December Swirls

Holy crows! I nearly forgot to post this!!! I did finish the main part of Bent Creek's Snapper Year. I've been contemplating starting the border soon. This was a really fun project to stitch...except for frogging that May block when I had that disaster of a miscount! Every block was very easy and I will miss this one after the border is done!

I never did decide what to stitch in 2011. Unless I come up with something quick I suppose I will just stitch whatever comes to hand. It's not like I don't have three large WIPs and that border on Snapper Year to do! The past two years of having a set monthly stitch have been very enjoyable. I really like the 12 month blocks but one can only have so many calender-type stitches hanging around, right? Maybe 2011 should be my "finish stuff" year?

Best wishes in the new year!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

*faints*

Look what happened over the weekend:

100,000 visitors? Are you freakin' serious? And I've reached 500 followers as well? This is a joke, right? OMG Don't you people know how completely boring and ordinary I am? I truly don't deserve such kind and faithful readers...you all make me feel wonderfully special. Thank you.

This also happened over the weekend:

One Christmas tree ~ up and decorated! Rick came home with a new artificial tree for us as our old one was pretty ratty. Maybe I'm finding my Christmas Spirit after all? I've been admiring all the cross stitched ornaments I have and I realized I don't have any stitched by me. Every single one came as a gift or an exchange! I should stitch myself a few, don't you think? But I so love stitching for others...

Here is where I'm at on my Bent Creek Snapper Year. Slow going. I've been working on a couple of other things (remember my blogoversary giveaways?) I don't think I will have any trouble finishing up in time. Then, THEN! I still have to work that horrifying border. You forgot about that, didn't you? It still scares the living daylights outta me. *sigh* one stitch at a time, right?

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

November Twirls

Gosh, last minute finish for November, iddn't it? This month was tooooo busy. Can you believe this is the last day of November? I'm so glad I passed on doing NaBloPoMo this month. I would have failed miserably! Ahhh, but I finished my November Snapper Year with a day to spare (last night ~ I mean) so all is good in my world. I liked this month's stitch ~ the colors were fun and it went really fast ~ when I actually sat my butt down to work on it! I will kit up December this evening and start work on my Blogoversary prizes. You didn't think I'd forgotten did you? Well, if I hadn't gotten distracted by hot pink fabric and raven's...

Update on Carol's project: We did get the threads for my sister's new stitch. Thankfully, Drawn Thread had the DMC alternates already listed on the chart. Amazing! I like charts like that. Carol changed out the pinkish threads for colors that were more red, to match her house. And best of all, we went to Michael's on Thanksgiving day and got 30% off. Wait, was it 30%? I forget...something like that. Unfortunately...Carol was a little shocked at the fabric...she cannot see it! So the actual stitching part is going to have to wait until Carol has visited the eye doctor and has gotten her some "old lady glasses" like the rest of us wear! Hurry sis!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

November Progress

Here is how far I've gotten with Snapper Year. There would be more...but I keep being tempted with your blog posts. They are so interesting! I love seeing what everyone is stitching and hearing your news and celebrating your finishes!

My sister, Carol called me on Friday. From left field, she has decided to cross stitch this Winter! Carol hasn't stitched in years so she wanted a little help deciding what fabric and such. She chose Wayward Garden by The Drawn Thread. Very pretty! I helped her order the chart & fabric from 123Stitch and she got notice it was shipped today. I'm hoping we get it in time to do a little thread shopping on Friday (after the crowds thin out lol) and pick up anything else she may need. Oh, hey! Anyone have the DMC list for this design? That would be handy. Evenweave fabric will be new to Carol but I have no doubt she will pick it up easily. We are both quite excited about the new project! Mmmmm, I see lots of Stitchy Saturday get-togethers in the future!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

October Curls

Can you believe I finished my October Snapper Year already? I'm thinking this design was the whole reason for stitching this project! I love this silly pumpkin. Ooo ~ this counts as a pumpkin challenge finish too, doesn't it? This one had nearly every color changed from the recommended ones. I enjoyed stitching it a lot...it was so easy and quick. Now, I have three whole weeks of stitching whatever I feel like before I can start the November block. It's hard to believe I finished so early. Remember when I stitched May's block early then had to frog the whole thing? Yay, this block is in the correct place!

