Happy Halloween!

I got Fright finished up this morning. I found a tiny piece of green thread in my car this morning (left over from stitching yesterday while waiting for ds). So I added a little vine to the pumpkin and fixed one of the rhodes stitches, which was supposed to be purple. So now it's officially done and I can move on to something else! :)




Shepherd's Bush "Fright" kit
Started 10/27/07 - Finished 10/31/07
What a difference natural light makes! Anyway, the kids are so excited about trick-or-treating tonight. We watched "Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" last night and they loved it. Halloween is such a fun time! Write later with pictures of Trick-or-Treating! :)

Fright!

I got "Fright" by Shepherd's Bush finished up tonight. Well almost finished, I have to add a stem to one of the pumpkins that wasn't on the pattern, and unfortunately I've misplaced the green thread that I need to do that. What a mess! :) Anyway, here's the pic...


Well, we are all getting a little cold, and it's making me tired! So I'm off to bed! Write later! :)

Happy Halloween tomorrow!

Halloween Came Early

We went to Guppyween at the Florida Aquarium today. The kids had so much fun. It was hard to get a picture of them because they were in constant motion!


Kids in costume got in free. Jake was wearing last years costume because he got marker all over the costume he was going to wear today! :) Oh well, he still looked cute! And thankfully, last years costume still fit - just barely! :)

I also got a some Halloween stash yesterday. I went Cummings Stitch and Frame in Port Richey, FL. It's the only shop somewhat close to me that carries Shepherd's Bush. I got Shepherd's Bush "Halloween Treat Bag" and "Fright," which I started, and an older Barrick Samplers "Her Sampler"


I also have another little progress pic of Curly Q to share. Still working on the green! :)


Well, the fourth game of the World Series is getting ready to start. I'm routing for the Under Dog Rockies to come back. I'm not sure it can happen though. Boston looks pretty strong. So this may be the last game of baseball this season! What will I do for five months? I'll be so lost! LOL! Write later! :)

P.S. I ended up not starting Frappuccino yet!

Frappuccino

I'm thinking of starting this new thread pack tonight. I'm so in love with Belle Soie silks! :) I just can't believe how soft and luxurious they are! I know I sound like a broken record, but they really are. If you haven't tried them yet, you really must! :)


I've been stitching away on Curly Q, but it's a lot of boring green right now. I need to hurry up and get to some of the purple! Well, baby is crying. He's not wanting to go to sleep! Write later!

Matthew and the voice recorder.

Matthew and the voice recorder.
Originally uploaded by nevillen.

Silly, silly boy! Matthew fell asleep holding onto this voice recorder. Every time I tried to take it away (I was just trying to record my voice) he started screaming and crying like I was hurting him. I just thought it was so funny. And when I looked at him sleeping I couldn't believe he was still holding onto it! :)

Trying to get back to my routine!

Whenever I go away it's so hard to get back to normal. I just caught up on my laundry and cleaning and now I have to catch up on work! I also have to catch up on my blog reading. I have 476 unread blog posts! Yikes! My stitching has also been suffering. I only got a little bit done on Curly Q. I couldn't really stitch at night because of the baby being with us. Here's my little wip...


I'm supposed to go to an open house for my son's gifted program. I really don't want to go - does that make me a bad mom?? I accidentally put my pajamas on without thinking and that made me not want to go anywhere! Argh, I need to stop being lazy and just go! Hopefully I don't yawn through the whole thing!

Thank you all for your kind comments about my trip. I know it's something I'll never forget! Write later!

Finally Home!

We got in very late last night - about 1:30 am. I finally got to sleep after 3:00 am. It was not easy to get up this morning, but I did it! :) Because I'm so tired this post will be short! I do have a couple of pictures to share...


All my Chocolat goodies and the start of the project.


