TPRose's Place

New blog

2011-09-19T15:16:00.002-04:00

Please join me at my new blog - www.rosystitches.blogspot.com

Hope to see you there!

Terri

A finish and a silly cat!

2011-08-25T22:39:00.002-04:00

I did have a finish recently. I stitched Linda's Ort Bag by Victoria Sampler

There are 4 pieces. It is stitced on pink Cashel linen using the thread pack from VS, which included silks, pearl cotton, and Kreinik metallic. It was a fun and fairly easy stitch.

Some of the stitches used were diagonal cable, satin, eyelets, long arm cross, and detached buttonhole

The fine at the top was a PITA to stitch though! But I like the way it turned out. I hope I can finish finish it soon!

This is my mom's cat, Peyton, being silly.

I will be moving and renaming my blog, but will post it here when I do. I hope you'll join me!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Vanity

2011-08-25T06:46:00.001-04:00

Vanity plates, that is! I just got my new license plates.

I'll take a picture of them on my car in the next day or two. I think I did a great job of matching the car color!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Elvis...........

2011-08-23T20:14:00.004-04:00

...has left the building.........

...and the living room....

....and the craft room.....

...the patio.....

...and my bedroom....

I'm really going to miss living here.

It's a new beginning............

Eskie smiles,

Terri

A finish

2011-07-22T22:36:00.005-04:00

Hello! I hope everyone in the US is keeping cool. It's 10:45 p.m. here in Indiana and our heat index is still at 90 or higher! Good weather to stay in and stitch or bead or crochet!

With all of the events in the last several months and moving in with mom, I needed something easy and simple to stitch. I finished this about a week ago I think it was. Home of a Needleworker by LHN. I used white New Castle linen with the recommended DMC threads. I like the way it turned out! And it was an easy stitch! Sorry the picture isn't any better. I didn't want to iron it just yet.

Now that things are settling down, I've gotten some of my more detailed stitching out. I am working on Linda's Ort Bag by Victoria's Sampler and Beside Still Waters, a Thomas Kinkade piece by Candamar Designs. I've been working on that for.....well, a long time!

Stay cool and be safe!

Terri

Wow, a Pow Wow!

2011-07-11T22:33:00.004-04:00

I was on vacation last week and although most of it was spent moving, sorting, storing, cleaning and getting ready for a garage sale, I did manage to have a little fun. There was a national pow wow held nearby in Danville, Indiana. We went on opening night and on closing night. I hadn't been to one in SO long I had forgotten how much fun they were!

This gentleman's beadwork is amazing! He kindly posed for me.

I'm sure he did the beadwork himself. Just gorgeous!

Some of the teepees.....

Some of the drummers and singers.....

Some of the beadwork available for purchase --- WOWSA!!!

This nice lady posed for me also. The black is not beaded, but everything else is. See the gorgeous fringe, too??

One of the dancers.....

I tried so hard to get a good picture of this guy - his beadwork was amazing too and he was really into the dancing!

All the yellow and other colors on this man's regalia is beaded.

There is another pow wow in Tipton on Labor Day weekend that we are going to try to go to. If you get a chance, GO! They are SO much fun and the beadwork and inspiration is beyond words!!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Comfortghan

2011-07-05T23:14:00.002-04:00

I received this comfortghan in memory of my sister from Heartmade Blessings. These pictures don't do it justice!

I love each and every square.
\
And the color used to join them is just perfect!

My mom and my niece were both with me when I opened it and we all were in tears. If anyone is reading this that contributed to this---- Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

Terri

Reader problems?

2011-06-27T15:01:00.002-04:00

Has anyone else been having any problems being able to read blogs using Google Reader? I have been unable to get it to work all day.

I should have a couple stitching related posts in the next day or two. Hopefully, things are getting as close as possible to being normal again soon. I've actually been doing some stitching lately.

I have moved in with my mom, but still have a lot of stuff at my apartment. I will have pictures of my rooms at my mom's house and some of the work we've been doing to get it all to fit! Condensing 2 households is NOT fun or easy!

I have been reading your blogs but not commenting on very many. I credit all of you and your blogs for getting me motivated to stitch, bead, and/or crochet again lately!!!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Thank you!

2011-05-22T09:09:00.001-04:00

Thank you, everyone, for your condolences and comments. I've received too many to answer individually, but they are greatly appreciated!

I'm making plans to move in with my mom, so will be here sporadically. Trying to condense 2 households won't be easy and will take some time.

Thank you again from the bottom of what's left of my heart.

Terri

More bad news

2011-05-18T20:41:00.001-04:00

My sister passed away this morning very unexpectedly. She was 47. Please keep us all in your thoughts and prayers.

Terri

Dad

2011-05-07T00:24:00.007-04:00

Richard Souders

50th anniversary October 2008

May 19, 1932 - May 5, 2011

I miss you, dad!!

Love, Terri

Absence

2011-04-10T10:53:00.001-04:00

My dad is very ill and hospice care is starting today or tomorrow, so I may not be able to post much in the next couple weeks. I would appreciate any prayers and good thoughts for him and my mom, as well as my whole family.

I was able to get to 1 day of our (Hoosier Stitchers) semi-annual retreat yesterday and had a great time! It was a much needed break.

Eskie smiles,

Terri

A finish!

2011-04-07T21:24:00.004-04:00

I had needed something simple and easy to stitch the last month or so and I finished it this past weekend. Dog Rules for People by Lizzie Kate. It is stitched on 32 ct. lambswool linen with the WDW and CC threads that came with it.

I'm not sure how I'm going to finish it. A pillow or totebag? I may frame it and give it to my youngest son and his family - they now have 7 dogs and 2 of them are pregnant!

My oldest grandson, Jack, turned 7 in March and his mom had a surprise birthday party for him this past Sunday. This is Jack hanging from his Uncle Sean's arm. So funny!

I tried to get a picture of all 4 of my grandsons at once, but they were not cooperative.

I started a new project a couple days ago and will have some progress pictures soon. The Hoosier Stitchers are having their spring retreat starting today and I'm going down for the day on Saturday. Can't wait! It's supposed to be warm that day and I'm riding with a couple others that are going down just for the day. I'm ready for a day of stitching and fun!!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Progress

2011-04-03T00:48:00.003-04:00

I've been working on Dance of the Roses by L&L and here is my progress so far.

She is looking SO pretty! Her face and hands are done with Splendor silks and the rest is DMC

I've actually gotten a little bit more of her skirt done and a lot more of the bouquet of roses she is holding on the right. She is a lot of fun to stitch!

I have a finish to share - not one of my 15 WIPs - but it's dark now and I'll take pictures in the next day or so and post.

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Stash

2011-03-27T12:52:00.003-04:00

Last weekend I drove to one of my LNS. I had ordered some things and they were in.

First is the thread pack for Winter Box by Victoria's Sampler.

Next is Linda's Ort Bag also by Victoria's Sampler and the thread packs to do it. The linen I had in my stash, Cameo Rose Cashel, which I might use for the bag. I'm anxious to start on it and may do that today.

Next is Bargello Biscornu, Victoria's Sampler, and the threads for it as well.

There were 2 color ways to choose from and I chose the traditional Christmas color way. The other choice is violet. I'm anxious to start on this one too! So many projects, so little time!

I'll have a progress picture soon of what I'm working on now.

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Ta da!

2011-03-20T11:54:00.005-04:00

I joined the up for a challenge challenge this year, to finish 15 WIPs. Here is #2 for the year. I know it doesn't sound like much, but I tend to choose BAP's for the most part.

This is Angel of Dreams by Hanky Panky Designs.

She is stitched with 712 pearl cotton #5, #8, and #12 for the needleweaving on antique white Dublin linen.

Mother of pearl stars on her wings and collar

Cream colored 3mm pearls and seed beads on her skirt

I covered the cone with gold lame to shine through the weaving.

A close up of her skirt

She was a lot of fun to stitch and I'm very proud of her! Now to figure out which project next to work on!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Progress and Hardanger scissors

2011-03-10T20:02:00.002-05:00

I am getting SO close to being done with this angel! Here are a few not so good pictures of my progress....

her collar.....

her sleeves.........

a close up of 1 wing....

her wings.

She is really fun to work on but it's not going as fast as I would like! I hope to have her done in the next week or so.

Nordic Needle is having a sale and I've wanted these scissors for so very long! They were almost $10.00 off the original price! They are by Dovos and are made for Hardanger work.

I am going to have to make a Hardanger scissors fob for them :-)

Spring can't get here quick enough for me! I am so tired of gray, dreary, cold, rainy and snowy days! Maybe after I finish the angel, I will start a new project with lots of bright colors!

Take care!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Two losses

2011-03-01T21:49:00.003-05:00

The needlework world lost 2 designers in the last couple days. I didn't have any work of either one, but I've seen their blogs and charts and they were wonderful. Judy Harper was a needlepoint designer and blogger and Lisa Roswell was the designer of The Primitive Needle, as well as a blogger. Both will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.

