Argghhhhhh!!!!!

Still working on the bullion knot roses.  My bullion knots have improved, but are not consistent.  I am having a problem arranging the knots up to look like a rose and not a weird pile of small red worms (I wish I was exaggerating).

I am now open to suggestions to replace the bullion roses with something else.

UPDATE:  The roses are in the four corners of the "Mother's TLC" design with a fifth rose above the initials.

Mother's Day is Sunday and I am running out of time . . .

I am tied up in knots with empty nest syndrome but there is a light at the end of the tunnel

No photos today . . . DH took the camera to a golf tournament.

I am working on the bullion knots for the five roses on "Mother's TLC" -- I am hoping more practice will do the trick since they are looking pretty pitiful.  Once I get the knot down, I have to practice the rose shape (how many threads over, curving the knots, etc.).  I think it works better to start in the middle and work out, but would appreciate any suggestions from any one who has experience with bullions, especially using them in roses.

Our baby birds have flown the nest.  They have not gone far -- I have seen them in the trees and powerlines.  Hoping DH will pressure wash the porch on Friday morning - that corner has gotten pretty dirty.

DS will be marking a major milestone later this week.  Here is a hint . . .

You Gotta Have Heart

I have finished the red heart on "Mother's TLC".  I will be stitching more of the phrase and the right and bottom borders.  Then to practice my bullion knots on some remnant fabric.

Looking forward to DS's school field trip this week -- they are going to Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World.  I have never been, so it should be interesting.

As a bonus, I will be near one of my LNSs to make a little fabric and thread purchase for some upcoming WIPs (including Pemberley).  I refuse to look at any charts . . . except the LHN ornaments since I am behind on those . . . or a couple of must have charts from my wish list (that I plan to stitch for gifts).

Porch Bird Update

I have been a little worried about my porch bird family, I never hear any peeps or see any movement from the nest (except the mother coming and going).  Since the loss of one bird over the weekend, I was concerned about what I might find when I peeked in the nest today. 

I could never get a definitive count on the number of the birds.  Today, I could count three beaks and we lost one, so that leaves one egg for which I cannot account.  It does appear to be quite a tight fit a fourth bird may be in there.  They are growing and their feathers are coming in.  They seem more alert, so I guess everything is just fine, which I find amazing considering how DIRTY this nest is!  DISGUSTING!!!!!  I almost did not put the picture up, but my house isn't always "blog" ready either.

We will be power washing this part of the porch as soon as the last bird leaves the nest.

Have a great week!!!!

Stitching My Heart Out

There is a lot of AMAZING stitching going on out there!  I have been checking all my favorite blogs (that means yours!), but have not done much commenting.

I am looking for your input . . .

I do most of my stitching "in-hand" and my "holding" hand is beginning to ache after stitching, so I am considering purchasing a floor frame (possibly to use with Q-Snaps or a hoop).  I do have a wooden scroll lap frame for larger pieces, I enjoy using it, but it has some drawbacks for my personal use and I think I might like to try a floor frame.   

Every stitcher has their own individual stitching "style" (two-handed, travelling, high volume, etc.) and not every frame will work for every stitcher.  I would like to hear some pros and cons to get me started since it is a little like buying a mattress . . . it feels comfortable in the store during your 5 minute "test drive", but maybe not so comfortable when you begin sleeping on it for 8 hours a day, every day.

Thanks, in advance, for your comments.

Stitching Update - "Mother's TLC" by Theron Traditions

Got more of the red heart done . . .

Porch Bird Update

What DIRTY birds!!!!

One of the babies fell out of the nest over the weekend.  DH & DS gave it a proper burial.

Stitching Update ("Mother's TLC") and More Baby Birds

Did a little stitching on Mother's TLC, it is really taking shape.  The overlapped section of the hearts is stitched in the Claret / and then the \ in Victorian Pink, can't wait to see how that looks.

I took another picture of our "porch" bird peeps.  Are they not the cutest little siblings?  There were five eggs, but I am not sure if that is three heads and one body or five heads.  We have to take the photo above our heads (my camera has a swivel screen so we can see a little).  The photo in the previous post had three splotchs of green "goo" around the edge of the nest, guess that was food since it was gone when I took this photo (Yech!).   DS was hoping to save the egg shells, but I have a feeling they will be crushed to bits.  They have not started chirping yet, but I will keep you updated on their progress. 

Natalie,  We were not able to mount a mirror above the nest, but using a small hand mirror and a left over piece of PVC pipe, DS made a "bird-ocular".   Thanks for the suggestion!

Question:  Is my blog slow to "open"?

Thank you everyone for all your comments, I just love reading comments!

A Little Progress . . .

I made a little stiching progress on Mother' TLC by Theron Traditions . . .

Making Progress on "Mother's TLC"

Here is the finished design for "Mother's TLC" from Theron Traditions.

Here is my progress so far.  The heart is done in Gentle Arts Sampler Thread in Claret.  It is like a dark hot pink.  There were only 2 skeins of Claret at the LNS and the second skein is more burgundy (less pink), I do not think the colors will work together.  I may stop stitching the heart until I can go to an LNS to pick up another skein (or two) for a better match.

Theron Traditions "Mother's TLC"

stitched over 2 on 28 count Lugana in Summer Khaki

using 2 threads of the recommended Gentl Arts Sampler Threads

The chart calls for Bullion Knot roses in the corners and above the initials box.  This will be my first "specialty" stitch.  I will definitely be practicing on some "scrap" fabric.

We are in full-blown pollen season.  It is absolutely everywhere casting a yellow green hue on every car, leaving yellow-green spots on every dew covered surface.  Thanks to DS & friends for washing my car yesterday, unfortunately you can't tell this morning that it was washed yesterday.  The high yesterday was 80 so the summer heat is not far away.

Have a good week everyone!

New Start - Theron Traditions "Mother's TLC"

 I am starting on "Mother's TLC" to ensure I finish in time to have it framed for Mother's Day.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

New Stash

I made an unexpected trip to an LNS yesterday and picked up a few things. Thought I would share them with you.

__________Splurge__________

Reminds me of Mardi Gras. You can check out some of the other beautiful designs at http://kelmscottdesigns.com/needle-minders.htm. They even have an Adam & Eve minder for those of you stitching your way through A&E walls.

_________Fabric__________

28 Count Linen (1/8 yard each)

(Lugana Summer Khaki (for Mother's TLC), Cashel Light Mocha & Cashel Antique Ivory).

_________New Charts_________

Ink Circles "Fleur d'Orleans"
I saw this on a couple of other blogs and had to have it! The owner of the LNS said one of her customers contacted designer requesting a fleur de lis pattern and this was the result.

Lizzie Kate

"Sons are a Special Joy" and "Home is Where Our Story Begins"

Want to stitch "Sons are a Special Joy" for DS's birthday and

"Home is Where Our Story Begins" for a journal cover.

__________Floss__________

For Theron Traditions "Mother's TLC"

Sampler Threads - Peach Ice Cream, Claret, Victorian Pink, Dried Thyme & Midnight

All kitted up and ready to go, hoping to finish this for DM for Mother's Day.

For Acadian Designs "Fleur de Lis #1"

WDW - Whiskey, Curry & Honeysuckle

(I am currently stitching this chart in Queen Bee,

but wanted to do it again in the recommended threads)

Thanks for stopping by for a visit. Hoping to post some stitching progress after the weekend.

Stay warm (I think it is still unusually cold almost everywhere) and come back again.