charts for Sale

Pillows

God Bless the U.S.A

More Completed Pieces

An Unidentifiable Piece

Odds and Ends

Finished Pieces

New Additions To My Stash

The Beginning

Sigh