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.

Stitching At Home with Jane Austen and the Saints

I am still stitching The Sampler Girl's "At Home with Jane Austen"

and I have enjoyed every stitch.

(I have not finished the "n" in Austen.  I ran out of thread and am

waiting for another "spot" of Plum Paisley before I reload my needle.)

Except the stitches I missed!

I finished my first roof row 2 stitches too early.

The entire house is off by 4 threads (2 columns).

I will have to take out the entire house, picture frame and little trees. 

(The key is okay, but I will double check it to be sure.)

Good thing this is such an enjoyable design to stitch.

Are you ready for some football?

Tomorrow night is the first regular season game for the Saints.  The entire downtown

is going to be one big NFL amusement park:

• 
  
  Dave Matthews and Taylor Swift will be performing in Jackson Square,
• 
  
  a 7-float parade will wind its way from the French Quarter to the Dome,
• 
  
  the NFL set up an exhibit on the Mississippi River next to Jax Brewery and
• 
  
  the new Champions Square next to the Dome is hosting a party for fans without tickets. 

The game will effect regular Thursday schedules for everyone:

• New Orleans public schools will be releasing students early (to avoid additional traffic congestion),
• downtown workers (without tickets) will be leaving the office early (same reason),
• I will pull out my fleur de lis UFO from last season to finish stitching during the game(s),
• DH will come home early (everyone else will want to finish up early to watch the game), and
• DS will get to stay up a little past his bedtime to make it to the half-time dessert. Oddly enough he has no tests or quizzes scheduled for Friday.  Coincidence????

We will be enjoying a dinner of red beans and rice, seafood gumbo, and crawfish cornbread before the game

and watch the game with frosty mugs of Barq's root beer with mini beignets at half-time.

Who Dat, Who Dat,

Who Dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?!?!

Still at home with Jane Austen

I am still stitching away on "At Home with Jane Austen" by The Sampler Girl.  It is a pleasure to stitch.

I was stitching on it during cross-country practice

and I miscounted by one thread, so I had to do some frogging.

Well, we are all breathing a sigh of relief that Earl will not impact the Gulf Coast and praying that it stays as far away as possible from the East Coast.  The Atlantic is pretty active and it looks like potential storms are just lining up across the tip of Africa.

Emergency Preparedness Tip #3:  Have an emergency plan in place and make sure your entire family knows the plan.

Having evacuated by car a few times, I can tell you that preparation makes all the difference. Think of your morning commute, leaving 10 minutes early can make a 30 minute difference in your arrival time; did you travel by car with the kids this summer ("Are we there yet?", "He keeps touching me!", "I'm bored."), any annoyance you may have felt will be magnified 200% when you are in an emergency instead of vacation.

An emergency, such as a hurricane, gives you advance notice and you have a few days to make a plan.  However, in the event of a tornado, forest fire, chemical spill (highway, railway or plant), earthquake or terrorist attack, you will have no time to plan.  Your family may be scattered across town at work and school.  If you do not have a plan, you may not only waste precious time, you may be putting yourselves in greater danger.

Plan what you will do if you are separated during an emergency.

• Choose two places to meet:
• Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, earthquake or tornado
• Outside your neighborhood, in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate
• Choose an out­ of­ area emergency contact person. It may be easier to text or call long distance if local phone lines are overloaded or out of service. Everyone should have emergency contact information in writing and programmed into their cell phones.  Make sure your emergency contact person knows your emergency plan.