Some stash I got at Elegant Stitch!
I had a ton of fun, but I am so glad to be home. And I don't want to leave for that long again for a long time. I'm a homebody. I love to be at home with my boys and my stitching. I think it's great to see new things, and do new things, but it's also great to get back home. I can't stop kissing and hugging them all - they are just the sweetest!! :) Write later

P.S. I added more pictures to my flickr album!

Back in San Francisco

We just got to our 3rd, and final hotel of our trip. We leave tomorrow afternoon and won't get home until very late Monday night. I had so much fun at the retreat and met some really great people! And found some old friends too! Hi Tricia, Laurie, Melissa, and Shelley! :) Well, this internet is out in the hotel lobby, so this will be short! Write later - with more pictures! :)

In Modesto Now!

We got to San Francisco yesterday and walked around - had some great seafood at Fisherman's Wharf. Then went back to our room and crashed. Today we took a tour of the city. It was a lot of fun. I finally got to see and go over the Golden Gate bridge. I've been to SF twice before, but never got to see it, so that was exciting for me.

I realized the seals are gone from Fisherman's Wharf. I'll have to find out what happened to them.

We made it to Modesto today around 4 pm. We made great time. I was so glad we got to leave early enough to beat the traffic. We went to the shop (Elegant Stitch) around 6 and stayed for a little bit. Now we're back in our room, enjoying the free wifi! :) Here's a link to some pictures I've taken.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/46195323@N00/sets/72157602542439762/

Goodbye!!

I'm getting all packed and ready to go! The thing I'm looking forward to most is cool, dry weather. It is so hot and humid down here! We are still getting into the 90's everyday. Can't wait! Our plane leaves at 8:00 am, which means I'll be waking up in about 8 hours! Did I mention my SIL is coming with me? She is, and she's bringing my niece, Halle. She couldn't bear to leave her. I know how she feels - I'm having a hard time leaving Matthew. My dh said he will come home and give my mom a break this weekend, so that's good. I think they will all realize just how much I do around here! I think I will be very appreciated when I get back! :) Well, still not much stitching to report. I've been running around like crazy the past couple of days! I did finish the border on Curly Q. It matched up, thankfully!


I also finished "The Fiery Cross" on CD today. I'm now listening to the next, and last (for now), "A Breath of Snow and Ashes." I'm trying to get as much as I can on my iPod, so I can listen to it on the plane and in my room at night. I plan on taking my laptop, so hopefully I'll have some pictures to share tomorrow. We're staying at Fisherman's Wharf tomorrow night, so that should be fun (hopefully not too close to the seals - those things are loud)! Write later!

Celtic Autumn Day 2

I got a little bit more of her dress done yesterday. There are a lot of color changes in this section!



I've almost got the border on Curly Q finished. I haven't stitched much today because I went shopping for new clothes for my trip. I have been wearing the same old clothes since I had Matthew and it was so nice to treat myself to something new. I also got my hair chopped off - at least five inches! It feels so good, I don't know why I didn't do that sooner!

Well, hopefully I'll have more to show on Curly Q tomorrow! Write later! :)

Two New Starts and the Shoes!

Hi Everyone! Yes, I was bad last night and started two new projects. Even though I have about 20 wips and ufos languishing out there. Oh well, it's my hobby and I'll start if I want to! LOL! :)

I started L&L Celtic Autumn...



You have to squint to see it. It's a tiny foot and part of a hem. Not a lot done. I spent most of my stitching time trying to decide which fabric to use. I eventually went with my latest favorite. 32 ct. Lambswool Jobelan. I'm changing the colors to oranges and greens. I think it's going to be so pretty! :) I joined the Celtic Lady SAL that Karen set up.

My second start is Curly Q Ewe. I couldn't resist putting a few stitches in this one. The fabric is to die for! 32 ct. Patina Belfast by Lakeside Linens, it's so soft! Here's my tiny little wip for this one...



