The Wooley Stitcher

catch up...

2011-10-02T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi All!
I'm still here... really I am! I've just been so busy! Bad excuse, but the only one I can come up with...
So, what's new with you???
Here is high school... football... work... bears...
As you know... my oldest plays football. He is a senior. He really loves the game even though they haven't had a good season... 2 weeks ago at an away game in the first quarter he broke his collarbone. Bummer in more ways than one. Of course, it's his senior year... and he's out. We got lights on our field... so the first night game EVER was played last week... His coach is going to suit him up for the last home game... senior night... he won't play but he will get to wear his uniform one more time.

It was Homecoming last week. Our big Booster Club membership drive. The boys played hard but lost miserably...
The highlight of the day for me was probably waxing my youngest's hair and spray painting it black. Their floats theme was Punk Rock... too funny! (if you knew ds you would understand!)

Also, the last 2 weeks we've had a visiting black bear... wish I had a picture for you... He is not a big bear, probably a 2 year old. He has been making the rounds in the neighborhood. He even got into someone's freezer and ate frozen chickens, 2 loaves of bread and I don't know what else. I heard him at our house one night... came downstairs and turned on the porch light to see him drinking out of the water dish... then he took the cat dish off the railing and licked it out (it was empty) and then checked out the bar-b-q... nothing there so he left. I called the local wildlife biologist and he brought a trap to catch him in. He had had several calls on the antics of the little fellow. He wasn't at all scared or nervous about us (people) or the dogs... or much of anything. So after Jay brought the trap out the visitor didn't come back... I was beginning to think that something happened to him. I mean he was here every night for more than a week. Then nothing. For 3 days no bear. But last night he finally came back. He found himself inside a live trap and so he ended up taking a ride to somewhere far away. Yeah!
Lastly, I have been doing crafts... I have 5 quilts that I'm working on. 3 for me/my family and 2 samples for the store. We will be going to the Spokane Quilt Show. (I won't be there but the store will have a both there) if you have a chance you should stop in... I've been told it's an awesome show! I have finished Sail Away... will post a picture soon. I am taking a class from Toni... Civil War Diaries... wow... 121 - 6" foundation pieced blocks... what am I thinking??? I'm doing it in blacks and tans and creams... I'm excited but... I will take pictures of these soon...
This weekend I took a Bear class from Renee... oh... I could get into mohair bears! Here are some pictures from start to finish.

Now... we will see how many of you read this...
My bear needs a name... So help me pick one out! Leave your name idea in a comment!
Thanks and Until later... stay safe
KimV

2011-09-13T11:11:00.000-07:00

Hi All!
Back from a weekend of riding dirt bikes and atv's on the sand dunes just out of Rexburg, Id. We had a great time... a little scary but mostly fun.
Started with a football game in Drummond. Our boys lost... :-( but they played hard and didn't give up. Brandon had a 61 yard run... ended with a leg cramp, but was a heck of a go down the field!

Road for 2 days. It's quite strange... sand dunes out in the middle of Idaho scrub brush... and beautiful white sands... no dust. It was very loose as it's been hot and dry there for sometime. The skies were clear and blue.

Sunday was my birthday. We had a great dinner! Rib steak, corn on the cob & red beans and rice. Then we went to Dairy Queen and I got my favorite Blizzard ~ Banana Split.
We came home Monday in time for the JV Football game. They played valiantly but didn't quite pull it out.
Didn't have much time for stitching or quilting or much of any kind of handwork so nothing new to show on that front.
Until later,
KimV

Wow! Summer's over and School is here with a BANG!

2011-09-09T10:46:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but time sure flies!!!
School has started. I have 2 high schoolers and one is a senior! He's in Football... GO HAWKS!

