Category Archives: Stitching

A weekend well spent

Thank you all so much for your comments on the bourse. It was surprisinly easy to make and I’ll definitely being making more of them and it has given me the confidence to try other things.

Needless to say my visit with Melissa was as wonderful as it always is. Probably better since we finally got to have our Christmas and then I got to share her birthday with her. She arrived around 11 and after exchanging gifts we went to lunch at a local Greek café. I love their food and if Kahuna and I move away from here, we’re going to miss this place. Their soups are to die for and I’m always tempted to lick the bowl! LOL I ended up getting soup to go for Melissa and I to have for supper that evening.

After we got home she helped me work on the photo program that’s attached to my webpage. I have a lot of uploading to do still, but it will be located (for now) at trixsterri.com/photos

Believe it or not, we stitched! I even have a happy dance from it. I finished stitching Atelier de brodeuse, which I neglected to take a photo of last night. I’ll remedy that and provide the promised hula girl lamp photo 😉 hopefully later today. I plan on finishing it into a wall hanging using some of the tons of fabric I already have.

While we were gone Kahuna was out on a 3 ½ hour bike ride. My behind hurts just thinking about it. He wasn’t home for very long (and he was resting during that) before he left again to attend the monthly networking meeting at our tri-club. I opted to stay home and visit with Melissa and I’m so glad we did because we were together for practically the whole day.  We were still talking away when he got home from his meeting and had been in bed asleep for quite some time by the time Melissa left.  We had so much catching up to do!

Sunday morning while Kahuna was out surfing I got some organization done. I cleaned out the refrigerator and made a grocery list to restock it with healthy food. I don’t know how it happens, but that refrigerator was crammed full of stuff and it was hard to tell what was in there, and a lot of it was stuff we shouldn’t be eating. I still need to tackle the pantry.  Sometime during all this Kahuna also went on a 9 mile run.  After I got groceries put away I worked in my office some. I took photos of what I need to work on so I can decide what to do each time I get in there. I feel so overwhelmed by the clutter that sometimes it’s hard for me to tell that I’ve made any progress. I know taking photos of my stitching shows me progress, so I figure doing the same in my office will help.

I never did get around to stitching any yesterday. Later in the afternoon Kahuna decided he was too tired to clean our cars and God bless him he paid to have them both detailed out in town. My little bumble-Z is so pretty when she’s clean. After that we went and had a coffee and just sat and talked, which we haven’t done this weekend with us both sort of going in opposite directions. I made sure we had a sit-down meal for supper and I felt when the day ended that we were somewhat back into a normal routine.

So here it is Monday again. The weekend went by too quickly and the alarm sounded too early. Today, I return to the gym. I thought to do it last week as soon as the doctor told me I could, but since I wasn’t expecting the doctor to “release” me, I had planned so much to do during my early time home from work. My gym bag is currently sitting at my feet under my desk and I have a phone call in to my trainer to discuss a few things with her. Even though I’m not going to be able to retain her services right now, she wanted me to call her when I was able to return so she could give me some things to do that wouldn’t put too much stress on my foot.

Stitch Stash Update

Wonderful postal day to top off my wonderful doctor office visit.

Today’s mail brought me more silks for Houses of and Village of Hawk Run Hollow.  I’m 1 silk short of having all of them for HOHRH, and that’s because I typed in the wrong number by one digit when I sent in my order. 🙄

 I also received the latest Blackbird Designs Loose Feathers, Where My Heart Blooms.  While I love almost every other one I’ve received, I think this one is definately my favorite so far and has been moved to the top of my start list for Loose Feathers designs.  This year I have decided that my automatics should include chart and fibers only so I can start to use some of the tiny bit of fabric stash I have.  Did I just hear someone choke? 😛

Have you ever noticed yourself collecting designs without realizing it?  While I do already have a few of the designs, I have found myself in a Little House Needleworks mood lately.  Either my tastes have altered just a bit or Diane is designing more with me in mind 😉  Anyway I have added several charts to my small chart stash (there was that sputtering sound again!), namely, Neccessities Sampler, Psalm 145, The Sampler Lady, Nature’s Beauty, Two White Houses, Two Red Houses, Two Blue Houses, and Home of a Needlworker (too!).  Quite the haul, huh.