This one is much bigger than I realized, but I know I'm going to have fun stitching it. Oh and here's the shoes. I couldn't forget that. The pictures aren't the greatest because he was in constant motion. We went to my brother's house and he was having a blast playing outside!





Well, that's all for now! I've got to get some work done! :)

Blossoms & Blackbirds Finished!

I got this finished up yesterday while my dh was fishing (sharks!). It was quick and fun! I just love these little designs. Instant gratification! :)



LHN "Blossoms & Blackbirds"
Fabric: 32 ct. Lambswool Jobelan
Threads: DMC
Started 10/12/07, Finished 10/13/07
I really want to start Curly Q next. I got all the threads I needed yesterday. I think it's such a cute design - love that sheep! :)

Write later!

P.S. I will get a picture of Matthew in his shoes today!

A New Little Start and Some New Stash!

I was in the mood to start a new LHN or CCN last night, so I decided to start Blossoms and Blackbirds.



I'm using 32 ct. Lambswool Jobelan. I also needed some threads, so I went to My LNS today to pick those up, along with a few other things. :)



My LNS owner had been ill. He was in the hospital because of a kidney stone. I was so glad to see him open again today (he's been closed for over a week) and told him I was worried about him and had a feeling he might be in the hospital. He's on the mend, but still weak. While I was there I noticed he still had a lot of Needle Necessities if anyone is looking for them. I'm sure he'd mail them out - he's such a nice guy.

Well, that's all for now! Going to try to get some stitching done! Write later! :)

A Bit of September Finished!

I got this finished up today while Matthew was taking a nap. I need a couple threads before I start October, which I'll hopefully get tomorrow.


Lizzie Kate "A Bit of Semptember"
Fabric: 32 ct. Glenshee
Threads: GAST, DMC, and WDW
Started - 10/11/07, Finished - 10/12/07


All together!

In other news - I got Matthew his first pair of walking shoes. They are just adorable! There's just nothing like a new pair of white Stride Rites to bring joy to the heart. I don't know what it is - they're a symbol. A passage from babyhood to toddlerhood. The shoes will always hold memories of sturdy legs toddling around. Anyway, I'm getting mushy, but all the moms out there will surely know what I mean! I'll post a picture tomorrow. :)

On to September!

I'm on a roll. I'm hoping to get September finished up tomorrow and then I don't have to rush so much to get October done. Thank you to everyone for your kind comments about my trip. I feel so lucky to know such kind and caring people!


Lizzie Kate "A Bit of August"
Fabric: 32 ct. Natural Glenshee
Threads: Weeks and GAST
Started and Finished: 10/10/07
Well, I'd better get some sleep! Matthew has been waking me up early lately! Write later!

Catching up!

I've neglected my Flip-it Bits for a few months and I'm trying to get caught up. I finished July, and just started August. If I can stick to it I should be caught up in a few days.


Lizzie Kate "A Bit of July"
Fabric: 32 ct. Natural Glenshee
Threads: Weeks, GAST, and DMC
Started: 10/8/07
Finished: 10/9/07
I forgot to mention that Deb brought me a very pretty sampler...


Thank you again Deb - I love it! :)

Another thing I forgot to mention is I'm going to California next week. I'm going to Elegant Stitch's retreat Chocolat. I'm looking forward to it and dreading it at the same time. I'll be gone for five days and it will be the longest I've left Matthew. I'm looking forward to getting away though. I think it will be a lot of fun! I went a few years ago and had a blast. My SIL is coming with me. She's not stitching, but she wanted to come because she's never been to San Francisco. So we're going to stay two days there, so we can see the sights. It should be fun, but I am going to miss my babies! :)

Home Sweet Home Finished!

I finished it up yesterday at Martha's stitch-in, which was a blast by the way! I was so excited to meet Deb (Lavender Rose) and see Martha again. The stitching, food and company was wonderful and I can't wait to go again! :)


Country Cottage Needleworks "Home Sweet Home"
Fabric: 32 ct. Cream Belfast Linen
Threads: Crescent Colours, GAST, and DMC
Started: 10/1/07
Finished: 10/8/07

I also worked on "Happy Haunting" a little bit. I got some more of the grass filled in...