Today is the New Moon! That means it's time for a Totally Useless update. My ORT jar is plum full. See all that orange thread from stitching pumpkins? Autumn colors are the best! Join us for the Totally Useless Stitch a Long...grab an empty jar, save your ORTs and post a picture on your blog on the New Moon.

It was back to work for me today. Blech! But not too bad ~ it's almost the weekend already, right? Oh, what I wouldn't give to be a lady of leisure with nothing to do but stitch and stash...

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

September Brings

Totally crap photograph but I couldn't wait to share! I'm finally caught up on Snapper Year! I finished September Brings this afternoon. This was a really fun design to stitch. I enjoyed all the different shapes and colors...purple ~ it's about darn time there was some purple to stitch! I adore the upside down "t"...don't you?

October is kitted and once again, I have changed colors around. This time every color but one needed adjusting! Of course, I won't start October until it is actually October. But then, I've got weird rules, don't I?

I'm now stash-diving, looking for pumpkin charts. I've joined up with Becky's Great Pumpkin Challenge. So much fun. Autumn designs are my favorite so that made this SAL irresistible. You should join us!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

I Smell Poo...oh, and August Rings

I got home from work on Sunday...I don't usually work weekends but someone was sick and I'm the only one idiot enough to answer the phone...anyway, I got home and it smelled like dog poo in the house. Well, if no one has poo on their shoes the likely culprit is...the dog. A quick sniff of Sheba told us she had rolled in something ~ ewwww! Dogs, they can be so freakin' weird. Now, Sheba hasn't had a bath in years, literally. She has an odorless coat (I mean, she still smells like dog but then, she is a dog) and she is scared to death of the bathtub (scared enough to try and bite me once!) She gets brushed out once a week and spot-cleaned for dirty paws & such and that is enough. Usually. I can't really deal with poo-scented dogs. What to do?

Do you know there are such things as a Dog Wash? Just like a Car Wash! You go in and there are ramps up to platform-type tubs. There is a chain to snap to the collar and a spray wand. Dial up what shampoo, conditioner you like...there is even skunk odor remover! Insert quarters, just like a Car Wash. It was great. Sheba didn't seem to mind too much either. Now we have a lovely lavender-scented Border Collie with soft, fluffy, shiny fur. Bye bye poo smell! Goofy dog! And she still won't look at you if you're pointing a camera...

I've finished August! This one was quick and easy. I have even gotten quite far into September already. I might just be caught up in a few days. At least, I am on the correct month now, right? Woo!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

July Sings OR "Take that, Cathey!"

Yes! I have completed another block! Are you happier, Cathey? Cathey (Pumpkin) has not let me forget that I am way behind on this project so this block is dedicated to her, lol! July was a breeze to stitch and was finished in no time. Once again, the conversion Bent Creek is using sucks and I used 434 instead of 3781 and 3854 instead of 422. I do understand this project was designed with overdyes in mind but it appears they didn't give any thought to the DMC alternates when writing the key. For example, in this design, the suggested DMC color for the birdies legs & beaks was 422, an olive/tan that looks nothing like the orange/yellow in the model picture. WTF?

I've kitted up August (and made 3 substitutions lol) and even put a few stitches in already. I imagine Cathey is squirming with guilt over her browbeating now. No, probably not. Surely, She is thinking, "You are still a month, behind, Sharon!" Ha! Well, I have it on good authority that Cathey now owns the charts for this project. You just wait...I'll be such a slave driver! *cue maniacal evil laughter*

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

June Zooms

Lies! Lies! It's all lies! June does NOT zoom. It drags on forever. Tormenting a stitcher with it's large blocks of solid colors. Finally, the June Snapper Year block is complete. I'm so relieved. I was beginning to think I would never finish.

