It's (Finally) Fall Y'all!!

We usually do not get much fall color here, but this year it is so dry and hot that the few trees that do change colors have gone from green to a spotted sickly yellow and directly to crunchy brown.

But, after many consecutive days of record high temperatures, we are finally getting a little (very little) rain and we welcomed a cool front this morning -- it was 49 degrees on the way to school!  I am also looking forward to the extra morning hour I will gain next week when we "fall" back for Daylight Savings Time.  And all just in time for my birthday - cool weather and an extra hour in the morning, what could be better birthday present!?!

Well . . . .

maybe a little

Stash Enhancement . . .

Homespun Elegance "Holiest of Nights" and "Shabby Chic Christmas"

 

JBW Designs "French Country - Snow Globe" and "French Country - Love"

 

Brightneedle "Can You Spy?"

Stitching Update . . .

Things have been rather busy on the bayou and it is cutting into my stitching time, but I have been carrying LHN's the Gingerbread Trio with me and stitching whenever I have have a little time. 

"Gingerbread Trio"

Little House Needleworks

Stiched over 2 on

using the recommended threads

(love that Spinach green)

At least I am sure to be finished by Christmas.  I am trying to decide between a frame and a pillow finish -- anyone have a different finishing suggestion?

I finished another LHN ornament, I am hoping to finish two more LHN ornaments for our tree this year, but I also have some gift ornaments I want need to start stitching and the gifts come first.

Picture coming soon

"Merry Skater"

Little House Needleworks

stitched over 2 threads  on Summer Khaki

using the recommended threads

Other stuff . . .

I have added several new charts to my destash blog for sale or trade, take a look and see if there is anything you like.

Have you been "Boo'd" yet?  We were "Boo'ed" this week and a secret friend left a large pumpkin, a jar of candy corn and a pack of Wendy's Frosty coupons on our porch.  In return you have to "Boo" two friends, so we made a midnight raid . . . okay, it was actually 7:30p, but it was dark . . .  on two unsuspecting friends and delivered some home-baked cookies, candy and a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese with pumpkin-shaped macaroni.  Since we were expecting rain that evening, we had to ring the bell and run so they would not find their soaked goodies in the morning.  We will be driving by to see if they posted their "I've been "Boo'd" signs in the window.  DS had so much fun, we are going to do something similar for Christmas so he is writing a little poem to let you know you have been "Kringle'd".

Here is the poem for being "Boo'd" (this poem was from a Hallmark set that came with the poem, an "I've Been Boo'd ghost and a cute little gift bag, I think they have another set at Wal-Mart this year from another company with a different poem) . . .

You’ve been Boo’d!

This sweet surprise is called a “boo”!

You’ll never know exactly who

Brought you treats and then ran off unseen

To brighten up your Halloween!

It’s twice the good luck if you go

and “boo” two other folks you know!

Pack up a ghost sign, treats and gifts,

And add a poem just like this.

Pick out a house and sneak up close.

(Make sure its windows have no ghost

that tells you clearly “We’ve been Boo’d!”

It’s best to visit someplace new.)

Knock fast on someone’s door – then run!

Make sure you’re never seen! It’s fun!

And once they get your gifts and food . . .

They’ll know for sure that

They’ve been Boo’d!

If you like this idea, but don't like the idea of ghosts, you can deliver a fall pumpkin with a sign that says "You've been punk'd!" and you can still do it in November for Thanksgiving.  Maybe leave a bag off Thanksgiving Blessing Mix from Organized Christmas.

And you could use this little verse:

Being a Christian . . . is like being a pumpkin.

God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes off all the dirt.

Then, He scoops out all the yucky stuff,

He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed.

Then, He carves you a new smiling face and

puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.

The Online Needlework Show is still open to view.  I inserted a few links to some of my favorites, a few of the designers were new to me so I will have to add them to my designer's to watch list.

