New Year's Reality Check

New Year’s Reality Check

Another year, another chance

To start our lives anew;

This time we’ll leap old barriers

To have a real breakthrough.
We’ll take one little step

And then we’ll take one more,

Our unlimited potential

We’ll totally explore.
We’ll show off all our talents

Everyone will be inspired;

(Hmm…while I’m writing this,I’m getting very tired.)
We’ll give up all bad habits;

We’ll read and learn a lot,

All our goals will be accomplished,

Sigh...or maybe not.
Oh well, Happy New Year anyway!
By Joanna Fuchs

Tatting 25 Motifs Challenge

I have signed up for the 25 Tatted Motifs Challenge. I listed the bell, tree, swans, and snowflake as ones already done. So by December of 2007 there will need to be 21 more!

Getting Ready for the New Year

Getting my ducks in a row for the new year, and thinking of the projects I've signed on for.

Take a Stitch Tuesday (TAST) that will be a year long project offered by Sharon Bogon - her site is down for the time being. She will offer a new stitch each Tuesday and we will work and play with the stitch to find all the variations of the stitch.

Completing the Newbie Group 1 Birthday swap

The Chains of Hearts (CoH) group that is an 'as you complete' group. There are many with whom I have not swapped and would love to.

The Newbies Share Our Hearts (SoH) group that is a monthly heart

Finish the Travel Quilt

I imagine others will come along as the year progresses, but these are it for now.

I'm thinking of joining the 25 Tatting project, but need to investigate it further.

Unplanned Christmas Events

The Christmas celebrations were not exactly as planned. After making preps to have the party at my house this year, my aunt who has been fighting ovarian cancer had an after surgery blockage, and was in the hospital for the week before. She had surgery and went home on Saturday. On Sunday, the day of the party, she began bleeding from the incision, so she went to her daughter's home, and they asked to have the gathering there so she wouldn't have to be up and down, in and out. Packing up all the food was a pain, but it was fine if it made her more comfortable. Also on Saturday I went to the doctor to have an abscess under my breast checked. The doctor sent me to the ER to meet a surgeon at 3:00 to take care of it. After several hours a PA incised it, saying it looked like a spider bite to him, leaving a one inch hole, and I left at 9:00 pm. I've been on pain meds since then - and it still hurts. Need to go to a surgeon to have it evaluated again. We were able to have Christmas morning breakfast here, and open our immediate family presents. I'll have a few pics to share soon. Everyone seemed pleased.

I'm off work, and with all the preparations over, there's un-decorating to do. I'm ready to get stitching again!!

Merry Christmas

Pixie and I wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas!

No kidding?? Me, Southern?

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The South   That's a Southern accent you've got there. You may love it, you may hate it, you may swear you don't have it, but whatever the case, we can hear it.
The Midland
Philadelphia
The Northeast
The Inland North
The West
North Central
Boston
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Holiday Season

Hey, Friends.

Had a great birthday yesterday - slept in until 10:00 - an unusual treat. My son came for the evening, and we had dinner with my parents. Good food and good times. He got me a new remote for the TV and all the cable, DVD, audio gadgets and programmed it for me. Today we went out and got the tree and decorated it.

I've also displayed Santa this year. The big ones on the shelf above the door stay out all year - can't put them away - but the others are only out during the holidays.

Out of Hiding

We were challenged by Lesa of CQ for Newbies group to pull a project out that had been hiding. I made a lampshade cover a long while ago, but had never gotten around to applying it to the shade, so today I used spray adhesive and attached it. It looks pretty good to me.

Days Off

I'm supposed to be getting ready for the Christmas party at my house next weekend, but while I was off these few days I had floor coverings replaced. My craft room is now wood laminate, and slate in the bathrooms. I was thinking, think I'll paint the craft room after the new year, then thought, why not do it before they do the floor so drips won't matter. So, that's what I did. Remember a few weeks ago we had a challenge from Judyth to sort stash, and that I did. Well, EVERYTHING had to come out of the room, so it's all back now. I think it looks fresh and pretty!

What Does a Birth Date Imply?

Your Birthdate: December 15

You take life as it is, and you find happiness in a variety of things. You tend to be close to family and friends. But it's hard to get into your inner circle. Making the little things wonderful is important to you, and you probably have an inviting home. You seek harmony with others, but occasionally you have a very stubborn streak. Your strength: Your intense optimism Your weakness: You shy away from exploring your talents Your power color: Jade Your power symbol: Flower Your power month: June

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Southern Sunset

I've been watching the sunsets on the way home from work recently, and the colors have been so spectacular it made me want to create a block using them. I've attempted to get close, and will be sharing the embellishment as it progresses.