I'm also Booster Club president (I just can't say no) and Homecoming is 2 weeks earlier than last year... I'm also the adviser for our high school pep club "The LOUD CROWD!" and we met for the first time this week. We have been working on fliers, parade permits, school spirit ideas... and it's canning season, and bow season just opened, and, and, and!!! lol I've made raspberry jam (has to be seedless for spoiled man of house!) and fruit jam ... what's in fruit jam... anything that's on the counter that you don't have enough of by itself! lol... plum/apricot/peach/raspberry jam! Working on cherry jelly and applesauce today! YUM! :)

My niece and s-i-l came up over Labor Day Weekend. I'm taking her senior pictures... she's so beautiful! This is my favorite one so far...
I've done a little stitching and a little quilting... Sail Away is almost finished...

We had family here over the weekend... had a campfire... made sh'mores and my niece bought some magic color stuff... what a pretty fire!

Until later have a great weekend!
KimV

9/11 don't forget the fallen... never forget the hurt... pray for the families, pray for our country, pray for those who wish us harm...

Baa Baa Black sheep... have you any wool???

2011-08-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

As you all know from my name... I LOVE Wool! Adore it! OOOO & Ahhhh over it...
So I found this very sweet blogging friend who hand dyes lovely, lovely, lovely wool... check out her blog~ Christy at the Double M Sheep & Wool ~ she has a lovely sheep rug she's showing called "Gracie in the Pumpkin patch" so very cute. I just ordered wool from her for a rug that I'm planning on doing... when I get my order I will post a stash report! stay tuned for that!!! I'm also adding a link to her store on my side bar. If you love wool like me... give her a try! :-)
until later...
KimV

Summer

2011-08-24T14:56:00.000-07:00

Late Summer Flowers...

George... he is so cute!

Here is Crab~Apple Hill "Summer"
I am working on summer colored pinwheels to go around the border...

A Great Place to Shop!

2011-08-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

I just got an order from Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe. I ordered from her shop on eBay but just found that she has a blog spot. Check out her wares! I got flosses, ric rac, buttons and chenille. Lovely hand dyed items!!! She has also added some lovely quaker inspired cross stitch charts.

You can't tell that I'm in a fall mood can you???

Check out the Give Away's on these blogs

2011-08-19T21:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the give away's on the blogs listed on the left side... so very cute!

Meet George... and pictures as promised

2011-08-18T08:29:00.000-07:00

Do you remember that Looney Tunes Cartoon... the Abominable Snowman?

Looney Tunes Abominable Snowman

Meet George... he came to our house about 2 months ago... he actually belongs to my oldest DS... but... he grows on you. We haven't had a kitten in the house for 5 years... you forget the antics and the amusement they provide... and of course the mischief and the love... and he is a motorboat!

When the new Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine came into the shop, we pounced on it... it has several projects (15 to be exact!) While we oooo'd and ahhhhh'd over it, Pam said to me OH! I think you should stitch me this mermaid!!! (I'm the stitcher of the group) I laughed... she laughed... and so this weekend I started stitching... it's a quick stitch and really cute! I should be done soon if I'd just get stitch time! LOL!

Sail Away by Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm

We went to Flathead Lake for the weekend... spent most of our time on Wood's Bay. Please forgive me! the days that it was calm and lovely I didn't take my camera... the day that there were whitecaps on the lake... I did... :/ Anywhoo...

Got $4.5 Million???
Ok... so on Wood's Bay there was this house that I drooled over... it didn't look overly fancy, just really nice, beautifully landscaped... perfect lake house... I went online when I got home and guess what??? It's for sale... and it's a little fancier than I realized... LOL!
check it out: 32951 Driftwood Lane. Now if you decided to buy this lovely house... please drop my name to the Realtor... I would like a finder's fee... ;-)

See my lovely Pumpkins with blackbird??? This is what I got from Angela. It has hung, since I got it in my laundry room... Thanks Angela!!!
Well, until later...
KimV

Crab~Apple Hill Patterns and a new magazine!