From Crabapple Hill Studios:  Embroiderer's Blessing, Vintage Candy Cane Snowman, Love and Joy and Winter Wishes

From Wild Heart Designs Phebe Edwards, 1818

From Half-Moon Handwerks When Irish Eyes are Smiling

Alessandra Adelaide Needleworks (you have to see all of them!)

From Jeanette Douglas Designs Owl Love You Forever

Of Generations Past

From My Big Toe Designs - Cheaper than Therapy (too cute and so true!), Cast All Your Cares, Building Blocks, and Be Not Forgetful

From Nouveau Encore Designs - Occupation Tree - Teacher and Sports Tree (Football) - Saints

Praiseworthy Stitches - Freedom Park and Bee Keepers Cottage (from Down the Lane series) and Do Ye Good

From With My Needle - A Child's Prayer, Family Record, Family Ties and Kind and True

Have a great weekend!

Another Finish!

I have another finish!!



"Sampling Thanksgiving"
Lizzie Kate (Quick-Its)
over 2 threads on Light Mocha Cashel linen
using recommended DMC threads
with supplied acorn charm

 I am planning on stitching this one again (but probably next year) using the recommended WDW threads.  I do like the design and the colors, but I think the varigated colors of the WDW threads will give it more "pop".  Amazing how flat the DMC begins to look when you have been stitching with hand dyeds (mostly WDW, CC, GAST) for the last year.

DS picked a design for his room and in keeping with his new color scheme, I changed all the colors.  I have to stitch it on the sly so it will be a surprise, so no pictures here until it is done.  He might not read my blog, but he does pay attention to the pictures when he sees me posting.

I have a couple of designs that recommend R&R Reproductions fabrics.  I have never used them and my local LNSs do not carry them.  Since it will represent a significant investment, does anyone have any opinions to share on R&R Reproductions or can suggest another fabric that would be close to 18th Century Brown??

Hoffman Distributing publishes a list of new charts every Friday.  Here are a few newbies that caught my eye.

Need a new ornament or want to stitch a meaningful Christmas gift . . .


"Holiest of Nights"
Homespun Elegance

 
For you fellow Austen-ites, here is a new Austen inspired design . . . 

"Jane Bennet Wedding Sampler"
Kit & Bixby


  
How a about a "too cute" Halloween design . . .

"French Country Scaredy Cats"
JBW Designs

 

So, what do you think?

My needle has been busy . . . (& EP Tip #4)

I am still stitching on "At Home with Jane Austen" and am still "rebuilding" Hartfield. 

"At Home with Jane Austen"

The Sampler Girl

stitched over 2 on French Country linen in Latte 

using 2 strands of the recommended Crescent Colours threads

I am also still working on the Little House Needleworks 2010 Ornament series.  Diane will be doing another series for 2011, can't wait to see the new designs as they are revealed each month.

"Merry Skater"

from the 2010 ornament series

Little House Needleworks

stitched over 2 on 28 count Lugana in Summer Khaki

using recommended threads

I love Fall, but with temperatures still in the 90s it does not feel like Fall is remotely close.  Happily, we did get a little tease for two days this week with overnight lows in the upper 60s and low 70s and highs in the upper 80s and low 90s (yup, we consider that cooler).  The cooler temps inspired me to do a little fall stitching (that and I have no Fall themed finishes), so I found this cute design in my freebie binder.  I think I will finish it as a pillow, maybe with a hanger for a cabinet or door knob.

"Fall Leaves"

Designs by Kathy (a freebie from Wichelt Imports, Inc.)

Stitched over 2 on Wilchet 28 count linen in Lambswool

using Gentle Arts Simply Shaker floss in Autumn Leaves (thanks again Sue - LOVE this color!)

I was looking for another little Fall piece and found a winter design that would adapt easily to a season change.  This is my first time making color changes to a design and I am really happy with it.  You will notice that I left the design name and designer a MYSTERY.  I thought I would be fun to see if anyone can identify the design and designer, post your guesses in the comments.  I will update the post with the design information on Monday.