Terri

Long time no post

2011-02-27T16:47:00.003-05:00

Hello. It's been a while since I've posted. I've been so busy!

I don't have any stitching or beading finishes or progress to show, but I do have some stash to show!

We had a stitch-in last weekend and stopped at an LNS and here are my purchases.

Blue Ribbon Designs Peppermint Twist and It's Cold Outside.

These were in the sale bins, 2 by Just Nan and 1 from M Designs

Sue Hillis Wine a Bit

One of the ladies last weekend brought me these hardanger books.

There was a superbowl sale at Silver Needle and I bought the thread pack for Heirloom Christmas in Victorian colors - all ready to start it soon!

I also bought a yard of white Belfast (right) and placed an order at Nordic Needle recently too, and on the left is a yard of white Etamin, 32 ct., 100% cotton. I've never used this before, but it looks and feels really nice!

Kody does this a lot.

Maybe I should have named him Dizzy :-)

I'm working on Angel of Dreams by Hanky Panky Designs and it's coming along, finally. I hope to have her finished in the next couple weeks.

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

I've been remiss....

2011-02-08T16:59:00.002-05:00

I am SO sorry I haven't acknowledged all of my followers! I have 32 now! Welcome to my blog and I hope you post a comment now and then or drop me an email - link in my profile.

If I haven't become a follower on your blog yet, please let me know!!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Progress and I caved!

2011-02-06T13:14:00.003-05:00

I've been working on Angel of Dreams by Hanky Panky Designs and here is my progress. This is her skirt

I got the first 2 rows of filling stitches done and I don't have much of the last row of filling stitches to do. The last row is wrapped bars with doves eyes and I'm having a heck of a time with the wrapped bars! If anyone has any tips on making them easier, I'd sure appreciate it! When I'm done with her skirt, I just have to do the sleeves and wings and I think maybe a hair decoration.

When I got too frustrated with the hardanger piece, I caved and started another project, Dog Lessons for People by Lizzie Kate. Here is where I was yesterday on it. I am much farther on it now, down to the 3rd row. This is an easy stitch! I wanted something that didn't require a lot of attention and this is fun and a nice break.

While I was stitching yesterday, it was snowing outside. We got about 3 or 4 inches. Not too bad, but I didn't venture out all day and got a lot done around the house!

We're supposed to get more this coming week, with one storm a "major" storm. I hope it's not ice! We still have 2 inches of ice under this snow and it's still very treacherous out there!

I hope you are all safe and warm and have plenty of stitching to do!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Ornament finish

2011-02-03T22:58:00.003-05:00

I finished this ornament, Peppermint by LHN just a few days ago. I had started it before Christmas and then got waylaid.

stitched on an unknown type of linen, 32 ct. with DMC and WDW, I think. It's what I had in my stash.

While it was doing this.....

and this.....

and this outside.....

I was doing this.....

Banana nut bread....yum!

I hope everyone is digging out from all the snow and ice safely! We didn't get much snow, but we got about 2 inches of ice! The yard out back looks like a frozen lake - you can't see the grass at all. And now it's really cold - supposed to get down to 2 or 3 tonight. Can you say Brrrrrrrrr?
And more snow heading our way this weekend and next week. Where is summer???

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Happy dance!

2011-01-25T21:54:00.003-05:00

My first WIP finish for 2011!! It's Rose Garden Mandala by Chatelaine Designs. This piece was SO much fun to stitch! It has everything......silks, metallics, beads, crystals, pulled stitches, and specialty stitches. I stitched it on white Belfast. The first picture is a rather bad close up. Sorry about the quality - I couldn't wait to post!

This is without a flash.....

with a flash

Now, which project to work on next?

Eskie smiles,

Terri

New blogs

2011-01-17T15:12:00.000-05:00

Check out my blog list. I've been adding a lot of blogs lately. Two of the newest, Sue's Cozy Spot and A Crafty Granna, are also Hoosier Stitchers!

I hope to have a progress and/or finish photo of my first WIP finish for 2011 soon! Stay tuned!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Challenge and new starts

2011-01-03T18:56:00.004-05:00

This is the piece that I am concentrating on - for the time being :-) Rose Garden Mandala by Chatelaine.

This is one of the 2 I started over the weekend. This one is Victorian Sampler Bag by Rae Iverson of Moss Creek Designs. It's 1 over 1 on Cashel linen for the flowers. It has a lot of specialty stitches also. This also is a fun stitch.

And this one I am doing as a SAL with another Hoosier Stitcher. White Christmas by Victoria's Sampler. Yet another fun stitch!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Present

2010-12-26T18:05:00.003-05:00

Hello! I hope you all had a great Christmas! I sure did! My parents got me this...

An electric fireplace! Makes it so cozy in here.

All the boys were here on Christmas Eve. Silly bunch ...

And the girls were here too.

Left to right...Gabe, Robyn, Tom, Jasper on Tom's lap, Sean, Connor, Jack and Anna.

We had a great holiday! I'll post some more pictures in a day or two.

Happy Holidays!

Terri

Challenge

2010-12-20T21:58:00.002-05:00

I just joined the Up for a Challenge Blog and here are my 15 WIPs/UFOs to finish in 2011

Angel of Dreams - Hanky Panky Designs
Angel of Spring - Lavendar and Lace
Beside Still Waters - Thomas Kinkade
Bless our Home - an Aussie kit
China Rose - Cindy Valentine
Christmas Tree - canvas by Laura J. Perin
Dance of the Roses - Lavendar and Lace
Heart of Roses - Ellen Maurer Stroh
Poinsettia Afghan - from an old McCalls Needlework Magazine
Rose Garden Mandala - Chatelaine Designs
Christmas Sampler - A Cross Stitch Christmas 2010
Fall - Mill Hill Kit
Summer Lace - Whispered by the Wind

White Christmas - Victoria's Sampler
Victorian Sampler Bag - Moss Creek Designs

The last 2 I haven't started yet, so I will start one or both on January 1 or before. They are kitted up and ready to go!

Happy Holidays!

Terri

A giveaway!

2010-12-14T09:45:00.001-05:00

Down Sunshine Lane is having a giveaway! Check it out here

Happy Holidays!

Terri

Ripit, ripit....

2010-12-09T22:08:00.002-05:00

...ripit, ripit.....the frogs are visiting me. I left an afghan I'm working on too near Kody's crate and he got a hold of it. So, I'm ripping more than half of it out to repair the damage done. Needless to say, this won't be done by Christmas now. I've spent the last 2 hours frogging, and I'm just now getting to the spot where the damage is.

Guess I'll learn to put my work up when I'm done with it..........

Happy Holidays!

Terri

Well.....

2010-12-08T21:18:00.002-05:00

.. I have nothing much to talk about or to share. Here is a picture of Kody and Allie relaxing on the couch the other day.

I did do some Christmas shopping tonight, but I'm not done yet. I hope to get the rest tomorrow after work.

Happy Holidays!

Terri

Nook or Kindle?

2010-12-07T18:09:00.001-05:00

I've been looking at Nooks and Kindles - I want one! But which one should I get? I was leaning towards the Kindle, but I stopped by Barnes and Noble and now I'm leaning towards a Nook. Which one do you have? What do you like about it? Or, are you contemplating the same thing? I'm anxious to hear what you think!

Happy Holidays!

Terri

.It's begining to look...

2010-12-06T20:48:00.005-05:00

...a lot like Christmas!

This may be the only tree I get put up this year. I don't want Kody eating all my handmade ornaments!

A close up of the tree. It's a hardanger pattern by ?? - can't remember - finished as a cubit. Stitched on linen with silk, Kreinik metallics, and perle cotton. The buttons are from Just Another Button Company, I think. And Mill Hill beads are the 'garland' and there is a gold star snowflake at the top.

A Mill Hill design finished as a flat fold. Stitched on Aida with metallic floss and Mill Hill beads.

My dining room table at the moment. I have a matching tablecloth over the freezer in the background. The sweeper is going to Goodwill soon!

Happy Holidays!

Terri

Netted bangle

2010-12-05T20:45:00.002-05:00

I finished the netted bangle I was working on. The picture isn't very good, sorry. I used 4 mm crystal AB fire polished beads, red, green, and gold 15/0 seed beads, and fireline. It turned out pretty well but doesn't sparkle as much as I think it should.

Eskie smiles,

Terri

A finish

2010-12-04T23:03:00.002-05:00

I finished this ornament a couple days ago. I can't remember the designer. Stitched on opalescent Cashel linen with Kreinik #4 braid.

I love the way it turned out!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Framing

2010-12-03T21:21:00.002-05:00

I picked this up last weekend from my LNS. I finished the stitching a couple years ago. It was from a mill hill pattern, stitched on Monaco with DMC and Mill Hill Beads. I love how it turned out!