July is kitted up and a Netflix movie is in my queue. I still need to finish my ornament swap piece. The stitching is completed it just needs putting together, something that won't take long at all. I just have to sit down and do it.

Several of you asked how I am liking Pillars of the Earth. I am no movie critic! (Jessie teases me all the time how I forget the plot, storyline & details of movies almost instantly after finishing them. I'm terrible about remembering movies & books unless I see/read them over and over. This trait did not serve me well in school.) I usually watch movies of books I've read. I usually don't enjoy them as much as the book...there is never enough detail! Pillars was good. Or I should say is good ~ it's not finished yet. They've done an excellent job converting an enormous book into a mini-series. The book is much better! The only movie I've ever liked more than the book was Jurassic Park. There is just something about those dinosaurs!

In fact, I am so terrible about remembering inconsequential details that the other day I came home from the bookstore with the paperback sequel to Pillars ~ World Without End. I was very pleased to have a new book to read.

"Mom, you've read that!" Jessie said.

"No," I replied, "It just came out."

"In paperback! You already have it in hardcover!" She steamed.

*Sigh* There it was. In hardcover. On the bookshelf. I'm an idiot!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Progress

Isn't it about time I showed you some stitching? Earlier this month I finished the bottom row on Peacock Cypher. This is such an easy stitch...except for the fact that I'm stitching it in DMC instead of the called-for silks. There are a few different silks, all the same two colors, with different symbols for each in the pattern. When you stitch this with DMC it is just two colors but you have to remember that "these three symbols are all the same color" and then, we throw in some other stitch types, Smyrna & Mosaic ~ with different symbols yet. It takes some studying!

Some of you will be pleased to know I have been working on Snapper Year! I'm at least to the half-way point with the June block. Maybe I can catch up and have the months aligned? It was very relaxing to take a break from this for a few weeks. Now, I feel I have some enthusiasm for it again.

My mom is finally home from the hospital and doing well. I hear she feels better than she has in months and that is good news. Sheba had a visit to the veterinarian to look at her paw. The vet shaved the fur off so we could see the skin and it was healing. Sheba got an ointment called Lick~Guard that I put on her foot to help keep her from sucking it raw. (It kinda smells like dill pickles, except more stinky.) She has settled down now and save for rather scabby, bare toes she is fine!

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Short but heartfelt today. Rick & I are off to Tulsa for a romantic weekend. And I get to stash!

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

June TU SAL, late, late, late!

The new moon was a week ago so I am dreadfully late posting! I've been terribly busy at work, hiring and training a new employee, along with all other things that tend to crop up. Oklahoma is sweltering with unusual heat for June and all I want is to sit in the air conditioning and eat Popsicles! Here is my TU SAL update (Totally Useless Stitch A Long.) Most of these ORTs came from the May side of the lunar cycle...June has been rather scant in the ORT-creating business, I'm afraid. And how do you like my frogging jar? A little glass jar with some cute froggie stickers fixed me up. See, I started an exchange project and after frogging three days worth of stitching on it, I decided I needed a frogging jar for the TU SAL. I'm sure you are remembering May's catastrophe? This frogging episode was not my fault! No...I no longer trust Bent Creek's charts. They are just crazy full of errors!

I must confess, I have not even started on the June block of Snapper Year. Did frogging the entire May block steal my enthusiasm for Snapper Year? Yes, it did. There, I said it! *gasp* I have had no urge to stitch June or even just to begin to stitch June. Maybe I need to put my monthly stitch aside for a time? I've been working on my exchange design in what little free time I've had and been thinking of pulling out old WIPs that would be gathering dust if they weren't sealed in plastic boxes. I bet you don't even remember Peacock Cypher, do you? Or J'apprends a compter les moutons? They haven't seen daylight in the last year at least! Hummm, I hate decisions like this...

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

May Blooms

I must admit, the obscene amount of frogging I did on this block put a serious hex on my stitching mojo. Frogging does that to you too, doesn't it? However, even though stitching this the second time around was not quite as much fun as the first, I have completed my Snapper block for May! And it is in the correct position. Always, a plus.