Plan what to do if you have to evacuate

• Where will you go and how will you get there - Decide where you would go and what route you would take to get there. Be aware of any evacuation plans enforced by your local government (if I wait for the mandatory evacuation to be issued, I have to take an alternate route).  You may choose to go to a hotel/motel, stay with friends or relatives in a safe location or go to an evacuation shelter if necessary.  You may need to make your hotel reservation days in advance to be able to stay in the location you prefer.
• If you can, leave early.  This is especially important if you live near a large city or if there are few travel routes from your location.  Traffic will be very heavy.  Would you rather leave work a half day early and arrive at your destination within 2 or 3 hours or spend 12 hours in bumper to bumper traffic going 5 - 10 miles per hour? 
• Drive your planned evacuation route, if it is unfamiliar to you, and plot alternate routes on your map in case roads are impassable.  Do this in advance and keep a copy of the map in every family car.
• Keep your tank full, in case of an emergency there will not be time to stop for gas.  Keep all your other fluids (oil, radiator, etc.) topped up, as well.
• Keep your car in working order, you do not want to break down during an evacuation - tow trucks may be unavailable or may take hours to reach you. 
• Keep an "emergency kit" in your car:
• clean water for overheated radiators (do not put cold water into an overheated radiator - you will have a bigger problem)
• a quart of oil (more if you tend to have oil leaks)
• tape to repair broken hoses
• jumper cables
• a good jack
• an inflated spare (have you ever tried to change you tire and found a flat spare?)
• if you can change your "bicycle" spare to a full size spare, I highly recommend it
• Fix-a-Flat
• camera - in case of an accident, you can take photos of the scene and damage, exchange information and move on, do not hold up traffic, local law enforcement will have better things to do than respond to a "fender bender" and it could take an hour or more before they can get to you
• snacks and water for the passengers
• books and quiet toys for children
• be prepared to turn off DVD players, a/c, CD, etc. if they are causing your car to overheat or draining your battery - driving 5 - 10 miles an hour for hours on end is hard on a car's engine
• blankets
• rain gear (stash a few rain ponchos from the Dollar Tree in the glove box)
• if you have kids, make an emergency "potty" plan - if you have boys, an empty, large mouth jar with a tight fitting lid will do, if not, consider a potty chair or a camping toilet or a "pot" -- believe me, you will not want to pull over and they will have to go eventually
• poster/cardboard and a thick marker - in case you have to abandon your car leave your name & number on the dash or if you have to make a sign (Need gas/jumper cables/ etc.) to solicit help from fellow drivers
• Think of your last car trip vacation - what items were the most helpful or what do you wish you had thought to bring?

NEXT TIME:  Planning ahead for kids and pets during an evacuation.

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!

New Stash and My 100th Post

Doing school shoe shopping (oh joy) put me near my LNSs.  I picked up a little something in each, just doing my bit to support the local economy ; )

From Acadian Corner - threads and fabric (28 count Country French Linen in Latte) for The Sampler Girl's "At Home with Jane Austen"

From Accents, Inc - a new chart - "French Country Fleur-de-Lis" by JBW Designs - I have some definite ideas for this little beauty.

BTW, the models for this chart were stitched by the customers of Accent's, Inc.

In between stops, we stopped for lunch at Byblos (Lebanese) - budget busting, but yummy.  I will have to dedicate a weekend to making homemade kibby and meat/spinach pies to stock the freezer! (I will be sure to put it on my cooking blog, they are really delicious.)

Did some in-the-car stitching on "Season of Love" since DH had the day off and did the driving.  Lots of bumpy roads in these parts, so not alot of progress, but at least I did not stick my finger with the needle.

Stitching this is giving me a craving for some ginger-y baked goods, maybe the rain from Bonnie will cool the temperatures enough to do some baking this weekend, but first, we will be battening down the hatches and trying to cut the grass before the winds and rain begin.  Hoping Bonnie keeps moving quickly so she does not have time to strengthen over the warm Gulf waters or dump too much rain in one place.

This was my 100th post, so check back tomorrow for my giveaway.

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!

More Progress on Pemberley

Did some more stitching on "At Pemberley" today.

Our beautiful pink sky from last night.

It is only Tuesday!

I was sure it was Wednesday when I woke up this morning. Yippee! I just got an extra day in the week.

A stitching update . . .

Gimme a B (and a little more border)! 