For my oldest son and his wife.

Eskie smiles,

Terri

The ABCs of me

2010-12-02T19:21:00.004-05:00

I saw this on a couple other blogs and it sounded like fun.

Age - 49
Bed size - Full/double
Chore you hate - mopping
Dogs names - Allie and Kody
Essential start your day items - shower
Favorite color - I have to pick one??
Gold or silver - gold
Height - 5'3"
Instrument you play - clarinet, but it's been years and I want to learn the mandolin
Job - secretary in a maximum security prison
Kids - 2 wonderful boys, ages 26 and 24!
Living arrangements - just me and the dogs
Music you love - about anything but country and rap
Nick name - none
Overnight hospital stay other than birth - yes, 2 or 3
Pet peeve - lying
Quote from a move - "I don't think we're in Kansas any more, Toto" or "Beam me up, Scotty!"
Right or left handed - right
Siblings - 1 sister
Time you wake up - during the work week 6:30 or 7 a.m. - weekends much later
Underwear - yes
Vegetable you dislike - okra!
Workout style - what's a work out??
X-rays you've had - more than I can remember!
Yummy food you make - zucchini bars, meatloaf, fettuccine Alfredo
Z the best place to visit - anywhere my friends or family are!

Eskie smiles,

Terri

Where....

2010-12-01T17:15:00.003-05:00

...did my signature go? For some reason, it quit working. Anyone know why??

Terri

NoBloPoMo - trying again

2010-12-01T17:09:00.003-05:00

Hello! I didn't do so well with the blog posting in November, so I'm going to try again in December. Hopefully, my stomach will cooperate!

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! It has turned pretty cold here and we have a light dusting of snow. Do you have your Christmas decorations up yet? I don't! I don't think I'm going to do a tree this year because of the little dog, Kody. I don't want him to eat my hand made ornaments!

Eskie smiles,

I'm learning....

2010-11-20T22:27:00.001-05:00

....a new beading technique, for me! I'm working on a netted bangle and it's so easy! I've been wanting to learn this stitch for a long time. I may make a trip to Joann's or Michael's for some more fire polished beads! Oooh, and I can do it with Swarovski and pearls, too!! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

Still having stomach troubles, drat! But I really think I'm on the mend. I'm feeling better today.

I'll get some pictures tomorrow and post them of what I'm working on now.

Eskie smiles,

Not much

2010-11-17T21:50:00.003-05:00

I don't have much to share today. Still having stomach problems, but I think I'm on the mend. I did manage to make these earrings, which took all of 5 minutes. They were in a kit I bought when my LBS closed.

And here's a picture of the pooches sacked out on the couch.

I received my order of crystals and pearls today, but I didn't get a picture of them before I put them all up. I got 3 and 4 mm Swarovskis in amethyst, topaz, crystal copper, light rose, crystal, crystal AB, and white opal, 4 mm and 6 mm in ruby, and 4 mm pearls in white and ivory. You'll see them soon in some projects I have planned.

Eskie smiles,

A little beading and a birthday

2010-11-14T22:40:00.004-05:00

I've been down with either a stomach bug or my usual stomach troubles. Doing better, but still have a ways to go.

My "baby" turned 24 today. Here he is with Kody and Allie.

He's been sick for a few days too, but doing better. Look at their eyes, lol!
Here's a picture of Gabe with Allie. She was on him like glue. She really loves him!

She is so good with him!
I did do a little beading. This is one of the rose cabochons my mom gave me for my birthday.

A closer picture.

I'm not sure how I'm going to "finish" it. I've ordered some crystals and pearls. Maybe a spiral necklace and some fringe? And I don't know if I'm going to use these glass leaves or not. Suggestions anyone? I'm always open for other ideas!

I haven't done a post a day, but for me, this is pretty good!

Eskie smiles,

A small finish

2010-11-11T22:28:00.002-05:00

I just finished this while watching TV this evening.

It was a Mill Hill kit called Holiday Polar Bear. I just have to glue some felt to the back, a ribbon for a hanger, and then cut it out. Cute, isn't it?

Eskie smiles,

Veteran's Day

2010-11-10T22:10:00.001-05:00

I know it's a day early, but if I wait, I will post it too late.

Thank a veteran on veteran's day.

Thank you, dad, for serving in the Army during the Korean war.
Thank you, Bob (ex-DH) for serving in the Navy for 17 years.
Thank you, Sean, for serving in the Air Force.
Thank you, Corey Depew, for giving your life while in the Marine Corps. during the Afghanistan and Iraq war. And thank you to your family for your sacrifice.
Thank you, Doug Burch, for serving in the Air Force for 23 years. We miss you!

And thanks to all the other military members and their families for all of your sacrifices!

I've never been very good at writing, but this is from my heart.

Krazy Kody!

2010-11-09T20:14:00.002-05:00

This is where he's supposed to be when I get home from work, as you will remember from an earlier post.

This is where he was when I got home - at the opposite end of the hallway in the dining room!

I wish I had a camcorder to see how he does this!

Eskie smiles,

Daylight Savings Time

2010-11-07T20:36:00.003-05:00

Well, we turned our clocks back an hour last night and now the days are even shorter. I really hate this time of year! How do you cope with the shorter days? I try to do more stitching or crocheting, or just play in my beads and fibers. I'll pick out a project soon to start on New Year's Day. That's supposed to bring good luck, and it's always fun to start a new project! I try also to have as many lights on as I can once it gets dark. Today was a beautiful day! A clear blue sky - not a cloud in sight! It was windy, but not as cold as I thought it would be. Our days this coming week are supposed to be dry and sunny - we are still under a burn ban here. We desperately need rain! Our grass has been brown since August and hasn't had to be mowed since then either. How is it where you are? I know there are a lot of places worse than here and I hope they get the rain they need also.
Our November birthdays are almost over. One more in a week and then we're done till next year. Then it's time to get ready for Thanksgiving and then Christmas! Yikes! Are you ready for the holidays? I'm not! At least all the lights and pretty colors of Christmas will help keep the blahs away, I hope.
I hope all is well with you and yours!

Eskie smiles,

Miscellaneous pictures

2010-11-06T20:42:00.004-04:00

I don't have anything really interesting to post today, so here are some pictures I may not have shared yet.

Allie and Kody sleeping on the couch

I posted a picture of the new chair a while back and didn't realize how bad that corner looked, so this is after I cleaned it up and it's now my display area. The basket is full of biscornu and the vase has beaded flowers in it.

A close up of the window to the kitchen. The top right says "Life is precious, make it count."

A close up of Kody clowning for the camera

Jasper was over a few nights ago and I tried to capture a picture of how his hair was standing up all over. He is just so cute and getting so big! He will be 2 in June.

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

Oh yum - apple crumb!

2010-11-05T19:40:00.003-04:00

I made this for my oldest son's birthday today.

Apple Crumb

4 sour apples sliced - mix with apples -
1 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 Tbs. flour
1/4 tsp. salt

Crumb topping -
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1 egg

Mix until crumbly then sprinkle over apples. Melt 1 stick of butter and pour over mixture. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Enjoy!

Eskie smiles,

Things that make me happy

2010-11-04T21:50:00.004-04:00

I saw this on another blog today and 'borrowed' the idea. Sorry, I don't remember whose blog I saw it on. I hope she doesn't mind! Here they are, in no particular order.

My sons
My grandsons
My daughters-in-law
Kody and Allie
Stitching
Beading
Crochet
Baking
Sunshine
Anything that sparkles
Fresh baked cookies
The smell of fresh brewed coffee
Blue skies
Flowers
Unexpected visits from my sons
Family
A long weekend
Sleeping in on a Saturday morning
A glass of wine
The smell of pine and roses
Sheets dried in the sun
Soft towels
Fridays at 4
Vacations
Emails from friends
A newborn baby

What things make you happy?

Eskie smiles,

Little stinker!

2010-11-03T21:48:00.004-04:00

Normally, when I come home and look down the hallway to my bedroom, I can see Kody's crate and him peeking out of it.

Where is it/he?

He has learned how to move or bounce his crate across the room and this is where it was when I got home today.

See the afghan in the top right corner? That was pulled into his crate. I'm just glad he got that and not my grandmother's quilt! The little stinker..........

Eskie smiles,

Whine? Wine!

2010-11-02T21:12:00.007-04:00

What a great day today was! I drove to an LNS and on the way down, I stopped at a winery, Oliver Winery in Bloomington, Indiana. I thought I had been there before, but I'm sure I would have remembered this!

From the parking lot....

Yup, I'm going the right way....

The walk down to the shop.....

Wow! Very peaceful and beautiful.....

The colors of the mums and pumpkins are just yummy!

Ribbit, ribbit.....

And I left with 2 bottles - Camelot Mead (a sweet white) and.....