I substituted a couple of the suggested colors with ones I liked better. If you are interested in the list, feel free to email me. I still need to find buttons to replace those weird snaps but haven't seriously searched yet. There is at least six months before they are needed so no pressure, right?

This was a productive weekend! I finished this May block. I ornamentified a Christmas design for my Ornament Swap exchange and it's ready to mail. Kitted up for the Snapper June block and kitted up for my next Christmas ornament stitch. I wish I was always so on top of things!

Happy birthday to my dear sister-in-law, Chris! I needed to give her a shout-out because she is so sweet to read my blog faithfully. No one in my family reads this except her and my DD, Jessie. Not even Rick! Thank you, dear sister. I hope you have had a wonderful birthday today!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

The Ball of Shame

The dreadful frogging of my May Snapper block has been completed. Sadly, it went from this:

(See? I told you I was only an hour from finishing.)

To this:

Isn't that a horrid Ball of Shame? Now, to start anew...but first, I must comment ~ or is that file a complaint? ~ on the way I stitch. I have discovered (in the course of epic frogging) that I end every thread as though I were mooring the Titanic. This habit makes for tricky unpicking, let me tell you! Holy crows, that was hard work!

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Happy Happy. Joy Joy.

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I happened to stop by a local antique store for a browse yesterday and finally found myself a scissor frog! Then, to top that, I even came across a pretty milk glass container that fit it perfectly! *squee* All this joy for only $8. Can't beat that with a stick.

***you don't see all the clutter on my desk***

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

It's All Over But The Crying

Thank you all for the wonderful hugs of consolation on my last post. I am still quite sick over making such a huge mistake. After much pouting thinking, I have decided to frog. I could space everything out differently to make it work but I'm afraid that would leave the door open to the possibility of even more frogs farther down the line. The border, which I haven't even started, requires the correct spacing. Seriously, this design is freakin' simple. It should not be so hard to avoid frogs!

I am finished pouting. Finished fuming. I was so upset, I didn't even read blogs for three days! However, I've caught myself up yesterday and today...although I was so backlogged with posts, I did not leave many comments. Sorry!

Saturday, I went out for a little retail therapy with Jessie (my DD) and my sister. We visited lots of thrift and antique shops. I found buttons! A pair of tiny scissors (not of good quality, but homeless) and an old coffee can in fantastic shape. I thought the can would make a great button container. Still searching for flower frogs. Fruitlessly. No joy.

In the garden, the Clematis has exploded! Just beautiful! It makes the heart sing. If you look close you can see how many buds there are waiting to bloom.

When next I visit, perhaps I'll be done with the frogging and in a better mood. Once all the crying is over, May should not take more than a few days, right?

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Thank you for visiting my blog today

xox

To Frog or Not to Frog, That is the Question

I am an hour from finishing the May Snapper block when I notice a blankety blank blank blankie blank FROG! OMFG I stitched the ENTIRE freakin' block one stitch too close to April. I was so freaked out I set it aside and came to you for solace. I need hugs.

Now, what's to do? Do I frog this entire block? The one I'm so happy with because I was going to be finished with it three weeks early? Or, should I leave it and figure out a way to make it work? Any ideas how to fix this? Help! I've added a poll to the sidebar. Please vote. And send hugs. I really need hugs.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

April Glooms

Only one day late! Bent Creek's Snapper Year April Glooms is complete! I buckled down and stitched today. I even made a start on the May block as if to make up for being tardy with April. I am stitching with DMC instead of the recommended overdyes. I've changed the colors a bit in this one as the color called for in the letters (3787) was only one shade different than the raindrops. I think I used...crap, I don't remember! And tidy & efficient me has already filed them all away. Anyway, I am going to change colors as I feel the need. I don't think I mentioned this in the January block when I changed Mr. Snowman's carrot nose from a horrid dark brown to a more suitable carrot-y color.