2011-08-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hello All!!!
Have you checked out the new Crab~Apple Hill patterns??? They are so CUTE!!! I, of course am working on more than one... LOL... I have finished Winter completely. I have stitched Summer but not finished (am working on pinwheels for border. I also have Which Witches Boot started! I have Autumn completed before.

I did a swap and exchanged it with Angela at The Country Cellar. Check out her blog! She has some wonderful recipes!!! These are pictures of our exchange... I have her's hanging in my laundry room! I love it!!!
Calendula Patterdrip's Cottage is another beautiful new design and Spring is another one that I will start shortly...
Also, I'm working on Sailing Away, a pattern designed by Lori Brechlin of Notforgotten Farm. It was published in a new publication called Primitive Quilts and Projects.

Check that out! We get it at the store. This is only it's second publication... It's AWESOME! You will love it, I promise!!! LOL
I will post Sailing Away and Angela's wall hanging tomorrow... I have to go get my camera! :)
Until Later!
KimV

A project and some pictures for you...

2011-08-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

Hello! Hope you day was great! Mine was pretty good... but I will be away for a few days... Here is a little scissor pouch that I made up for a little wool project at the store. If anyone would like directions/pattern let me know. I will email you a pdf file... I'd love to put it on this post... but I'm not smart enough to get it to copy... so I'm sure we can work it all out. It's really easy to make and really cute. You wouldn't have to put the strawberries, you could put a flower or just about anything else you wanted.

Pictures below: Star, my preacher's daughter's horse. She rode over and gave my nieces and nephew rides one day while they were visiting! They had such fun!

Next is a picture that my ds took on Lake Alva. It was early and chilly and turned out to be a really pretty scene.

Then a lovely sunset picture that I took last night... what a beautiful sky! Montana has some of the loveliest sunsets and sunrises!!!

Lastly, you all seemed to like the buck picture... here's another that I snapped the same day... he was quite the entertainer... he knew that I was there, but he wasn't sure what I was... so he would take a couple of steps and then stomp his foot at me... take a couple of steps and then blow at me. Did you know that when deer are nervous they make a warning noise by blowing air through their nose... at one point he seriously blew snot all over, but I didn't really get it on film. This was after I toyed with him for quite some time. He would get nervous and jump away and spin around... it was so funny...

I hope your weekend is wonderful...

until later,

KimV

Check out this blog...

2011-08-10T20:51:00.000-07:00

Go to Susan's blog at Afford Your Passions... she has a lovely little blog give-away... Reading her blog, she and I seem to have a bit in common with the time and hobbies and loves... You will enjoy her site.

Picture from my yard... hmmm... he's nice!

Until later...

KimV

been long gone...

2011-08-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Summertime... sweet, sweet summertime...
Hi All... sorry about the long absence. It wasn't my intentions to be gone so long, but I haven't been stitching much and time just seems to fly by. Summer always goes that way. You anticipate it... and then you blink and it's over... and you just wonder where it went and how you missed it...
Our summer here in Montana didn't even seem to start until July and now it's August and football practice starts on Friday... and school to follow.
So what have you all done over the summer? My boys and I got baptized on Sunday in the lake! and it was the youngest's birthday... sweet 16! It was such a nice day!
I have worked at the quilt store... which I have to tell you is so much fun! The gals are all so awesome! I have done some quilting and I have done some embroidery and wool projects. I haven't totally skipped out on stitching either.

I participated in the Black Bird Design swap on Fair & Square Blog. I have so many projects to finish.
I have also been working on my yard... it is starting to look like a real yard. And I got strawberries from my strawberry patch!
I must go... but I do promise to come back very soon!
KimV
my pups... Copper and Shadow

Fair and Square blocks

2011-04-25T20:25:00.000-07:00

Jill received her squares from me and posted pictures on the Fair & Square.

The peacock was a freebie at www.BirdCrossStitch.com, the letters and the little peacock came from Homespun Sampler's "Polly Gaton" and "Patience". The fibers used are GAST Avocado and Dried Thyme; WDW Mulberry and Grape Ice; and Kreinik #4 #5740 and #015 with Swarvorski crystals.