"Woodland Snofall"
 Little House Needleworks
from JCS 2004 Special Christmas Issue

Stitched over 2 on Wilchet 28 count linen in Lambswool

using recommended threads
with the following changes

Border - Gentle Arts Simply Shaker-Autumn Leaves

Leaves - Weeks Dye Works - Autumn Leaves

Moon - DMC 676

I love the color of both of the Autumn Leaves threads.  WDW is brighter and would also be perfect for a pumpkin (I love pumpkins and cannot believe I have no pumpkin charts!), while the GASS is rich with golds and browns -- these are the perfect threads for Fall stitching.

I am also stitching on my fleur de lis during Saints' games, but I do not have a photo to share.

I also acquired some new stash this week . . .

CHARTS

Little House Needleworks'
"Family Sampler", "Peppermint Twist" and "Under the Tree"

Lizzie Kate's "Sampling Thanksgiving"

THREADS

Weeks Dye Works
Scuppernong, Honeysuckle, Begonia, Americana, Hunter, Emerald, Holly and Garden Trellis
Crescent Coulours
House Wine, Antique Lace and  Pea Pod

I gave my blog a Fall makeover, hope you like it.  I also updated my STASH and WISH pages to include links to pictures of each design on the list.

_________________________________________________________________
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Did you know September is Emergency Preparedness Month? 
Guess my tips are timely.

Emergency Preparedness Tip #4: 
Planning ahead for evacuation with children and pets.

Tip #3:  Have a plan

Tip #2:  Update your address book.

Tip #1:  Use your dishwasher for watertight storage.

Children

• 
  
  When staying at a hotel with children during an evacuation, you may not be able to use the pool, in the case of a hurricane, the winds and rain will arrive not long after you do. Power outages can follow, plan ahead and bring their favorite books (or that classic from your childhood you always planned to share), family board games or a new puzzle.
• 
  
  Give each child a bag (backpacks work great) to pack up their "evacuation" items (favorite toys, treasured mementos, etc.) to take with them.
• 
  
  Pack a flashlight or two in case of a power outage (also useful for making shadow puppets). 
• 
  
  Pack their favorite snacks.  Stores in your evacuation destination may run short on supplies like bread, milk, sandwich meats, ice etc as everyone stocks up.  Bring some supplies with you, apples, grapes and carrot sticks can stay chilled in a cooler with some ham or turkey.  PB&J is quick and easy (splurge on the squeeze bottle of jelly).  Even, your hotel may run short of food (especially free continental breakfasts - ours did).  When loading your vehicle, pack the food where it can be reached while driving in case your drive takes longer than expected. 
• 
  
  There is nothing you can do about what might be going on back home, so just be with your family without homework, practices, laundry, etc.  Having a plan (and knowing the plan of your extended family and friends) makes for less stress (we had family "missing" during Katrina).
• 
  
   To inject a little fun and reduce stress, we invoke "hurricane rules".  I make sure I say "hurricane rules" when suggesting or implementing a new "rule" so DS knows this is not only unusual, but temporary.
• 
  
  DS can have Fruit Loops  or another item(s) not on our usual grocery list
• 
  
  we might start a meal with dessert
• 
  
  we might let DS sleep in his clothes or let him watch a movie past his usuall bedtime
• 
  
  make up a new "family game" - we played an alliteration game - sentences could only use words starting with the same letter - (Does Daddy's diminutive dear desire dessert?)
• 
  
  Use whatever works for your family, the evacuation has already turned your kid's world topsy-turvy, might as well have fun with it.  Do keep try to maintain most of your usual household rules and rituals, the stability (predictability) helps keep the kids stress level in check.
• 
  
   You will be tempted to watch the 24-hour coverage on cable channels -- DON'T.  I am not suggesting you do not check periodically, just don't stay glued to the television.  I can tell you from first-hand experience, half of what is reported is just plain wrong.  You would think the out-of-town cable news channels would snag a couple of locals to confirm details about the locale, but they don't.  They hear a piece of "news" and it goes directly to broadcast (accurate or not) or they just keep re-playing the same footage and information over and over.
• 
  
