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!

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.

A Little Bit of Everything

(Please excuse the bad lighting, we are having another afternoon

thunderstorm and there is not much natural light at the moment.)

Guess where I am going tomorrow?

Michael's has this great coupon and

I happen to have 3 finishes in need of framing!

70% off!!  Woo Hoo!

I am still making progress on The Sampler Girl's "At Home with Jane Austen"

I also have a new start to share, I am stitching on this during cross country practice.  I hope to be finished by next week (if we are not rained out)

. 

"The Merry Skater" from the 2010 Ornament Collection
Little House Needleworks
stitching over 2 on 28 count Lugana in Summer Khaki
using 2 threads of the recommended DMC threads

The national press has descended on the Crescent City to cover the five-year anniversary of Katrina, it is Hurricane Week on the Weather Channel and I am not liking the looks of this . . .

Danielle (not a problem for us), Earl, the future Fiona and that cloudy area near the coast of Africa is a fourth system (a potential Gaston) they are watching.  So much for a quiet season.

All this reminds me, that awhile back, I said I would share my hurricane/emergency prep tips with you.  Well, I started writing and was overwhelmed by the amount of information.  So I decided to use a tip of the day method for passing on information.  I am going to start with the obscure and weird, because the basics (keep your tank full of gas, keep cash on hand, etc.) are easy to find on either of the following website links.

National Hurricane Center - Hurricane Preparedness

American Red Cross Emergency Preparedness

American Red Cross Fast Facts - tip sheets for specific types of emergencies

TIP # 1 - If you have items you cannot take with you (especially fragile items) consider placing them in the dishwasher - it keeps water in, so it will also keep water out.  This is also good to remember in a case of flash flooding when you do not have the time or ability to pack things up to take with you.

TIP # 2 - Use your address book (or snag an extra notebook from your kid's school supplies) and write down all the contact information for your important contacts, for example

• bank, mortgage company, insurance company, utilities, etc (including account numbers)
• employer (especially important if you are not paid by direct deposit or you work in a job that will be in high demand following the emergency),
• doctors, pharmacy (include a list of all your Rx medications and doses)
• local police/sheriff and fire stations,
• grocery (you can call before returning home to see if they are open/stocked),
• schools,
• church,
• family and neighbors

Inquire about emergency contact information.  National utilities, pharmacies, etc will still be reachable through an 800 number, but locals will also be evacuated, have lost electricity or telephone service, be severely damaged, etc.

Cell numbers may be inaccessible due to down towers or heavier than normal usage.  During Katrina, voice calls were rare, it could take an hour of redialing before your call would go through.  The addition of so many extra cell users (evacuees) overloaded the local cell systems.  If you do not know how, learn to use the text messaging on your phone, it takes up less bandwidth.  Teach your parents and other older relatives how to use the text messaging on their phone.  Also, remember you can call your cellular company to change your plan to include/increase your minutes or texting limits so you are not surprised by your bill the next month.

Emergency Contact Card from the American Red Cross

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!

Still watching the Gulf, but at least I am stitching while doing it ; )

TD #1 is now Tropical Storm Alex.  The five day forcast shows it heading straight toward Mexico.  If it stays on this track, it will hopefully not cause too many problems for the oil spill clean up.  I heard yesterday that oil spill operations could be stopped for up to two weeks due to the storm.



We had family over yesterday, but I did get a little stitching done on another LHN ornament . . .

"Winter Sheep"

Little House Needleworks

Stitched over 2 on 28ct French Country Linen on Cafe Mocha

(recommended fabric Weeks Dye Works 30 ct Straw Linen)

Using the recommended DMC threads

(so far, but I am out of Ecru for the sheep and might do a substitution)

QUESTION OF THE DAY- I am using a "scrap" of linen left over from another project for this ornament.  I am trying to organize my other bits of linen that are too small for large projects to use for more ornaments.  Do you use your scraps this way, or do you always buy the recommended fabric?

TUSAL UPDATE - Notice the blue from "Dogs Leave Paw Prints" and "At Pemberley" and the red from the start of "Winter Sheep"

Enjoy your Sunday!

4th Ornament posted on LHN blog

I love this one! Can't wait to get it.

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).

Alegria Gioia Vreugde Glede Joie Joy

I am so glad I have begun stitching regularly again. I forgot how much joy it gives me. I am also full of joy about finding the online stitching community (especially since my only stitching friends live far away)!

Still Working on Fa La La
My progress is slow, but it is progress. I have been playing with some different stitching methods and that has slowed my down some (but I am a slow stitcher anyway). Also, I had to frog-out my snow, my floss must have been more tightly twisted (a little of the original snow on the left side) and it did not lay right. I have started it again (right side) and I am much happier with it.


New Stitching Methods
I am trying to do two-handed stitching (right hand on top of fabric, left hand below), but my left hand is not cooperating. I have also tried on top stitching (going through two holes so the needle is always on top of the fabric). Does anyone have any recommendations/suggestions to speed up stitching?


More of My Recent Stash Acquisition
I was waiting for a beautiful sunny day to take pictures of my NEW (first non-DMC) THREADS!! It came and went yesterday -- but we went to the parade & spent the afternoon with family instead.

Threads for Home of a Needleworker, Too

Threads that were too pretty to leave in the store.

These orange tones (Autumn Leaves, Carrots, Copper) are much prettier in real life.

Thanks for stopping by!

New WIP - LHN Ornament of the Month Fa La La

I received the first two LHN Ornament of the Month charts (Thanks Vonna).

{DISCLAIMER: - Please excuse the terrible photos that follow, they looked fine on my laptop, but look dark and orange (like this text) on my PC.}

I have started Fa La La on 28 count Light Mocha linen using the recommended DMC threads.

I am enjoying stitching it. I am even proud to show my back.

I will keep posting my progress.

I have almost completed "The Duke" and will post after finishing those last few stitches.

The temps here are in the 70s and it looked like a scene from "The Fog" all day today (never saw the movie, but the commercials made an impression) -- I miss the cold weather.

Thanks for stopping by, come back again soon.