Until later,

KimV

Mail Call

2011-04-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

I am a member of Fair & Square Blog. We sign up to exchange 2 ~ 6" cross stitched squares stitched on 32 ct neutral fabric. The rounds may be themed or not... every member has a post so you know their likes and dislikes... If you're interested, I believe they are taking new members. It's a lot of fun!
I received my squares yesterday from my exchange partner Jill! They are very beautiful! The motif comes from Midnight Stitching's "Quaker Floral" She used Silk'nColor Spring Froche for the threads and Country Cream linen! Aren't they pretty?

I stitched a special little surprise for Jill, but can't show for two reasons... 1 ~ she hasn't gotten it yet... 2 ~ I forgot to take a picture! lol... maybe she will send me one... ;)
Until later...
KimV

2011-04-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

A new project... I made an embroidered measuring tape cover. It turned out soooo cute! I will get a picture for you but it's at the quilt store right now. I taught a class on it today. It was such fun!!! Anyhow, I thought I'd turn this little gem into a needle book... you can never have too many needle books... right??? I will keep you posted... Have a wonderful evening...

Until later...
KimV

I wish I could post a smell...

2011-04-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

I joined a swap that Parsley hosted... It was a simple spring/Easter swap. I must say I had fun shopping for my partner Karl... he collects orange traffic cones and dust bunnies... he likes reesees peanut butter cups and hand made items and Gospel music...
ok, orange traffic cones? too much fun to try to find! I did, on eBay... cute little mini cones! got him six. Next... dust bunnies (omgosh you should see what you can find on eBay for dust bunnies) I settled on a magnet that says Protected by Dust Bunnies... Next, I found a wonderful CD by the Blind Boys of Alabama... very southern 50's bluesy gospel, I added a hand made Easter card, a Reesees Egg and some sugar free Nips and Jolly Ranchers. He expressed much happiness and has picts on his blog!
I received my exchange when I returned from Florida.

Amy had me... she sent me a cute cute cute stuffed froggie, lovely and useful notepads, stickies and a journal... a bottle of Juniper Breeze body wash (one of my favorite bath and body scents) and bestest of all... lilac candles... hence my post title... is there a spring smell better than lilacs??? Is there anything more beautiful???

So, I leave you with these beauties...
Until later,
KimV

Florida...

2011-04-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

So... if you've read my blog long, you know that I've been whining about the snow and cold and snow... a lot. Last year we planned a trip to Florida ~ the Sunshine State... and on the 2nd of April we headed to the airport to leave for Miami... via Denver... via Atlanta... ya, that was a long day. We arrived in Miami at 6:45 pm. We got our rental car and head south for Key West... We stopped to eat dinner and then continued our way. We finally arrived at our destination at 11:30pm... the next morning I woke before everyone else (which is normal) and went down to walk around the grounds of the condos... wow... we were on the pier... it was warm... there was sunshine... Here are a few pictures to show you some of the sites...

Tarpon... huge tarpon swimming along the docks... I fed them and this is a snap that DS took...

I found that there were at least 3 "local" dock cats around... this is Raggedy Anne... she is quite content. She loves fresh caught fish.

This was a really nice boat that showed up midweek to dock for a couple of days...

So, Monday we went deep sea fishing... with these guys.

We decided to go for Sail Fish... so we needed live bait...

We got out to where we were going to fish about 6 miles out... Almost immediately 1st DS caught a "Bonita" which you don't eat... they kind of like a tuna. They kept it for bait... Then 2nd DS got to bring in a "Silky Shark" we turned him loose... Next DH and I both got to bring in Dolphin (Maui Maui) fish... mine got away... :-( We did keep the ones that got to the boat (these are very tasty fish) Then, father in law and I got to bring in 2 more Dolphin fish! YUM!