I don’t know why I put them off for so long, but I also picked up a couple of Prairie Schooler’s Santas: 1984-1987, 1988 – 1991, and 1996 – 1999.  I definately would like to add the others, but they’ll have to go on my wish list for now.

So, Kahuna has come home from work, dinner has been served and cleaned up after (oh the joys of leftovers!), puppies have been played with, and it’s now time for me to catch up with my DVR and stitch.

Hannah Beeby

Hannah Beeby stitchalong information found here.

New week, new attitude?

It’s a short day for me at work today.  I have the appointment with the foot doctor to see about getting me healed so I can start training again.  I’m going to throw myself on his/her mercy that I can at least get back into swimming and cyling.  Tears may be involved.  This has greatly affected my attitude about many things and I need to get it resolved and get back to where I was.

As to this past weekend, where to begin?  I did a lot and did so little that I really don’t remember all that I did.

Saturday I braved the commissary because we were expecting cold, blowing rain on Sunday.  There were so many Super Bowl displays set up.  Almost made me feel like I was at Costco.  I managed to stay within my weekly budget, even after spending $20+ on a Brita pitcher for Kahuna to take to work.  I also worked more than 15 minutes in my office making room for my sewing machine.

On Sunday there was the obligatory laundry all day while I watched TV and stitched.  Before I started any of that though I made a huge bowl of pico de gallo, some guacamole, and a pot of chili.  Then I spent time getting to know my sewing machine again (I’ve got to figure out what’s up with the tension).  I only managed to get Ann Holewll serged and basted before having to put her away because I don’t have qsnaps available for her.  I almost finished Atelier de brodeuse (I need her qsnaps for Ann) instead of working on FAS.

I also need to figure out my stitching schedule for the month so I can be sure to get done what I want accomplished when I get back to training (thinking positive here!).  I’m currently thinking 1) Ann Holewll at the beginning of the month until I get the monthly lesson finished; 2) FAS page #x after Ann Holewll; 3) Hannah Beeby during the SAL dates; and, 4) one of the small designs for the rest of the month.

And last, but certainly not least, a shot out to Melissa and Darla for finishing the Surf City 5k in very cold and driving rain.

And it's February!

We had a great time at our tri-club meeting last night. Kahuna picked me up from work and when we got there 100 a lot of boxes of pizza were arriving. It was staged outside, brrrr cold, but the pizza was nice and warm and the people were very welcoming. We have been to 2 networking meetings, but this was our first monthly meeting (which was held inside). They had several announcements, one of which was a list of who the sponsors are for the club, and let me tell you, the club is WELL sponsored. They also held raffles for several many great prizes (several gift certificates and a wetsuit come to mind). After the announcements we had a guest speaker – Sam McGlone. She is cute as a bug, and I had a wonderful time listening to how she got to Kona.

On the way home I received a call from Melissa that her sister’s husband had been killed in a weather related car accident. My heart is just breaking for her because she’s so worried for her sister and the children. Please pray for them all.

This morning, I’ve spent a nice quiet hour at work getting caught up. Now, it’s noisy and I’m feeling cranky and I’m so glad that it’s Friday. In addition to being payday, I’m looking forward to getting home and reading the stash I received in the mail last night. We got home too late for me to do anything except rip the envelope/box open and get excited about starting a new project!

In addition to this quarter’s SANQ, I received Drawn Thread’s Random Thoughts and Souvenir Sampler. Both have been wants for a long time and I was able to get them both fully kitted at a great discount from someone who was selling her mother’s “estate” stash.