Soft Red, a sweet red/rose. And yes, I did sample them first!

I know I will go back to this winery again. There were some more picture worthy views and I want to get them some time.

I didn't buy a thing at the LNS! I'm so proud of myself! I went down to join their stitch-in and it was very enjoyable and relaxing. May do it again next week!

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

Birthday sparklies and a finish!

2010-11-01T20:04:00.004-04:00

Hello! I have a finish, woo hoo! I did actually get it done before Halloween, but haven't decided how I'm going to "finish" it. And my photography skills seem to be getting worse instead of better! Of course, it doesn't help that it was dark when I took the pictures. This is called Witchy's Garden by A Kitty Kat Originals. The buttons were included with the chart and it's done on an unknown linen with WDW and Sampler Threads. I really like the way it turned out.

Today is my birthday and boy, does my mom spoil me! This is the best picture I could get. I tried getting some close ups, but they were terrible. I will try again during the day time.

From the top left - 4 Blue quartz, 2 porcelain rose cabachons, a carved rose in Opal, a blue paraiba tourmaline lab gemstone (more of a teal color), 2 peach pink morganite, 2 lab created white diamonds, and 3 pink Kunzite (click on the picture to enlarge).

Pretty good haul, don't you think? Should be fun figuring out what to do with them!

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

NaBloPoMo

2010-10-30T22:18:00.003-04:00

I've decided to join the National Blog Posting Month. I saw this on another blog and it sounds like a challenge and lots of fun! Go here to check it out! I shouldn't have a problem with the first couple weeks - there are lots of birthdays in November in my family! Will you join up too?

Silly dogs!

2010-10-20T22:51:00.004-04:00

New designer!

2010-10-11T12:03:00.002-04:00

Here is the blog of a new (to me) designer - http://summerhousestitcheworkes.blogspot.com

Check it out!

Eskie smiles,

A quick update

2010-10-10T18:05:00.003-04:00

Hi. Not much stitching going on here. I've got 2nd degree burns on the first 2 fingers of my right hand. Steam burn from the microwave.

But before I did this, I did finish an ornament and an afghan.

Granny stripe afghan

Red House in Winter by LHN

Kody and Allie are getting along better each day. Hopefully, my burns will heal quickly so I can stitch!

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

I've been.....

2010-09-23T20:21:00.003-04:00

...on a crochet kick lately! I just finished this afghan for my bed. I used Red Heart Light Raspberry, light sage, and cream yarn. I really like the way iti turned out.

And I think I'm going to call Kody "Houdini"! He has gotten out of his crate 3 times this last week while I was at work. I think I've finally gotten it fixed where he can't get out. This next pic was taken a night or two ago after they had finished playing.

Kody on the left, and Allie on the right.

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

Meet Kody!

2010-09-12T23:49:00.005-04:00

The newest addition to my little household - Kody. He is a toy American Eskimo

All tuckered out from playing with Allie

Allie took a few days to accept Kody, but they are doing great together now! I'm sure there will still be some adjustments, but we'll make it!

I've been really sick this past week - figures, it was my vacation. But I'm finally on the mend and will head back to work on Tuesday. Needless to say, I didn't get much done this week. I had the stomach flu and I think this was the sickest I have EVER been. I hope no one else catches it!

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

I've been beading!

2010-09-04T13:51:00.009-04:00

Hello!

My mom gave me THE most gorgeous Imperial Topaz stone......

The picture does not do it justice! I took several pictures using several different settings and this is the best one.

This is what I did with it last night....

Again, the picture doesn't do it justice. It's MUCH prettier in person. And I don't know if I want to embellish this or not. Maybe just make a bail and hang it on a gold chain? Ideas? I used rainbow amber Delicas and 15s and gold plated Charlottes.

Here's another cabochon I did a few nights ago.....

I'm really pleased with the way this one turned out. I'm not sure what the stone is, but I used rainbow emerald and bronze 11s and 15s. Not sure how I'm going to finish it. *Edited* I didn't realize the thread showed so much! I have to work on that!

My mom also gave me a platform rocking chair that she just had re-upholstered. Allie is checking it out.

Here is a close up of the fabric. This chair belonged to my great, great-aunt, Noni.

I love it and it is very comfortable. I need to rearrange so that I have a table available near the chair so I can sit and stitch or crochet.

That's all for now! Have a great labor day weekend!

Eskie smiles,

Meet Harpo and a finish!

2010-08-29T10:58:00.005-04:00

Hello! I hope everyone is well. The weather here has cooled way down and it's very nice outside. Today and the next several days are supposed to be pretty hot, but I don't think the humidity is as high as it was.

This is Harpo - my new "Grand-dog". He belongs to my youngest son and his family.

He's a full blooded, registered, Siberian Huskie. He's also very good with the kids. I had a better picture, but accidentally deleted it.

This post inspired the next picture. I started this a few weeks ago. I'm not done yet, but it's close. And it is so much fun to work on!

This is my finish. It was a kit I received in an exchange at one of our last 2 or 3 retreats. It's called Halloween Treats by The Stitchworks. See the black cat button?

And it's going to go in this frame that I received at our last retreat.

I've been working mostly on Rose Garden Mandala and here is a progress picture.

I've gotten the lower left section done and am working on the same section on the right. I do need to work on the border more, but it's coming along and so much fun to stitch!

I do hope you all had a great weekend and have a great week coming up!

Eskie smiles,

A giveaway!

2010-08-17T09:36:00.002-04:00

Samplings from a Blue Ribbon Girl (Blue Ribbon Designs) is having a giveaway. Click here to enter!

This sounds like fun!

2010-08-12T18:20:00.004-04:00

A friend has this posted on her blog and it sounds like fun, so I'm going to try it too!
Click here to go to the post.

Another giveaway

2010-08-08T21:50:00.003-04:00

Nancy at Beading from the Heart is having a giveaway too! Her designs are awesome! Click here
to enter!

Everybody look!

2010-08-08T21:41:00.002-04:00

Feathers in the Nest is having a great giveaway! Click here to enter!

A rough couple of weeks!

2010-08-08T12:57:00.004-04:00

Hello! It's been a rough couple weeks around here. A co-worker passed away while on the job, another co-worker's daughter passed away, my car broke down, and my parent's dog is very sick. So that's why I haven't posted in a while.

While I was waiting in the hot waiting room a couple weeks ago for my car to be repaired, I started and finished this. It was a freebie from Sweet Pea Designs that an LNS kitted up for us for a meet and greet a couple years ago. It's called Lil Punkin. It's done on an unknown piece of Aida with DMC floss.

I stitched this quite a while ago and finally got it finished. The design is from Milady's Needle, Quaker Christmas Smalls, and is done in HDF silk 1 over 2 on New Castle (40 ct.) linen.

Remember the new book I purchased, The Proper Stitch? Well, I ordered the silks to do a project from it.

And I bought a couple charts - a LHN Christmas Ornament and Summer Stackers by Jeannette Douglas. Couldn't resist! I LOVE biscornus! I should take a picture of the basket full I have already made.

I now have 2 flower frogs! The first one is amber colored and sits in crystal bowl. They work for holding crochet hooks, too!

The next one my mom bought for me at Goodwill! It also sits in a crystal bowl. It holds My Favorite Dololly, too!

And finally, a couple pictures that should make anyone smile and brighten their day a little. They did for me! First is Jasper, who spent the night last Saturday night with me. What a wonderful smile!

And Allie just HAD to look outside! It was an extremely hot day and she didn't like the blinds being closed at all!

And Allie doesn't know it yet, but she's going to be getting a play mate! I'm adopting another American Eskimo, Kody, who is a toy Eskie. I will be going to pick him up some time on Labor Day weekend. I can't wait! I'll share a picture when I can.

Take care and stay cool!

Eskie smiles,

Stash and stitching room.

2010-07-20T18:40:00.008-04:00

Hello! It's still hot and muggy here. I hope you are all staying cool!

My A/C went out last week and while I was home while the new unit was being installed, I worked on my stitching room. I thought I had before pictures, but I don't. These aren't the best pictures, but it looks a LOT better than it did!

My son still has some things in the room, but hopefully, he will get them out soon. The computer desk. curio cabinet, and file cabinet in this picture are his. The file cabinet is under the plastic boxes of beads behind the table.

The two cabinets on the far left of this next picture are his also, but I'm using them until he takes them out. I've got sewing machine, beads, threads, scroll rods, empty plastic boxes, buttons, and lots of other crafty/stitchy/beady things in the cabinets. The table is mine.

It's a drop leaf table that folds "up" to a rather large table. A great work table!

The day bed was his, but it's mine now. I changed the covers from wolves to roses and lace, LOL! And the teddy bear is for the grandkids if they stay over.

Some specialty fibers and beads hanging on the wall. A floor lamp next to the bed if I need it. I have another table top lamp on top of one of the cabinets.