I started stitching a little - made some bullion 'roses' and the poodle from the A-Z of Bullions book. There's a little tatted flower from the Tatting Collage book, and a catapillar from the web. More to come...

Stitching

I received the A-Z of Bullions yesterday, and sat and looked through it last night. I can't wait to start trying out some of them. I am happy as can be. I had ordered it through Amazon, and finally saw that it would be delivered well after Christmas. Even though it wasn't a present, I wanted it! So I found another one through Alibris and cancelled the Amazon order. I've heard others have this situation, but it was a first for me.

I have signed on for the Take a Stitch Tuesday from Sharon Bogon that will begin January 2, 2007. Take a look if you haven't and see if this would be something you may enjoy, too. As Sharon says, "The more the merrier."

Playing with Tatting

I tried the Christmas tree again, and it does look a little better to me.









Was attempting another that went awry, so I was about to toss it, then thought - it COULD be used as a sleigh in the right place??











These are some small practice flowers from the Tatting Collage book.

Happy Holidays

We're finally getting a little cold weather - it's only supposed to be high 30's today. The wind is so blustery, Pixie needed a sweater to wear outside.








I got her a cape first, but it was too big, so this is just the thing for her to wear to our Christmas party.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Tatted Tree

This is really a tree pattern - last time I thought the bell was a tree. This is the first one I've made and it is far from perfect, but I said I'd post it when it was finished!!

New Group - Stash for Pounds

There had been so much chatting about weight on the CQ for Newbies list that it was decided to start another group, Stash4Pounds, to give those of us who are interested in losing weight a place to chat, motivate, and encourage each other in the process. Thank you, Susan! The plan isn't finalized, but the losers will receive some sort of CQ stash reward. The group just started yesterday, and there are about 15 already signed on.

I have probably lost what seems like 500 pounds in my lifetime, but inevitably gained it back. No, I don't weigh 500 pounds, but did weigh more than ever, and needed to lose 50 pounds. My report from the Health Fair at work in October wasn't the greatest, and already take cholesterol and bp meds. I've been obsessed with diets before, and always tend to tire of the plan and gain it back. I've been trying to 'watch it' since about September. What does that mean? I decided to try moderation - not a very easy thing for me! So, not eating any and everything I wanted, especially during TV time at night. Since I'm not a real breakfast person, I typically eat something between 9-10 at the office, then something around 1:00 for lunch, and dinner when I get home around 5-6. Cutting out most snacks and that late evening eating has produced a 10+ pounds loss in a couple of months.

Also during the Health Fair we were offered an opportunity to sign up for a four-week, FREE on-site fitness program with a personal trainer from the YMCA. I believe at the end of the four weeks we will be on our own, but at least it's a start. Today that program begins, and my plan is to go and see if I can incorporate it into my life. It is supposed to be things we can do without equipment and at home. I have seen some results on the guys who go to the Y and work with this trainer, and it is pretty amazing. Of course, they are on planned diets and work out about every day there with equipment. BUT, I don't care about drastic results - remember - moderation for me!

Buttons

I saw Lillian's post about receiving buttons from a friend, and thought of the ones I 'guilted' from my mom. She had on a sweater and got a spill on it. I said, If that doesn't come out, don't throw it away - I love those buttons. Well, a while later she handed me a little plastic wrap bundle. I looked, and sure enough, those pretty heart shaped buttons that remind me of abalone were inside. I asked if the stain hadn't come out, and she just smiled... But now I can't find where I stashed them, of course. During the last week of rapid pick up, I put them some place...but where? I'll pop back in for a photo when they show up.

Tatted Snowflake

Well, the first one looks like it has a better shape... But this one is the second!

I've been working on the 'Travel Quilt' for a few days and just HAD to tat a little last night. I went through some books and found this lovely little snowflake that reminds me of a star. This is my first attempt, and as a novice, it takes a time or two to get results I like better! See that I was trimming the threads and got carried away and snipped the end of one of the picots - oops!

Time Spent

While I was hanging out yesterday for Two Sisters and a Mop to finish, I made several blocks for the 'in progress' Travel Quilt. There are now five completed blocks, and 12 pieced.