This all occurred in about an hour (awesome fishing!) HOWEVER... during this time 1st DS and Mother-i-l were becoming very ill... and then 2nd DS began to get sick too... we had purchased a 3/4 day of fishing and ended up only being gone about 3 1/2 hours... at least we did catch fish... but alas no Sail Fish...

me and a dolphin fish...

After watching those gianormous tarpon swimming under the dock... we decided that we needed to catch one of those... so we chartered a trip. 1st trip with Dream Catchers DH caught about a 40lb fish... tarpon are all catch and release cause they are not good to eat.

The second trip DH and I went with Capt Jared Cyr. Well recommended. Jared was born and raised in Key West. His dad is a charter captain too... I caught a beautiful Red Grouper (out of season), DH caught a lovely Black Grouper and then a red... we were chatting. Jared told us that if you have a tarpon you will feel you bait "get nervous" then you will feel a bump and a steady pull... don't do anything until your line starts to go out. The cool and fun thing about tarpon is once the fish realizes that he is on the line he explodes out of the water! They are an extreme fighting fish! So anyways... we are sitting there... we've seen other boats hook tarpons, so we know we are in a good spot. We are chatting... actually I think I was chatting... and all the sudden ZINNNNGGGGG! my pole is almost ripped out of my hands... line is whizzing off my reel... Jared is giving me instructions... suddenly a HUGE tarpon blows out of the water! OMGOSH!!! I'm so excited! I'm reeling for all I'm worth, then just like that ZINGGGGG... there goes all the line I reeled plus more... This went on they told me for 15 - 20 minutes... He blasted out of the water 3 different times. Soon after the last time, I lost him... he was just gone... :-( But oh how exciting... I was shaking. My arm muscles were burning... my hands just ached and seemed to be in a permanent death grip on the pole and reel... I want to go again...

Sunsets were dreamy... Boats everywhere...

I found a local needle shop. Turns out she designs Needlepoint. I've never done needlepoint... but I got a small kit and some extra flosses just cause... lol... you should check out her stuff!

Julie Pischke Designs OMGoodness you should see her rugs and her bags... look at her bags... she also had the most awesome leather bags that you could insert your projects into... I can't find them on her site... but I will post when I do! Now, I took my Resurrection with me... cause I thought I would have a chance to work on it... Yeah, right... best laid plans of men and mice... So, am I going to make my crazy goal... no, probably not. Oh, well I will revamp it somehow.

It was awesome... too short... now we are back and it has already snowed 3 times... though the snow is almost gone... there are things coming up in my yard... and the deer are here (so they will probably eat everything that comes up... grrr...

Until Later...

KimV

Some progress on Resurrection...

2011-03-23T06:29:00.000-07:00

I believe I'm officially 1/3 of the way complete... well, really close...
:-)

until later
KimV

2011-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

When Irish Eyes are smiling...
:)
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!!!

Here is a lovely recipe for:
Irish Soda Bread (given to me by Rosemary a quilting friend)
it's really really good...
3 c Flour
1 c Sugar
1 tbsp Caraway Seeds
1 c Raisins
4 tsp Baking Powder
Combine above in a large bowl
in separate bowl mix:
1tsp Melted Butter
2 Beaten Eggs
dash of Salt
1 c Milk
Add Dry Mixture stirring well... Form in Greased round pan. Sprinkle sugar on top and dot with butter.
bake at 350 for 50 minutes or until golden brown.
(she flours and sugars the cake pan. She also soaks the raisins in water for a while before adding to dry mix)
When you finish sprinkling with sugar and putting butter on top make an X on top. (she says it's not necessary but she always does it!) This is soooo good!!! you will not regret taking time to make it!
UPDATE!!!!
Resurrection as it is this morning...

until later...
KimV

Resurrection and kitties...

2011-03-14T07:36:00.001-07:00

EftH Resurrection...

here's a quick update on stitching... 41 Days left for my Crazy Goal!

I feel as if this was a major accomplishment to finish the top mural area.