It's a trundle day bed, so there's more storage underneath! I have a plastic underbed tote full of yarn, foam core sheets, picture frames, and a couple boxes of ribbon under the bed. I have about 5 or 6 - 55 gallon totes in the closet with yarn and Christmas ornaments in the closet.

The bed looks cozy, doesn't it? :-)

It's not exactly how I want it, but it will work for now. At least I can move around in there now!

I have GOT to quit spending! I've added to my stash .... again. The Hoosier Stitchers had a stitch-in last Saturday and I stopped by an LNS on my way up and got the following.

Dog Lessons by Lizzie Kate

The threads to stitch it with.

This project is out of the January/February JCS issue....

...so I bought the threads to stitch it.

The thread pictures are blurry but believe me, the colors are luscious!
I also bought a new snip-its jar, but forgot to take a picture.

I've been working on the Rose Garden Mandala from the September 09 issue of The Gift of Stitching, but didn't get a progress picture. It's so much fun to work on!

Maybe next post, I will share some pictures of the other cabinets I have with my fabric, threads, books, charts, and magazines in that I want to put in my stitching room.

Stay cool!

Eskie smiles,

Beads and stash!

2010-07-11T21:14:00.006-04:00

Hello! I've had a pretty good week and weekend. First of all, there was a bead show at the state fairgrounds this weekend and I went ---- twice!
I got this yesterday - 6 strands of 4 mm fire polish beads and 2 hanks of 11/0 gold plated beads. The picture doesn't do them justice - they sparkle to high heaven!

I had to work today near the fairgrounds and went back to get these. They are all 13/0 Charlottes - silver, champagne (2 hanks), and a teal blue. More sparklies!

Then, a friend had told me about a website where I could buy the trellis/ladder yarn and I ordered some. They came this week and they are yummy! There were WAY too many to choose from, so I just got 10 balls. Three of them are metallics and I think they are all scrumptious!

I made several necklaces from them, but only got pictures of these two. Pictures are clickable.

Then went to a local antique/thrift/whatever store and found this cute little jar. Somebody worked really hard on this and the stitching is gorgeous! This is the best picture I was able to get out of 6 or 7 tries. It's even "signed"! I think I paid $2.50 for it. I love it!

I also got a flower frog in amber glass, but accidentally deleted the picture!

I've been on a finishing frenzy lately too. I finished assembling this ornament, which I stitched last year or the year before. It's done on 32 ct. linen from MCG textiles with DMC and Mill Hill beads. Pattern was a freebie from Rosewood Manor. I like how it turned out.

And I finally got my scissors bed assembled - by Little House Needleworks. I like how it turned out, too!

It's still hot here, but not as humid as it was, thank goodness! My A/C isn't working properly either! I hope maintenance gets here tomorrow and fixes it!

Stay cool!

Eskie smiles,

A giveaway

2010-07-07T22:23:00.001-04:00

Thread Gatherer is having a giveaway. See here.

Finish finish, stash, and a break

2010-07-05T14:27:00.007-04:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a safe and happy 4th! I've got quite a bit to share today.

First is a picture of some floss that I dyed myself a while back and finally got them wound on to floss bobbins. I used white and pastel flosses to dye. It was so much fun!

I got this book in the mail last week. Lots of pretty projects in it!

And this one jumped out at me. I have no idea why, because this isn't usually my "style" but I've started it. I forgot to get a picture of it, but I'm doing it on 40 count cream linen using DMC floss.

This is a goodie bag that I have had stitched for forever and finally got it put together. It was a freebie from At River's End . There are 6 patterns for Goodie Bags and I've done all 6, but only have 3 or 4 left. I used them as gift bags for jewelry. Edited to add - they are all stitched on pastel shades of Belfast (32 ct) linen using DMC or Anhor floss and Mill Hill beads.

Next is a finish finish. I had this ornament stitched up for quite a while and finally got it put together. The pattern was from a book - one of the many Christmas books. I stitched it on 28 ct. "sparkly" Cashel using DMC and Mill Hill Beads. I'm pleased with the way it turned out.

Next is the "America" piece I stitched a couple weeks ago. This is the backing I used and I finished it into a pin pillow. I may add some white cording, but not sure yet.

I'm pleased with the way it turned out. My finishing skills are slowly getting better.

And finally, my snip-its jar went from this.....

to this.....

I guess I'll have to make a trip to my LNS to replace it!

I have more to share, but will do that another day.

I hope everyone is having a great summer and staying cool!

Eskie smiles,

A bead finish, It's Hot!, and I'm a blog-a-holic!

2010-06-26T19:26:00.003-04:00

Hello!~ I hope everyone is keeping cool! It's hot here - 91F with a heat index of 95 (it was 99!) and very high humidity. A great day to stay indoors and bead or stitch!

I finished another amulet bag - a calla lilly designed by Suzanne Cooper from her book, Dancing Light. The crystals in the fringe and the strap are vintage that I had in my stash. I'm pleased with the way it turned out.

These are all of my amulet bags so far - there are 12 and they are hanging from a rack that I got at a garage sale for $1! I'd been looking for something to display these on.

I spent a lot of time yesterday blog surfing. Check out my blog list - I've added several!

Stay cool!

Eskie smiles,

Floods, rainbows, birthdays, and a finish

2010-06-22T21:12:00.008-04:00

Hello! I live in Central Indiana and we've had storm after storm after storm the last week or more. Today, very early, we received between 3-5 inches of rain and here are the results. All pictures are clickable.

This is normally a dry area near a lake and the water was over the road at one point, I think. There were evacuations by boat at a condo/housing addition right on the other side of this. That addition has a lake in the middle of it and a creek behind it (that was spilling into this lake)

This is approaching that lake. There is a walk path somewhere along here.

This is the "creek" that spilled into the previous lake. Normally, the first set of legs under the bridge you can walk to and not get wet.

This is one of the retention ponds in my apartment complex. Normally you can see a wide row of large white rocks.

Here's a double rainbow after a storm last week.

And that's it for the storm/flood pictures!

My youngest grandson, Jasper, turns 1 on the 24th and we had a party for him this last Saturday.

The birthday boy eating cake.

My oldest grandson, Jack, with a "faux" mohawk. Isn't that a gorgeous smile of his? The other boy is a friend but for the life of me, I can't remember his name!

Jasper's cake. It was yummy!

And my "finish". I posted about finishing the stitching last week, and I finally got it made into a scissor fob. I really like the way it turned out.

I thought I had another stitching finish, but I can't think of what it was. Oh well, maybe by this weekend, I'll have a finish to share!

It was also both of my daughters-in-laws' birthdays this month (Anna and Robyn) but I didn't get any pictures of them. They enjoyed the Bath and Body Works gift cards I got them.

Let's hope we have no more rain. There is a dam/levee upstream from us that is "leaking" and if we get more heavy rain, it may just give out completely. Yikes!

I hope you all have a great, dry week!

Eskie smiles,

LNS stash, garage sale stash, and a finish!

2010-06-13T18:01:00.004-04:00

Hello! I went to an LNS about 45 minutes away from me on Thursday evening for their weekly stitching get together. I stitched some, but shopped more!

I've been wanting this book for years and finally bought it with a 25% discount coupon!

It's a wonderful book and I will be ordering silks to do one of the samplers in it soon!

I also bought these LHN ornament patterns.

And I bought this pattern and the threads to stitch it with, also an LHN pattern.

And I finished stitching this. It's by LHN, it's on 32 ct. Lambswool linen, and I used the Crescent Colors that came with it. It goes on the scissors "bed" by Impie, Hattie, and Bea.

And I'm working on the scissors fob that was included. I'm using the same fabric and threads

Went to some garage sales yesterday and bought this! 6 balls of Trellis Thread, which is hard to come by, for $5!

I also bought some floss in a nifty little tupperware container that were already carded and marked, but I've put them up. I also got a couple butterfly floss keepers and some lace. Not a bad haul!

We have storms heading our way this evening. I hope all is well wherever you are!

Eskie smiles,

A finish!

2010-06-07T20:49:00.003-04:00

Hello! I have a finish to share today! It's called Poinsettia Biscornu by Pamela Kellogg and it's out of the 2008 JCS Ornament issue. I love how it turned out! To me, it's color is too springy for Christmas, but it is gorgeous! No matter how hard I try, I still can't get very good pictures of my needlework. I have a "close up" setting on my camera, but that doesn't seem to make any difference. I'm open for suggestions on how to photograph better. I know I should have some kind of "light box" too.

The centers of the white flowers are gold beads and there are "ice" beads around the eyelet flowers. The threads are DMC and the fabric is mint green Belfast.

You can click on the pictures to see closer.

Allie didn't want me to leave without her!

I hope everyone is having as gorgeous weather as we are today!