Encrusted Block

I have added a couple of extra elements to the Encrusted block. Mainly a few silk leaves around the ribbon beads and the flower pot, and a little more to the bouquet. I've just downloaded week six, the final, so we'll see where it goes from here.

I'm still working on the Encrusted block with Sharon's class. It's coming along, but still not the block I was expecting it to turn out to be - maybe I'm just not an encruster - I do love to see the fabrics! This is after week 4, so it's time to add extra beads, buttons, charms, etc.

Pillow - Finished

I used the stuffing for this pillow instead of a form since I made up the pillow without a form to follow for size. Giddy Up, Girl.


















A few charms added, and it's waiting for the stuffing. Hancock's sales after Thanksgiving will be a sure visit!

I've been working on the pillow top for a young (14) cousin's Christmas present. It's cotton with a horse theme because she does some rodeo riding/showing. She has some 'challenges', but it seems she has a real gift with horses. Last year she took acrylic boxes and decorated them with some type paint for the family women. She was so proud, and so was I. Since she was crafting, I thought she might appreciate something hand made as well.

Winter Snow??

Chatting online about winter weather in South Carolina.

Tatting Trees

Last night and today I've finally worked out the tatted tree. I still need to work on consistent tension, but after another time or two perhaps it will be better?? Pink tree, you say! Well, it is the one I had the most.

Online Test Games

So, could it be that we follow these 'test / game links' and open up ourselves to spam? Perhaps, but just couldn't resist. From someones blog I followed this trail to see which Tarot I would be. Does it seem accurate? I do know that I am content with the blessings of my life and really like the graphic!

You are The Wheel of Fortune

Good fortune and happiness but sometimes a species of
intoxication with success

The Wheel of Fortune is all about big things, luck, change, fortune. Almost always good fortune. You are lucky in all things that you do and happy with the things that come to you. Be careful that success does not go to your head however. Sometimes luck can change.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Tatting Buttons

Today I've been practicing with tatting on buttons. Cute little motifis, but more practice will be better. It's fun.

Tatting Fans

I've spent this evening playing with a pattern for tatted fans.





This is one of my favorites.
I extended the handle, and it twisted. I'll press it later.


I also made one using a heavier thread for the handle, and that looks better to me as well.

Heart Work - Swan Lake

This evening for my 15 plus minutes I did a little more fill in on the flower motif. Then I added the full moon with stars, and also added the sequin waves in the lake.







Now you can see the tatted swans sitting on 'waves' and an embroidered motif of flowers above.












Here is the next heart I've started working on in its original form - Swan Lake because will have tatted swans on it.

Heart Work - Teal and Yellow

I took out the stitch 'mounds' I had on the yellow print and did overbeading on some of the print on that piece. I like it lots better now.

Working on a new heart. Needs something. Does the camera take away something? Tried to get a better shot...

Encrusted Block

A summary of my experience in Sharon's Encrusted Block class.

This is week four of the class, and I've done a little more to the block. The swan is turned and some darker tatting added below for a wavy effect, some 'hairy' yarn through the cretan stitch seam, and little ribbon and beads below the Fleurs block seam - although I can't get the picture to download...





I decided to add a ribbon flower to the striped area to break it up. The ribbon looked so stark, a few beads there would bring in the color. Now for something in the green area - it was shouting WORD, so I got to thinking, what is the theme of this block? Flowers? Well, I didn't want to write that out, so decided on the French, fleurs. I wrote the word, then embroidered it. It still looked lonely, so added chain stitched little flowers, in varying colors. This photo is from a new printer/scanner, and it doesn't pick up the colors as well as the camera does.
11/06 - I need to take a new picture. I added a tatted blue chain below the swan to look like water...




This photo is the most actual color. I've been working on a few motifs for the third week. In the past when the seams were stitched, and a motif in the block, perhaps a few beads, I may have thought it complete. Trying to follow Sharon's lead, I'm attempting to build a fuller block. After the flower basket and tiny tatted swan were added, it seemed really unbalanced.


Now I've added some seam treatments during the second week. The ribbon is a tea stained cotton. The seams are mostly covered, but even I realize it needs more.




Here's the beginning of my block for the Encrusted Crazy Quilt block for the first week. I love these 'neutral' colors together. Sharon suggested making the block square for this class, so I took some off the right side as the block sits here.