  Talk to your kids about what is happening.  Be age appropriate, let their questions be your guide to how much they want (need) to know.
• 
  
  If your child has a school uniform, pack a uniform (or two) in your luggage (if you have the room bring along their textbooks and notebooks, too)

Pets

• 
  
  Keep a phone list of pet­friendly hotels/motels and animal shelters or kennels that are along your evacuation routes. Sometimes, non-pet hotels will make an exception during an emergency. If you pet is clean, well-behaved and has a kennel, it is easier to convince a reluctant manager to let them stay. Don't forget to show your appreciation by not letting your pet's poop populate park-like places (sorry could not resist a little alliteration) or mark its territory in the hotel (we stayed in a room where cats had obviously "marked"- ughhhhh).
• 
  
  Pack their regular food, favorite toys, etc. the change in location can be stressful for them (and they can usually pick up on your stress, too.)  If you have to evac your pets with a family member or a friend, remember to send a t-shirt or blanket that has your scent, it will comfort them while you are separated.
• 
  
  If you are staying in a private home, check with your hosts before you show up with your pets.  Your hosts may be pet-friendly, but may have some restrictions (no pets on the furniture, etc.), allergies, etc so it is best to discuss all the details in advance. Also, be realistic about your pets behaviors/habits.
• 
  
  If you have a regular evacuation destination, check on local vets and kennels and if you pet has on-going medical needs, keep a copy of their vet records with your evacuation kit.  It saves time and money if you can show them the last test results or medications prescribed by your regular vet (their office will be closed).
• 
  
  If you have a goldfish your child is especially attached to, an cleaned spaghetti sauce jar makes a great evacuation "module".  Remember to take the cap off occasionally to let in fresh air and leave it off when you reach your destination.

Keep praying these storms continue to stay mostly over water.

There's No Place Like Home

I have another finish!

"Winter Sheep" (2010 Ornament series)

Little House Needleworks

stitched over 2 on French Country Linen in Cafe Mocha

using 2 threads of the recommended DMC threads

And I have been anxious to make a new start, so I spent a little time last night on this.

"At Home with Jane Austen"

The Sampler Girl

stitched over 2 on French Country linen in Latte

using 2 strands of the recommended Crescent Colours threads

It is not my usual color palette, but I love these bright happy colors!  It has been a fun and easy stitch so far.

Not looking forward to this afternoon.  The expected heat index for today is between 110 and 115 and today is the first day of cross-country practice for DS.  We are under heat advisories from 9am - 10pm all week.  I will be wishing I could stay home.  I try to find a shady spot (there are not many) where I can stitch and watch practice.  It is amazing to see how far these kids can run, especially in this heat.  Last year, DS came in from the first practice plopped down on his bed (despite my urging to shower first - ewww!) and fell asleep for 3 hours.  (He has a big test tomorrow, so I hope he doesn't take another long nap.)

Ten minutes into practice, I will be wishing I had stayed home.  And when I get home, I will probably head straight for the shower.  Fortunately, I will have the red beans in the crock pot so I will only have to make rice and turn on the oven (ughhh!) to bake the corn bread and then pop the sausage under the broiler. 

Maybe I should change this design to "There's nothing like staying home in the a/c."  Do you think  Tanya would mind?

Hoping it is cooler where you are!

Another Finish

I am in the mood to wrap up loose ends, maybe it is the start of the new school year, maybe it is being in the middle of hurricane season and not being as ready as I had planned.  So I am trying to finish up a few WIPs.

Pardon the bad light, we have skies full of white clouds with peeks of blue and five minutes later, the sky turns dark grey and ominous preceding another daily thunderstorms.  Dontcha just love it when a tropical system boomerangs and comes back for 2 weeks in a row!?!

"Dogs Leave Paw Prints"

Lizzie Kate

Proceeds from this design are donated to the Kansas Humane Society
Stitched on 30 count Weeks Dye Works Cappuccino linen

over 2 threads using 2 strands of recommended Weeks Dye Works threads

I still have to add the silver dog bone charm under the dog house.  I will check the local bead shop and Hobby Lobby to see if they have something that will work.  If not, I will have to wait until my next trip to the LNS in October.