I also received my Ann Holewll kit for the stitch-along that’s happening through the With My Needle newsletter. The silks are just scrumptious looking and I can’t wait to get home to start reading the directions and baste my fabric. The first lesson is up and I need to do the first three bands this month. Between this, and FAS, and that little something I’ve been up to I’m hoping I haven’t tried to stretch myself too far for the month.

February’s Goals:

Stitching: Finish the 5th page of French Alphabet Sampler. Finish the 1st 3 bands of Ann Holewll; reveal what I’ve been up to.

Fitness: Doctor appointment Feb. 4. Do whatever doc thinks is necessary to get myself back on track for my triathlon training. Maintain weight.

Professional: Continue working on personnel and accounting records.

Other: Continue to work 15 minutes reorganizing my home office.

January is over?

How the heck did we get to the last day of January already? At the rate this month passed me by, I’ll be setting down my 2009 goals in a heartbeat.

I’m thrilled by all the interest in Hannah Beeby. And it’s been so nice to hear from so many of you. I think since there’s interest in a weekly and weekend only stitchalong, I’ll set it out for a week, and those who can only stitch on Fri, Sat, and Sun., can join in at the end of the week. How does starting March 24th sound? Would you like for me to set up a separate blog for progress photos? If so, I can do that early so we can start sharing fabric and fiber choosing woes! Please post a comment and let me know your preferences.

Am I the only person (besides Darla) that will stress over deciding on fabric and fibers?? I’m determined to stitch from my stash so I think I’ll do some sample stitching with the fibers I pick out to see what they’ll look like together. I would hate to get really far in and discover I don’t like the way my fibers look.

The puppies had their shots and heartworm checks yesterday and with the exception of me being fussed at for not keeping their nails short enough (this was a stab to my heart that I wasn’t taking proper care of them!) they are in excellent very spoiled puppy health. They were very glad to get back home.

Since I have a meeting tonight after work, I know I won’t have anything more to contribute toward my goals for January, so I think I’ll do my recap today and set down February’s goals tomorrow.

For January I said:

Fitness goal 1: this month I’m in a cycling challenge. My goal is to cycle 78 miles. My first ride is tomorrow. Most of this month’s riding will probably be on a trainer. Well this didn’t happen. My heel ended up sending me to the doctor who said she preferred I not do any activity until I see a podiatrist, told me to wear inserts and gave me naproxen to take twice a day.

Fitness goal 2: do not miss a WW meeting and lose 6 pounds. I did miss 2 meetings. I forgot when I set this goal that I had plans for 2 Sunday mornings this month. I also didn’t lose 6 pounds because of the naproxen. For some reason when I take it I retain water. Add that to no activity, and well, I’m just glad I didn’t GAIN 6 pounds instead.

Stitching: complete page 4 of French Alphabet Sampler. Post picture when page 3 finished. Woohoo, I actually accomplished some goals! I did post a picture and I did finish page 4. In fact, I finished page 4 so fast, that I was able to start and finish 1 design and start and almost finish a 2nd design. But since I’m up to something secret I got a bit sidetracked and didn’t finish the 2nd design. I’ll get it finished after my February FAS goal of page 5. 😉

Professional: this is the new addition to my goals for 2008. Revamp personnel and accounting records. Scan in client billing records. NOTE: This will take more than a month to accomplish. I actually got all of the billing records scanned in (shocker!) and have started on the accounting and personnel records. I still have much to do in that department though, so this will be added to next month’s goals.

Titillating tidbits

No stitching news. Something else has been sucking up my time.

Been working on my own webpage. Bought my domain, bought the hosting service, am pulling my hair out trying to get the photo service to work the way I want it to. Will move my blog over once my hair grows back.

I’m up to something secret.

Puppies have annual shot appointment today, so leaving work early. I’ve been able to gauge how cold it is by how fast they get out of bed in the mornings. The last two mornings have seen only noses. Harley will drag herself out for some oatmeal or cream of wheat, then it’s back to bed.