"At Pemberley"

by The Sampler Girl

Stitching using the recommended threads over 2

on 28 count Cashel Linen in Light Mocha

We are two weeks into hurricane season and our first potential hurricane is being monitored in the Atlantic. This cannot be good for the oil spill situation.  All we can do is pray.  A hurricane that would push oil into the marshes, bayous, lakes and rivers would exponentially compound the environmental damage that is already taking place and would likely displace entire communities, many of the same communities that have already spent the last five years rebuilding their lives, homes and businesses from hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Now, time for a blast from the past . . .

Anybody having an 80s flashback yet?

DS got new shoes today and I am now looking forward to DH's reaction when he gets home. We had to go to the adult shoe section to find a size to fit - ACKKKK!  When did that happen??

BTW, DS is ecstatic to have made the blog twice in one day ; )

Summer Stitching

Looks like the long, hot summer has started.  Our temps are nearing (and sometimes breaking) 100 and the heat index has been as high as 115 since the humidity has stayed in the 90s.  I hope you are having more enjoyable weather where you are.

I am behind on my blog hopping, but have seen some beautiful stitching and wonderful giveaways.  I have left a few comments, but hope to catch up my viewing and commenting soon.

We are in birthday mode here as DS will be having a Toy Story 3 party.  Dollar Tree had lots of Toy Story themed merchandise and I found some reusable shopping bags with the little green alien on clearance at the Disney Store so the goodie bags & prizes are done.

As promised, here is my long overdue stitching update . . .

Lizzie Kate's "Dogs Leave Paw Prints"

Stitched using the recommended threads and fabric.

(I have stitched and frogged the blue on the dog house TWICE due to miscounting the over 2, but it is a beautiful bright blue so I guess it wasn't too bad spending the extra time working with that color.)

The Sampler Girl "I'd Rather be at Pemberly"

Stitched using the recommended threads on 28 count Cashel linen in Light Mocha

(This is really wonderful to stich. I was worried about the large blank spaces, since I often miscount, but it has been great.  The recommended fabric was 32 count, but that was too small for me, so I will have a larger finish, but I am loving it.  This will be my first Jane Austen finish.)

Little House Needleworks "Home of a Needleworker, Too"

Stitched using the recommended threads and fabric

(I was hoping to be further along on this one.  I used this as a take-along project during one of DS's after-school activities.  I will take it back up as an at-home project since it is too hot to stitch away.)

Funny for the Day

In Louisiana,  we take our golf course water hazards seriously . . .

Yep, that is a gator taking a leisurely swim at the golf course,
now that is a serious water "hazard"!

Stay cool and keep stitching!

New Stash from the Sampler Girl

I saw this and knew I had to have it!  Hoping to make a LNS run for fabric and threads later this week.

I'd Rather be at Pemberly

Wonder if Tanya has anything up her sleeve for Delaford . . .

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!

Langiappe and Shrimp Creole

Thanks to the wonderful Vonna at Twisted Stitcher http://thetwistedstitcher.blogspot.com/, I am anxiously awaiting a little langiappe by post and I have joined my first SAL and I will be stitching the LHN monthly ornaments along with the other members of Little House Needleworks Monthly Ornament Stitch-A-Long, Too at http://littlehouseorniestoo.blogspot.com/

Check out its sister SAL http://littlehouseornies.blogspot.com/

I picked up some fabric to use in finishing The Sampler Girl's Be Mine chart as a pillowkeep. Looking forward to posting my stitchy progress. I will be using coffee (or tea) to "antique" my piece so the colors will be toned down.

Enjoyed a little "Quick" Shrimp Creole Pasta for dinner this evening.
Recipe for "Quick" Shrimp Creole Pasta

• Boil your favorite shaped pasta (bowties work great with this)
• Sauteed 1 medium diced onion and 1 diced bell pepper in EVOO, add 1 clove diced garlic when onions are translucent.
• Add 1-2 pounds (depends on the size of your pan and your appetite) peeled shrimp, cook until pink (do not over-cook or you get rubber) -- they will continue to cook in the heated sauce
• This is the quick part - add one jar of your favorite MARINARA sauce
• Add a pinch of cayenne to taste
• Ready to toss with pasta (cooks faster than rice) when heated through