OOPS!  I just realized while looking a the photo that I missed a line of green under your.  I will post another picture when I have framed or otherwise finished this piece so you can see it with the green.  It just started thundering -- AGAIN -- and I want to get off the computer.  Besides, I feel like doing a little baking again today -- I'm thinking cookies!

Another Finish!

I finally finished "Season of Love" by CCN. 

It is a pillow finish with a deep green fabric backing with holly designs.

"Season of Love"

Country Cottage Designs

(from 2010 JCS Ornament Preview issue)

stitched over 2 threads

on an unknow piece of ivory/off-white linen

using the recommended GAST and DMC threads

I will be posting a new start (or restart of a WIP) soon.

It was outrageously hot today with a heat index of 100 (temperature is 95, but with humidity it feels like 100), but I turned on the oven anyway to make these German chocolate cupcake.

(Did You Know - German chocolate has nothing to do with the country.  It was developed by Samuel German of Baker's Chocolates.)

I will post this semi-homemade recipe on my cooking blog Joie of Cooking.

A k-new finish

My first attempt at knitting!

It is not perfect, I did have some trouble with the brim stitches and I actually think I have the hat upside down because I closed the wrong end, but I really enjoyed doing it.  I used one of those round looms and it came together really quickly.  It only took one episode of Miss Marple and about 15 minutes this morning to finish it off.  After seeing the stitches come together on the loom, I think I will have a better grasp of needle knitting/crocheting.  I hope to try my hand at those in the future.  My goal is to make a few hats and scarves so the round loom will work great for now.

I am so full of ideas for projects at the moment -

thanks to all you crafty bloggers who have provided the inspiration!

I have gone through all my crafting materials and thrown out the dried out paints and markers, passed on the materials I do plan to use and organized what is left.  I gave my sewing machine and Cricut semi-permanent homes so I can use them more easily.

DS has picked a few projects he would like to do and will be

making handmade Christmas gifts for all his grandparents.

I have also been doing some sewing,

no finishes to show yet, but soon!

I am hoping to finish CCN's "Season of Love" by the end of the week.

I like the flat finish and have some cording to use on the edge,

but I cannot cut a straight line on cardboard or foam-core. 

Any one have any tips? or suggestions for another type of finish?

It is the first week of school here so I will have some stitching time

during afternoon pick-up and should be getting back into a regular routine

(which totally fell to the wayside this summer).

WEIRD or WONDERFUL??

The fluorescent tube lights in the kitchen have burned out.

They have been in use for 10 years!

Is that normal?

Hope you are enjoying the rest of your summer!

A Finish, A WIP and a Plan

Here is my first Jane Austen finish,

"At Pemberley"

The Sampler Girl

Stitched on 28 count Cashel linen in Light Mocha

over 2 using the recommended threads

I ordered fabric from The Sampler Girl to complete the finish and frame.  I found two thrift store frames, I might use to frame this piece. 

This one was $2.50

This one was $1

The frames are pretty distressed, so I might paint it a dark chocolate brown.  What do you think?  I am open to ideas.  Since it is so humid here, I think I will do the frame without the glass.

I finished this one just in time, The Sampler Girl is releasing "At Delaford" on Friday.  You can also sign up for her "At Delaford" giveaway.

I am in the home stretch of Lizzie Kate's "Dogs Leave Paw Prints".  I am using the recommended colors, but I might change the Liberty thread (the heart and the words "on your").  It is a very bright cherry red that almost glows on the fabric.  I will stitch it and if I still do not like it, I will frog it out and make a replacement.

Remember this one?  Lizzie Kate's "Sons are a Special Joy".  I have decided to use a standard 8x10 frame with the addition of some coordinating fabric.  The distressed blue frame was a 50% off sale item.  This will be my first self framing project.