Eskie smiles,

A long overdue update

2010-05-29T12:47:00.012-04:00

Well, it's been a busy couple of weeks since I last posted! Lots to share.

This first photo is of the house that my grandparents used to own. It's a log cabin on 20 acres in a nearby town. A cousin I'd never met came to visit a couple weeks ago and I took him up to see the place. The current owners live next door and rent this to their 'handyman'. My cousin's father was my grandfather's favorite nephew and passed away before he could visit or get in touch with my mom. My grandfather was from Bulgaria and left home at 18 years of age. My cousin, Stoyan, has lived in the states (CA) for about 3 years and just was able to come visit. We had a great weekend visit with him!

This is one of the 4 Great Pyrenees that belongs to the owner of the property now.

This is Tom, Stoyan, and Sean

I have a few finishes to share too! This is from the January/February 2002 issue of JCS and was supposed to be a scissors fob, but I think it's too big for that. I'm not sure how I'm going to finish it. Cherry red quilt scissors fob designed by Erica Michaels.

This is the bookmark that was designed for our Spring retreat and I can't find the chart to tell you who designed it! I still need to attach it to a brown ribbon. *Edited to add - The design is by The Stitching Parlor*

This is a pendant that was also designed for our retreat by Carousel Charts, LLC. Cute, isn't it?

This was a freebie by Glory Bee that our LNS kitted up for us for retreat. Not sure what the fabric is, but it was hand dyed by the owner of Fancy Works and I used the DMC threads that came with it. The red and white stripes are done using the double tied oblong cross. I love the way this turned out!

I took my cousin the the race track (Indianapolis Motor Speedway - home of the Indy 500 race that is tomorrow!) on opening day and this was a painting in the museum. Very beautifully done!

One of the many camaros that were in a parade that day.

Almost the whole crew - L-R Stoyan with Jack, Sean holding Connor, my niece Candie with her daughter Sierra, Anna behind her, Andrea holding Jasper, Tom behind her, and my sister. Sneaking out of the picture on the right is Candie's son, Paul.

My mom, Stoyan, and my dad. It was my mom's father who was from Bulgaria.

Well, I think that's enough for now! I hope everyone has a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend. We're going to cookout tomorrow (weather permitting) and listen to the race.

To all of you who have loved ones in the military and to all of the ones who have lost loved ones in the military - Thank you!

Eskie smiles,

Mother's Day, a finish, and a great buy!

2010-05-09T21:39:00.004-04:00

Hello! I haven't had anything to post for a while, but today, I have quite a bit! I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! I sure did! My mom gave me this necklace.

It's a Swarovski topaz (my birthstone) crystal on a gold chain. I love it!

A friend of mine stopped by last Wednesday on her way from Colorado to Maryland to see her son. She is an awesome needlewoman and this is what she made me!

Isn't it gorgeous!? It's tatted and I still need to press it, but I just love it! Her work is SO beautiful! Thank you, Betsy!

And my finish is Cantata by Whispered by the Wind. I used WDW and it's stitched 1 over 2 on New Castle (40 ct.) linen. I love the way it turned out! Now to figure out how I'm going to "finish" it.

This is Jasper sitting in his little seat last week being cute!

And our local Deals store (owned by Dollar Tree) is closing soon and I bought what they had left of these tubes of hand lotion. There are about 25 in this basket and I've got 8 or so in other locations - my purse, my desk at work, my stitching bag, etc.

I love this lotion! Wally World used to carry the larger tubes, but quit carrying it. I can only get it in the tubs there. These tubes are the perfect size for purse, stitching bags, desk. etc. I think this should last me a while!

I may have another finish in a few days. I've started a scissors fob from an older issue of JCS and it shouldn't take long to do.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Eskie smiles,

PS - I've turned comment moderation on after receiving a few questionable comments. Sorry!

A birthday and a beady finish!

2010-04-25T20:07:00.004-04:00

Hello! We've had rain almost all weekend, but we need it! We still had a pretty good weekend. My grandson, Gabe, turned 3 last week and his birthday party was yesterday. We all had a good time and he made out like a bandit! Lots of toys, books, clothes, and a bike! Here are some pictures from the party.

Anna and Connor playing.

Jasper and "Big"

Gabe on his bike with his mom, Robyn. The 3 people seated on the left are great grandpa Mike, great grandma Sally, and great grandma Yona.

I finished a hummingbird amulet bag. The first picture is just the bag.

The next picture is with the fringe added

And the completed bag.

I used Delicas, fire polished beads, and pressed glass leaves. I used fireline for the bag and strap, and One G for the fringe. The pattern is from the book, Dancing Light by Suzanne Cooper. Love this book! I will probably start another soon. I absolutely LOVE doing amulet bags!

Off to stitch a while. I hope you all have a great week!

Eskie smiles,

Happy Dance!

2010-04-18T20:38:00.004-04:00

I have a stitching finish! It's a Christmas stocking for my eldest grandson's mom. It's called Burgundy Bouquet by Just Nan. I still have to wash, press, add beads, and assemble it, but otherwise, it's done! All photos are clickable.

Once I got started on it, this piece went pretty quickly. It's done on 28 Jubilee, Antique white, with DMC floss and pearl cotton, Kreinik metallics, and beads. There are eyelets in several variations and rhodes stitches. A fun stitch!

Allie staring at another dog outside.

What to work on next. Hmmmmmmmmmm.....

A couple more pictures from retreat.
Pam and Debbie leaving. Look at the blue sky!

Coleen sleeping at the stitching table. Her nails say "I (heart) CS" - really pretty!

Well, that's all for now. Have a great week!

Eskie smiles,

Retreat!

2010-04-14T22:24:00.010-04:00

Hello! I got back from my spring retreat on Sunday evening. Wow! Did we ever have a great time! I have lots of pictures to share!

Got down there Thursday evening around 7. Jodi Wright of Maddie and Me Designs flew up from Florida and I met her at a local restaurant and she followed me down to Mitchell, Indiana (birthplace of astronaut Gus Grissom). We had an awesome time! There were 30 of us all together. The following are pictures of the free stuff we got. The coordinator of the retreat contacted around 200 or more designers and shop owners and the stuff just poured in for us!

Above was from a local needlework shop, Fancy Works in Bloomington, Indiana.

I dyed this piece of fabric for this project by Whispered by the Wind (already had this)

Three frames!

The below pattern was designed and kitted up just for us! How cool is that?

That's just some of what we got! I may post more pictures later.

Ana's beautiful quilt!

Pam finished this piece by Marty Bell 1 over 1! Isn't it gorgeous!

This was stitched by Marie from Ohio. Isn't it cute? I can't remember the designer name, but it's called Boo!

Our show and tell table. Lots of talented stitchers! I wanted to bring it all home with me!

I really love this piece! I think Linda Jean said it was from a Dimensions Gold kit.

This book was given to me by Ana. And it's even signed by Ms. Cooper herself!

I bought the following - the scissors bed

Aging Artfully by Lizzie Kate, He's a Flake and the scissors bed by LHN, some WDW

And this great lamp!

This next picture reminds me of something from War of the Worlds! LOL!

In my blog list, "All About Me" and "Jeremiah's mom" are also Hoosier Stitchers and they have each posted about this retreat too. Check out the dragon on Jeremiah's mom's blog! It's awesome!

Whew, that's all for today! I still have more pictures, but will post in a day or two. It was an awesome weekend! Can't wait for the next one in the fall!

Eskie smiles,

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T21:27:00.004-04:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a great Easter! I did! No stitching or beading to show this week, but here are some pictures from today.

Connor - cake face!

Jasper trying to get out of his car seat - the little stinker!

Jack drinking some juice.

And the whole crew - well, are that were here today. L-R Anna holding Jasper, Sean holding Connor, and Tom holding Jack. Jack and Jasper are Tom's sons and Connor is Sean and Anna's son. Handsome bunch, aren't they? Gabriel (step-grandson) was at his dad's this weekend and Robyn (Tom's SO) was at work. Andrea (Jack's mom) was there, but I didn't get a picture before she left.

That's it for this week. This time next week, I will be returning from a retreat (YAY!) that I leave on Thursday for. It's with the Hoosier Stitchers and I CAN"T WAIT!!!!!

Have a great week!

Eskie smiles,

Bracelet finish!

2010-03-28T17:37:00.004-04:00

Hello! It's a dreary, gray, and rainy day here, but this cheered me up! I just finished this bracelet. It's from the April 2006 issue of Bead and Button, designed by Karmen Schmidt. The base is 2 drop peyote and I used silver lined gold Toho Treasures. The embellishment loops are size 11/0 seed beads in silver lined gold, rainbow translucent red, red/gold luster, and transparent frost siam, and 4 mm red fire polished beads. I really like the way this turned out! I need to find a clasp for it and then it's done!

This is Allie hanging on to my youngest son's arm - she didn't want him to leave!