I love the rabbits and the crowns...

The next section is a band of flowers... I want to start now, but I have to get ready for work.
On another note, the family went to town Saturday... we were driving along the lake and there are a couple cars stopped and they are looking in this tree... I figure eagle... oldest ds says, I think there's a big nest... ok... we get back from town are driving along lake... there are now lots of cars and people... we look...

Nice kitty, kitty... big kitty, kitty...
until later,
KimV

Prayers for all affected by the 8.9 earthquake at Japan

2011-03-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

LORD, I pray for help for the hurt. I pray for strength and love and peace for those who have lost so much.

Sunshine, wips, stash, updates ...

2011-03-09T09:25:00.000-08:00

Good Day!
I woke this morning somewhat slowly... I was awake at 6am but didn't want to get out of bed... at 6:25 I heard DS go to the shower... so I pulled myself out of bed and went down stairs to make coffee and figure out what was for breakfast.... coffee brewing and eggs out for fried egg/cheese sandwiches... Boys both up and dressed and eating and then out the door to school... and look outside now... blue sky and sunshine! It's cold but warming up... so nice to see the sun!

The other evening one of the boys' friends called and said "Can we have a bonfire at your house?" (it wasn't really a bonfire... more of a campfire) but anyways for you to have an idea of how much snow we have... this is where they had a the campfire with lawn chairs... look at the pile of snow we have pushed up there!

I dug out some of my quilting projects that I had started a looooonnnngggggg time ago (let's just say over 3 years) I think I should finish them...
I was scared of quilting triangles but I love stars of all kinds, sooo... I decided I should make a feathered star. Here it is, just a wall hanging. I ran out of smoke mono filament that I was using on the top so in the closet it went.

The second is a little star that I paper pieced and decided that I would hand quilt (since I have decided that technically I'm a piecer not a quilter) but I will finish the hand quilting on this small project and then be done! lol

Well, working at a quilt store is definitely and enabler... oooo boy, yep... that's partially why I've gotten the quilt stuff out... I can't hardly justify buying fabric if I'm just taking it down stairs and putting it on the shelf! So I had this sunflower material that I bought about 4-5 years ago and I said to myself "Self, that last quilt was really quick... and really showcased that floral well... maybe you should go find that sunflower material and make another... only not quite as big" and I thought hey that's a good idea... now I have ~~to go and buy~~ to search my stash for coordinating material... but I didn't have any that worked so I got some at the quilt store... :)

Now... since I too am an enabler at heart, I have enabled you also... there is a link up under my favorite links to Deer Country Quilts... we do lots of internet orders... so feel free!!! (LOL) we have lots of materials but really a nice selection of Batiks, Flannels and Outdoors materials! A while back I got this book again at the quilt store and took a class... (last year) It's by Jinny Beyer (holy cow!!!) If you like quilting this is a very good resource book. She breaks down blocks into grids and you can see how you can make the most complicated blocks... a lot of times with squares and 1/2 square triangles...

Do you know she pieces and quilts all her projects by hand???
So update on TUSAL

and EftH Resurrection... the deer is done... rabbits... actually close to the first 3rd being done... sort of... lol

Thanks for the cheers and comments on my CRAZY GOAL! You'll all keep me motivated!... and besides what a better goal then to finish a stitch honoring the Resurrection of our LORD and Saviour than to finish on the celebration of that very event???
Until later my Peeps...
KimV

Crazy Goal...

2011-03-08T10:06:00.000-08:00

Been stitching more... and I have a crazy goal... I want to finish EftH Resurrection by Easter Sunday... WHAT??? Ok, so yeah... that might be a bit hopeful... LOL! but it's a goal none the less...
So here's progress today March 8th...

And here's what the finished work looks like... I just figured out I have 6 weeks and 5 days... yes... I think that's crazy... :)

Until later my Peeps!