I will begin stitching three of the LHN 2010 Christmas ornaments when I have finished these WIPs (unless I win the "At Delaford" pattern).  Maybe stitching Christmas designs will help me to "think cool".

I have been looking for the Just Cross-Stitch Christmas Preview issue and cannot find it -- is it out at the newstands yet?  Looking forward to stitching the LHN & CCN gingerbread ornaments (among others).

Today started very dreary, but the clouds and overnight rain kept it cooler today (we have been having heat indexes over 100 - ugh).  We went into the city to run some errands, visit the cemeteries for Father's Day and have a little birthday fun for DS.

For his birthday, DS adopted Cinnamon, who will join Brownie and Honey (seeing a pattern?) in his animal menagerie.  Build-A-Bear sent DS a birthday card for a free bear (up to $12).  I could not let him come home naked, so since he was free, I bought him a t-shirt.

DS had an electrifying birthday party.  After going to Toy Story 3, the weather turned stormy and we had to replace the outdoor water slide with an indoor Wii tournament.  About an hour into the party, lightning struck two trees next to the house.  One tree exploded sending huge splinter all over the yard.  Both trees show tracks where the lightning raced around the tree ripping open the bark as it headed toward the ground.

One more thrift store find, this cross-stitch book for 50 cents.  It will make some nice holiday smalls.

Don't know why Blogger thinks these photos are landscape, but here they are.

Hope your are having a super Summer!

2nd Finish for 2010

My first LHN finish! It was a fun stitch (even with the frogging I ended up doing).

I am leaning toward a pillow-type finish because I am nervous to use glue in the recommended finishing. Would love to hear opinions on using glue in finishing.

I like the design without the beads and I am practicing my French knots before trying them on my final piece, I will leave them blank-faced if I cannot "perfect" my knots (besides, if I do hang it on the tree I would not want the knots to be pulled out).

"All Dolled Up!" Fa La La (Ornament #1)

Little House Needleworks

Stitched over 2 threads on 28 count Light Mocha linen

Using 2 strands of recommended DMC threads

I cannot wait to start on Pear Tree. It is my favorite of the first three designs and I have been (enviously) watching other stitcher's finishes for weeks. Thanks for sharing all your inspiring "adaptations".

Feeling a little better today so I will be doing the "Flight of the Bumblebee" throughout the house with my trusty Clorox wipes and Lysol and catching up on the dishes and laundry and other neglected household chores. Unfortunately, this will probably not leave much time stitching today (although I would be happy to be proved wrong).

A Finish for Valentine's, Plans for Mardi Gras & Looking Forward to Independence Day

For Valentine's Day, I have my first finish of 2010.

"Be Mine" by The Sampler Girl
over 2-threads on 28-count Cafe Mocha Country French Linen
using Crescent Colors Cupid

I enjoyed stitching this piece on Valentine's Day while watching the first season of All Creatures Great and Small on DVD (courtesy of our wonderful local library). It is a really great series, cannot wait to stitch to the other 6 seasons.

To finish "Be Mine", I plan to brew a pot of strong black tea tomorrow to soak my finishing fabric (and make a pitcher of iced tea -- yes, Southerners do drink iced tea in the winter).

Mardi Gras is tomorrow and we will celebrate with a final piece of king cake before the beginning of the Lenten season. Since I have come down with a full-blown cold today, I don't plan to attend the parades tomorrow. DS is hoping I change my mind, but while the weather is bright and sunny it is still cold (by NOLA standards - highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s) breezy and damp -- not a good combination when you have a cold.

I will be preparing for Independence Day 2010 by stitching Heart in Hand's "Sweet Land of Liberty". Thanks Ranae for sharing your original chart with me.



I did not mean to "skip" over Easter, but I do not have any specific Easter project yet. I am looking for an Easter lamb chart (or maybe LHN's Love One Another or Mosey & Me's Ewe-phoric freebie). Any other suggestions?

Achoooooo! Time to make some hot tea with honey and go to bed.
Thanks for stopping by, please come back again!