Now I am almost wishing I had used the original fabric. Deb asked why I changed and looking at it in the natural light of Martha's sunroom I couldn't tell her why. I really liked it in that light. Oh well, I don't think I plan to rip it out now - maybe I'll sleep on it! :) Well, not much else going on. Dh just left - he got an extra day off because of the government holiday. I miss him already, but I'm doing much, much better than before. No more crying - lol! :) Write later!

Home Sweet Home Wip

I've been really enjoying stitching this one. I feel bad for neglecting Happy Haunting, but I truly am a CCN/LHN addict lately. I love them for their simple colors, subjects and materials. They are all so pretty and I have so many waiting to be stitched next! In fact my small chart basket was overflowing with them, so I got them their own basket today! :)





I just had to share this video I took today. Jake was making Matthew laugh so hard, it was so funny! They are such silly boys!



Well, not much else going on here! Write later! :)

My Earth Finished!!

It's 12:19 am and I've finally finished "My Earth." I never thought I would see this day! I sound like a broken record, but I am so glad to have this done! I only have one regret. I ran out of the Maidenhair Fern. Mainly because I was using it for vines when I should've been using the dark green. So I had to stitch the words "green grass" in dark green and I don't like it. I may check out a needlepoint shop near me that carries Thread Gatherer to see if they have the color. I know, silly to spend $5 for a couple of words, but it would make me happy. Anyway here's a pic...

Shepherd's Bush "My Earth" kit
Fabric: 32 ct. Light Sand Belfast
Threads: Thread Gatherer and Soie D Alger silk
Started: Sometime in 2005
Finished: 10/3/07
Well, I'm going to bed now - I should set the coffee pot to be ready when I wake up because I'm going to need it!!

P.S. The alternative lettering was charted by CynthiaC. I don't know what I would do without her! :) I'm sure I would've stitched a lot less Shepherd's Bush designs without her lettering!

P.P.S. I fixed the lettering this morning. I went out and got a skien - I figured I may need it in the future anyway. Thank you to Alison and Rani for offering to send out some!

Edited to add better pic!

Home Sweet Home

I worked on HSH instead of "Happy Haunting." I was actually thinking I should probably finish "My Earth" before starting another big Shepherd's Bush design. So I worked on that a little bit too. I don't have a lot to do, but what I do have is a lot of annoying backstitching. I hate backstitching! Anyway, here's my little progress pic of "Home Sweet Home."



I didn't want to stop stitching, but I was so tired! I'll probably work on it or "My Earth" again today.

Write later! :)

Not One, But Two New Starts...

Yes, I was extra bad yesterday! I ended up starting "Happy Haunting" and "Home Sweet Home." I think Home Sweet Home will be my take with me project. There aren't as many color changes.

Here's my progress on Happy Haunting first...


I wasn't sure about the sheep, so I stitched some of it first. Alison suggested using two strands of silk, and I think that's a good idea! I ended up changing the fabric to R&R Antique Cotton. It's a little less yellow. There's not much to show on HSH, I just stitched a little bit of the border before I got too tired. If I get more done today I'll post a pic tomorrow! :)

Yes!!

I didn't start "Home Sweet Home." Instead I finished up my "Simple Little Quaker." I'm so happy to have this one done!




Papillon Creations "Simple Little Quaker"
Fabric: 40 ct. Navy Bean by Lakeside Linens
Thread: Thread Gatherer Silk 'n Colors - Lotus Flower
Started: 4/27/07
Finished: 9/30/07
I forgot about it being October 1st today. I'm supposed to start Happy Haunting and SAL with a couple of gals from my SB BB. Join in if you'd like! :) It's going to be a very fun stitch! Write later!