Since there’s interest in Hannah Beeby, I’m going to organize a stitch-along. This will be a stitch at your own pace stitch-along and the prize for the person who finishes theirs is a beautiful happy dance. Start date will be in March. I’m trying to decide if it should be for a full week (Mon – Sun) or just a weekend (Fri, Sat, Sun). Thoughts? Opinions? Comments?
I’m up to something secret.

Am almost afraid to write this, but since I’ve been following doctor’s orders (duh!) and taking my drugs and wearing my inserts (including in my houseslippers) my heel is almost not bothering me at all. Of course little farting noises are emitting from my favorite pair of work shoes.

Tri-club meeting tomorrow night which means no stitching, and no hair pulling out computer stuff, and working later than normal since Kahuna will be picking me up, which means riding the train.

And did I mention I’m up to something secret? 🙂

Searching for my past

The weather held pretty much true yesterday and we had some wonderful rain/wind storms. It was a perfect day for sitting in front of the computer trying to find myself.

Last year one of my stitching goals was to start Lavender & Lace’s Mother’s Tree. I had information on my “mothers” as far back as my great-grandmother; however when I got to her mother, all I had was a name. I have been half-heartedly looking for more information and a couple of weeks ago decided to search on her husband instead. Surprisingly one of the sites that popped up was someone I knew from the stitching world, and had had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago when she was here on a business trip. I sent “T” an email telling her about this.

Yesterday “T” wrote again asking more questions and during many wonderful emails back and forth I think she helped me find not only my great-great-grandmother’s information, but her mother and grandmother’s info as well. Two extra generations! And “T” thinks this search has helped her find more info on the family member she was researching because they’re the same last name.

So for now, I have 8 generations. Am I satisfied and ready to begin? Of course not! I’ve always secretly hoped for 10 generations on the sampler because it will end as my being the last mother, since I had a son. I put a call in to my mother this morning and she is to pass on to me a family member who is the holder of our family tree. She’s the wife of my mother’s cousin and I’m hoping she can confirm the information discovered yesterday and have more for me to add.

This has renewed my interest in my father’s side of the family as well as Kahuna’s. I have tons of paperwork on Kahuna and need to start plugging it into a “tree” format because it’s very hard to follow the way it is right now. I know somewhere there is paperwork on my father’s side because his mother was always interested and I remember her talking to me about it.

A nice thing about this is it was free.  I spent a wonderful afternoon not spending any money getting something I needed.

I forced myself to get off the computer and stitch some last night. I’m almost finished with my current design and should have a finished project report come this weekend since I plan on finishing it out as a banner.

P.S. For those interested in Hannah Beebe, the chart can be found at Gittas.com under “Products,” “Timeless Designs.”

Shout out to my SoCal stitchy pals

And anyone else remotely interested.

I see there’s some interest in Hannah.  Anyone up for a SAL in 2008?

What a totally boring Saturday

but this is a good thing!

I had decided yesterday to go to the grocery store today instead of Sunday, as usual, because we’re expected to have horrid weather beginning tonight.  I don’t want to have to go anywhere in it tomorrow.  I managed to get that done, and the groceries put away, while Kahuna was out on a 2-hour LSD ride.  Believe it or not, he even went surfing this morning.  Brrr!

After I puttered around my office and caught up on my message boards and blogs, I took a trip to the mailbox and found that a few more items have arrived.

 All Washed Up quilt patterns.  I’ll probably go with some jacobean colors for 5 & Dime, but go fairly close to the same colors on Just Can’t Cut It

 Just Can't Cut It 

I also received Sheepish Antique’s The Sarah E. Pope Sampler

The Sarah E. Pope Sampler

and Hannah Beeby 1816 Sampler by Timeless Designs.  I have been looking for a quaker that I could do in brown with a hint of pink and I think this little lovely will be the perfect sampler for that.

Hannah Beeby 1816

So now I am about to settle in with a DVD, cup of tea, probably 2 puppies, and my stitching. 

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