I haven't done any other stitching at all lately, but I will soon. The Hoosier Stitchers are having a retreat again in April - 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th. I can't wait!! We will be in Mitchell, Indiana, birthplace of Astronaut Gus Grissom.

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

Beads, birds, and birthdays!

2010-03-22T20:23:00.006-04:00

Hello! Sunday was a busy day for me. My oldest grandson had his 6th birthday party. I saw this hawk on my way to the party. This picture was taken through the sun roof of my car.

I've been putting all of my seed beads into these tubes. This box is size 10's and 11's

This box is size 6's, 8's, 15's, cubes, hex cuts, bugles and triangles

Now to get my craft room straightened around as soon as my DS gets the rest of his stuff out!

This is my grandson, Jack, opening presents. He got lots of clothes, toys, books, and games.

I have stitched some this last week. The first photo is where I started last week.

This photo shows my progress

This is Burgundy Bouquet Christmas Stocking by Just Nan and it's for Jack's mom, Andrea.

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

Sunday and 4 finishes!

2010-03-14T17:03:00.008-04:00

Hello! It's a cold and dreary Sunday here. I've got 4 finishes this weekend!

Bracelet with Heart, from the February-March 2008 issue of Beadwork

This was NOT easy to do! I thought the instructions were terrible. But I managed, finally! This took probably 20 hours or more to do. And I like the results!

These are crocheted necklaces using Trellis Thread. The picture doesn't show the true colors, though. From left - pinks, grays, and champagne/gold. Another Hoosier Stitcher taught us to do these at the October 2009 Retreat. They are easy and fun to do!

I'm in the process of reorganizing my seed beads and will take pictures when I'm done, or nearly done. I have to get another order of the large tubes to put them in. I filled 50 tubes last night!

I hope your week is a good one! And spring is less than a week away, officially!

Eskie smiles,

Project keep finish, iPod

2010-03-09T21:37:00.003-05:00

Hi!~ Well, I didn't get a post done this past Sunday, so I'm doing one now. Hopefully, I will get back on schedule soon.

With my "Leisure Rewards" that I earn on my debit card with my bank, I cashed them in and got this pink iPod Shuffle. Today's technology is so amazing to me! This iPod will hold up to 1,000 songs! I have 3-4 CD's on it now and still have lots of room for more. And it's SO SMALL! My flash drives are larger!

This is a piece by Little House Needleworks I finished a while back, but just put it on the project keep tonight. I like the way it turned out!

Inside the project keep

I left the top open to use as a pocket for scissors, bead box, or chart

That's all I have completed for now. I think I'll go finish an ornament I did a while back.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Eskie smiles,

Sunday, Olympics

2010-02-28T19:53:00.004-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone has had a good weekend! I sure did!

Met with the Hoosier Stitchers yesterday and we had a great time, as usual! I didn't get much stitching in, but I did make a bracelet yesterday and one on Friday.

The bracelet pattern is from the most recent issue of Bead and Button and it's called Stacked Sparkle by Michele Skobel. It was a very easy pattern to do and I love the finished results! The top is made with 4 mm cobalt fire polished beads and cobalt and white pearl 11/0 seed beads with a silver plated toggle clasp. The bottom is made with topaz FPs, cream and translucent rainbow amber seed beads and a gold plated toggle clasp. The earrings I did a couple weeks ago. I can't get a better picture, sorry. I used gold and copper colored 8/0, 6/0, 15, and 11 seed beads and gold triangles. They were fun to stitch too!

This is a project I did quite a while ago and I don't know if I ever posted pictures or not. It was a freebie from La-D-Da and I stitched it on pink evenweave with silk threads from Vicki Clayton. I stitched the rose in the lower right corner quite a while ago also and thought it looked great on this! I used 11/0 seed beads in rainbow red with a 4 mm pearl in the center. The leaves are green 11/0 seed beads and it's all done in peyote stitch. The instructions were from The Beaded Garden by Diane Fitzgerald. I've got more roses done, but don't know for sure what I'm going to do with them yet. I finished this project as a flat fold and forgot to get pictures of the back, but it's a coordinating rose print which I love. The lace around it hides the uneven cutting job I did on the mat/foam core.

I like the way it turned out.

I'm watching the closing ceremonies of the Olympics. Congratulations to all the athletes and safe travels home!

That's all for now!

Eskie smiles,

Sunday

2010-02-21T21:51:00.005-05:00

Well, my rotation has gone by the wayside, big time. I've had some family issues to take care of so I haven't stitched much. I have some pictures of other things to share, though. Remember, all pictures are clickable.

Last week's snow, which is now almost gone.

Allie playing in it.

Two scissor fobs I did recently.

And an afghan for a friend who's eldest daughter is pregnant with the first grand child and it's a girl! I need to weave ribbon around the edges and it's done. I'm pleased with the way it turned out. I used worsted weight instead of sport weight as the pattern called for. This way, the baby will be able to use it as she grows.

Well, that's it for now!

Eskie smiles,

Rotation day, Vancouver Olympics, more bead stash

2010-02-14T17:33:00.011-05:00

Hello!

Well, it's Sunday again and therefore, I should be changing my rotation project. I've been working on Beside Still Waters and here is a picture of my progress.

I've actually gotten quite a bit done on this, in the lower right corner. I think I'm going to continue to work on it while I watch the Olympics. The Hoosier Stitchers group has issued a 'challenge' of a project to work on while watching the Olympics and I've chosen this one.

Here is the next item on my rotation.

This is a kit I got a LONG time ago from an online friend in Australia. As you can see, I didn't get far with it, but it's a very pretty project.
I went back to the local bead shop yesterday that is closing at the end of this month and got even more beads!

What a haul!

3 packs of 8/0 seeds

6 packs of 11/0 seeds

Daggers, in red, amethyst, green, blue, pink, and topaz

34 more tubes of Delicas! If I had paid full price for all of these beads, it would have been over $200, but I got it for around $50! I just could not resist! I made a list of the Delica numbers that I already had and made sure to buy ones I did not have yet. The colors are yummy!

This is called Cantata by Whispered by the Wind. I'm doing it 1 over 2 with WDW on New Castle linen (40 count) and I'm loving the way it looks!

We're supposed to get more of that icky white stuff tonight into tomorrow evening, 2-5" I believe. Yuck! I am SO ready for spring! Only 34 days until spring arrives!

At least the sun is shining today. It won't be later!

Allie says "whatcha doin'?"

It's so sad about the young athlete that was killed during practice on Friday. My heart goes out to his teammates and family!

Well, I'm off to either stitch or play in my beads - or both!

Super Bowl Sunday, stash, snow

2010-02-07T14:42:00.010-05:00

Hello! It's a sunny, bright, but cold day here.

Went to a local bead shop yesterday that is going out of business and everything was 75% off! This is what I got.

An issue of B&B I didn't have. I'd like to do the cover piece. Isn't it gorgeous?

From left - 16 tubes of delicas, a flower cabochon, 4 bags of 11/0 seeds, 3 bags of 15/0 seeds, 2 bags of gold filled beads, 2 packs of brass bead caps, 4 bags of pressed glass leaves, and a Christmas tree earring kit. I got all of this for about $30! I may have to go back this coming week. They are closing at the end of February.
We had a snow storm Friday and got about 3-5" of snow and boy, was it windy! Here's a couple
pictures

Today is sunny but cold - about 24F!

I also got some stitching stash in the mail last week.

Some charms in gold and silver - They say "Made for you" and "Made with Love".
2 skeins of silk moire for Rose Garden Mandala.

Some white New Castle linen from Elegant Stitch in CA and some white Edinburgh linen from Nordic Needle.

And from a very good friend, Betsy Evans, this chart pack design which is by her sister, Rae Iverson of Moss Creek Designs.
And I just finished this spiral rope necklace that I had been working on for a long time.

I used silver 11's for the core, white triangles and black 15's for the spirals, and a silver colored magnetic clasp.
Here is a picture of Beside Still Waters that I will be working on this week

This one is very detailed, but fun. I'm using beads and french knots for the flowers. It's being stitched on 14 aida with DMC and Mill Hill. I've been working on this one off and on for many years.
I'm going to make a pot of potato soup soon and watch the Super Bowl when it comes on later. I'm even wearing a Colts shirt! GO COLTS!!!

Allie is a camera hog :-)

That's all for now!

Rotation break, snow storm

2010-02-03T15:43:00.003-05:00

Hello!

This has not been a good week. It started by spending most of Sunday at the ER with my mom and dad. Dad was seen because he thought he might have had a 'mini-stroke', but all of his tests came back normal. They were EXTREMELY busy that day, which is why we were there so long. Dad is fine, for a 77 year old.

Needless to say, I didn't get to work on my scheduled Beside Still Waters rotation, so I'm going to start it this coming Sunday.