Thank you all for the kind comments about my garden! I am so pleased to have it finished. It was good to get some sun and dirt under my nails. My overall mood has much improved with that needed sunlight and exercise. Yay for Spring time!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

I Love Ladybugs

When I spotted Myra's sweet, adorable ladybug finish I knew I HAD to stitch her myself. She is just so cute and sassy! I actually stitched and finished her as a magnetic needle minder in one evening. This counts as A BIG DEAL because she has fifteen different colors AND she is stitched over-one. And I rarely stitch over-one. The fabric pictured was used on the back. Teeny-tiny, she was the perfect size for the needle minder. I love her!

Design ~ In Your Easter Bonnet

Designer ~ Brooke's Books

From ~ Just Cross Stitch, March/April 2010

Fabric ~ 28 count monaco

Fiber ~ DMC

Finish ~ Magnetic Needle Minder

What was I doing stitching yet another new project when I should be working on Snapper year? I'm happy to say, there has been splendid progress on April's block, so there! Seriously, it rained ALL weekend so was perfect for stitching.

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

Stitching Bloggers are the best

Quickie snap (roflol) of my start on Snapper Year's April. This took me forever to start...mainly because of being nervous about placement. The border chart comes separate from the monthly charts and it is really difficult to tell if you are putting things in the right place. You notice I still haven't started that tricky border? Because it scares the living hell out of me! I'll get to it when I get up the nerve...

I won Mary's blogoversary giveaway on Colorado Stitcher. The giveaway was a lovely pair of scissors...but look what I found when I opened the box. Mary made the beautiful fob and the artist's trading card. Everything is in my favorite colors too! Thank you so much Mary!

Speaking of giveaways.

Edgar of Blacksheep's bit of the web is celebrating his third blogoversary and Patty of Hanging On By A Thread is celebrating her birthday with a giveaway. Good luck!

I am still collecting addresses for RAKs!

Thanks to all of you for the positive comments on my last post regarding RAKs. I've received lots of emails containing those coveted addresses, plus sent my own out a few times. If you haven't sent me your address, why not? No place is too far to mail. Don't be shy asking to be included! I am going to have such fun doing RAKs! A BIG SPECIAL THANKS goes to Hazel of Quietly Stitching and Lynda of A Cozy Little Place for Stitching for joining in on the fun. They are both seeking addresses for their own RAKs.

One RAK still in transit. This one isn't stitched, just a little something I thought my special person would like. It was mailed the same day as Becky's RAK but it has a bit farther to go!

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

March Blows

After a gentle reminder from Cathey that I was really running out time to finish my March Snapper Year...I buckled down and stitched. I couldn't figure out why the chicken is pooping a pitchfork. Then it hit me, a foot? Wait, is it a foot? I hope that's a foot.

Since I've stitched three months worth, it's time for a quarterly photo! I like how each quarter rhymes. I'm having fun!

Now, on to finishing up that strawberry pincushion! For those that asked, the design is from The Cross Stitcher magazine, June 2009. (This is the US magazine.) Called Vegetable Trinket Cards by Kreinik. The design was charted for Kreinik Silk Mori. As most of you know, I'm horribly allergic to silk so I've converted it into DMC.

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Great Big Thanks to all those sweethearts that have nominated me for blog awards. I am so touched and honored that you thought of me and thought my blog was deserving. ***hugs*** I am so sorry... but I am not going to play along at this time. It has been hard enough just keeping up with my blog reader and my stitching right now. I am hoping for more free time in the near future.

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Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox

My Ma still blows

I feel really guilty for not stitching on my Snapper Year. I got a little distracted with strawberries. So, my March WIP is still stuck on that rude phrase and the new one is growing quickly. Well, not TOO quickly! I admit, frogs invaded for a short time because I thought I was so above checking the pattern, photographic memory ~ you know? NOT!

When this is finished (maybe a pin pillow?) I'm thinking of sending this to someone who reads this blog...

Thank you for visiting my blog today!

xox