We are supposed to get 4 to 8" of that ugly white stuff starting Friday into Saturday, including ice! So I'm headed to the store this evening to get some much needed groceries and household items and preparing to stay put once I get home from work on Friday. I will get snacks and/or stuff for a pot of soup or chili for during the Super Bowl game on Sunday - GO COLTS!!!

That's all for now!

Change in rotation

2010-01-27T20:42:00.003-05:00

I was working on Antique Alphabet and decided to not do it at all. So I frogged it all out and put up the linen. I had made too many mistakes and it was not a good piece to do over 1. I have some New Castle (40 ct.) linen on the way, so I may do it on that over 2. We'll see.

So, I'm going to work on the Angel of Dreams until Sunday, and then pick up Beside Still Waters.

I hope everyone is having a good week!

That's all for now!

Rotation Sunday

2010-01-24T12:12:00.006-05:00

Well, it's a gloomy, gray, and rainy but warm (51) day. A good day to stitch, clean, and watch the COLTS BEAT THE JETS!
Here's where I left off on Angel of Spring.

It doesn't look like I got much done, but I did. Her wings are almost completely done. I started it so long ago that the whites don't match now. I'm going to take it off the frame and soak it in some orvus to see if I can get the top of her wings cleaner.
Here's the new project for the week.

It's called Antique Alphabet by Pat Rogers and I'm doing it over 1 on antique white Belfast with DMC. It's been quite a long time since I started this one too!
So far, I'm enjoying my rotation schedule! There was a Hoosier Stitcher's get together yesterday in Noblesville. I worked on the hardanger piece because the angel was just too big to get out and work on comfortably. I also worked on a crocheted baby blanket that I'm doing for a friend's daughter who is pregnant with a girl. It's called Hearts and Bows and it's in pink and will have hearts, bows, ribbons and ruffles!
My youngest niece came by last night and brought me these.

There are a dozen of them and they smell wonderful and really brighten up this gloomy day!

Have a great week!

Rotation day

2010-01-18T13:15:00.005-05:00

Hello! Yesterday was the day to change projects for the week. Here is where I finished off on the hardanger piece.

It doesn't look like I got much done, but I did. And my picots and dove's eyes are looking better. I may have to keep this one out to work on here and there.
Here is what I'm working on this week.

This is Angel of Spring by Lavender and Lace. I can't remember how long ago I started it, but it's been a LONG time! I started on it again yesterday and it's starting to become fun to work on. I hope to get a lot done on it this week.

GO COLTS!!!!!!

Rotation day

2010-01-10T14:32:00.003-05:00

I'm late on rotation day, so I'll go from Sunday to Sunday now. That may be better for me anyway.

This is where I left off on the Rose Garden Mandala

This one is SO fun to stitch! It's got everything - silks, metallics, beads, specialty stitches, crystals and it sparkles like no one's business!

This is what is up next - Angel of Dreams by Hanky Panky Designs. This is her skirt and I still have to do her sleeves and wings.

I haven't done any hardanger for a while, so this should be fun! I'm going to work on it while I do laundry and dishes and clean today.

It's COLD here! Right now at 2:37 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining, but it's only 17F! Brrrrrrr! And of course, Allie likes being outdoors in the cold and snow. Here's a partial shot I got of her the other night playing in the snow.

Actually, I think this was an 'accidental' shot, lol! I made her leash longer so she has more room to run and is really enjoying it!

Well, that's all for now. Everyone stay warm and safe!

Rotation

2010-01-03T18:22:00.008-05:00

Hello!

I've decided on a weekly rotation and I'm working on Rose Garden Mandala by Chatelaine Designs this week. I will pick up the first one in my WIPs and UFOs list this next Friday. And the next week will be the next item listed, etc. I've found a couple more projects I forgot I had started, so I've added those to the list too.

I'm making good progress on the mandala. It is so much fun to stitch! I will try to remember to take a picture each Friday of the next item and the progress on the previous item.

It's really COLD here - we're supposed to get down to 5F (above) tonight and our high tomorrow is only going to be 20! And it looks like the cold is here for quite a few days. Great time to stay in and stitch!

That's all for now!

Resolutions, UFOs, and rotations

2010-01-01T14:01:00.002-05:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a safe New Year's Eve!

I don't normally make resolutions, but I think I may this year - at least as far as my stitching and beading goes! I was wondering about rotations. What works best for you? Daily, hourly, weekly, etc? Or do you count stitches? I'm open for suggestions. I have a lot of UFOs that I'd like to get done - and most are large projects. The last few months of 2009 I worked on a lot of smalls and neglected the large projects. I'll review my UFO list and see if I've missed any.

That's all for now!

Happy New Year and a finish!

2009-12-31T16:55:00.004-05:00

My last finish for 2009. Winter Wonderland by LHN. Done on 28 ct. Monaco light blue. I added beads for the snowman's eyes, pearl blending filament in the snow on the trees and ground, and silver blending filament on the snowflakes. I'm pleased with the way this turned out! It goes on a project keep by Impie, Hattie, and Bea.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year's eve and that 2010 is the best year yet!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-27T15:38:00.008-05:00

I know, it's a little late, but I hope everyone had a great Christmas! We sure did here! Here are a few pictures.

My new crock pot!

A stand mixer I've been wanting for years!

My great-nephews Braden, Christian, and my great-niece, Ariana.

My Christmas tree with almost all handmade ornaments.

Gabe and Allie, Tom and Jasper. I love this picture of Gabe and Allie!

I call this one Motley Crew! LOL!! L-R Connor, Sean, Anna, Tom, Robyn and Gabe. Jasper is sitting on Tom's lap. It's rare that I get all of them here at once so I grabbed a picture when I could. This was taken Chrismas Eve.

I don't have any stitching pictures to show, but I did start LHNs Winter Wonderland to go on a project keep. I'm almost done, so will take a picture when it's finished.

It's not a very good picture, but I think these were my favorite gifts this year. On the left is a locket that belonged to my grandmother and inside are pictures of her and my grandfather when they were very young. My mom gave me this and I cried! On the right is a perfume bottle attached to a pin. My grandparents brought this back to me when I was a girl in the 70's from Bulgaria (where my grandfather was from). I never noticed until mom gave it to me this year, but the rose is petit point on silk gauze! What a treasure!

It's snowing here today and we are under a winter weather advisory, so I doubt I will be venturing out.

We are supposed to get 1-3" and blowing and drifting. I know it's not much compared to what some have had this year, but it's enough!

I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year!!

Fall fun, road construction, and some finishes

2009-11-22T12:16:00.014-05:00

Hello! Here are some new finishes.

This was a freebie from the Drawn Thread called Pearls and Rosebuds. I finished it into a biscornu. It was a quick stitch. I stitched it with the recommended DMC threads on Carnation Pink Belfast.

This is a scissors fob I made a while back. I used vintage crystals, rondelles, silver daisy spacers, and silver beads. The picture doesn't show the sparkle!

I bought the chart and fabric for this at Fancy Works when I went down there for retreat. The fabric came with the chart and I can't remember what it's called. The design is from Crossed Wing Collection. It is stitched using DMC and WDW. Another quick stitch and fun, too!

This is from Just Nan and it's called Love and Roses. Stitched on white Cashel with DMC floss and RBG Petite Braid in gold. The beads came with the chart. Another quick stitch that I plan on mounting on a heart shaped box.

This is an ornament I started last year and just finished. It's from the 2001 JCS Ornament Issue and it's by Rae Iverson. Stitched 1 over 1 on antique white Belfast using DMC and silk. I need to practice more with my camera and taking pictures! Any tips and hints are welcome!!

We made these thread pickers or stitch pickers at retreat in October. I just used 4 mm fire polished beads and size 11/0 gold plated seed beads. We also made stitch counters, but I didn't get a picture of mine.

My youngest son playing in the leaves with my great nieces Ariana and Sierra, and grandson Gabe. They had a blast!

This is what I see when I look out my patio door now. They're coming right along! Maybe they will leave the "dirt wall" so I won't have to watch the traffic go by when they're done.

Well, that's all for now!

A funny

2009-11-16T21:48:00.005-05:00

This is from my DILs facebook page - used with permission. (click on picture to enlarge)

Connor has a t-shirt that says "Mommy's Cookie Tester", and I told Sean that Connor was going to be my official cookie tester since Sean didn't have the t-shirt. (I told him he could be a tester, too if he had a t-shirt that says "Wifey's cookie tester".) He said BRB, runs upstairs, and 2 minutes later, comes down wearing this shirt. I laughed so hard, I almost started crying.

November 14, 1986

2009-11-14T01:40:00.008-05:00

November 14, 1986

November 14, 2009 - 23 years!!

Happy Birthday, Tom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love you!!!!

November 5, 1984

2009-11-04T21:27:00.006-05:00

November 5, 2009 - 25 years
Happy Birthday Sean!!!!!!!!!! Love you!!