KimV

Finishes

2011-03-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

WooooHoooo! I got some stuff done!
Firstly... that fabric that I showed you... I cut and sewed and lo and behold I got the quilt top done by Thursday night!!! Whatever has gotten into me??? lol granted it's a very simple pattern, but still! :)

Then... I had my eggs almost done. I promised the gals at the store that I would finish them up and have them done so that people could see what we were making for the class... and lo and behold I got them done and the finished this morning... heavens... 2 finishes???

But wait!!! I pulled out a quick little stitch that I finished (the stitching) like last year... or the year before... I don't know but he's been floating around for some time... and look!!! I made him into a little wall hanging! Isn't he too cute???

So... there you have it! 3 finishes in like... 4 days??? How productive! How amazing! How satisfying! Now, I have to clean my kitchen... :( not as exciting or amazing but probably productive...

until later... stay warm...

KimV

Look what happens when you work at a quilt store..

2011-03-02T22:28:00.000-08:00

Just look! I mean... how can you NOT be tempted?

I have the nine patches done... working on the sashing strips (almost done with them) such a cute and quick pattern! (I bought the fabric and book today!!!) Yeah... what's one more WIP? :)

2011-03-02T08:15:00.000-08:00

Good Morning, Afternoon or Evening to you where ever you may be today. I haven't posted for a few days... 1. Because I always want to show you progress on whatever I'm working on... 2. Because it's been a little busy... 3. I feel a bit down... hmmm... now, I don't know that any of those are good excuses, but it's what I've got... Today, however... I have progress to share... I'm at home at the moment... and I feel ummm... somewhat better...
I know that by now you've all probably heard about Lisa at The Primitive Needle... I don't really know what else to say that hasn't been said... I didn't know Lisa. I do have some of her charts, she was a very talented designer. My prayers are for her family and friends... and all of the stitching community who will greatly miss her. I guess it just really hit me how fragile life is and how we should really make the most of our time here.
I watched the news yesterday morning and as I looked outside at the snow falling somewhat heavily and all the snow that we have I had a very hard time picturing the wild fires in Texas and Florida. 70 homes lost last I heard... The flooding in Ohio that took Lisa... Earthquakes, storms, fires... We see pictures of unrest in the Middle East, unrest in our states capitols', unrest all over the world. Celebrities making themselves look like idiots... how out of touch is Hollywood??? It seems that the world is literally falling apart around us... That is a bit unsettling. It saddens me... makes me feel heavy at heart. Partially because I feel as if I'm not doing enough to make a difference. At the same time... I feel at peace... does that sound strange to you? To say it out loud it sounds a bit to me... but I know the LORD and I believe that HE has a plan for us and that HE loves us. I know the picture that we see is only a part of the masterpiece... and that puts my heart at peace, even when it's troubled... so... there you go...
Anyhooo.... Progress to report... what have I been working on??? Well, a few things.
I have done just a little on Quaker Christmas from Bygone Stitches.

I have been working on Resurrection by EftH. This is really a lovely sampler! I'm at that point that I want to stitch more and more of it!

Remember I told you that I'm working Mondays at my lqs... how much fun! The girls are all just wonderful and they have fun... you always hear someone laughing. You can work anywhere doing anything if you like and enjoy the people you work with... what a bonus to work with wonderful people and enjoy the job too! (lol... but I digress) ok, so I'm doing a store sample... another Bird Brain Design called Eggs on Parade... (check out their free patterns... great tea towel embroidery designs!)

How CUTE!!! I love wool and wool projects... I have one more egg to embroider and then stitch them to my background... it was really an easy project. I'm going to be teaching a class on it at the shop. I'm also going to take a class at the shop... Renee is going to teach us how to make the loveliest mohair teddy bear!

I can't even picture me making this cute little guy...

Well, so this is a pretty long post... thanks for taking the time to read... I hope for the best for you and whatever is happening in your day.
Stay warm!
KimV

Some Sunshine

2011-02-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

Just a quick little Good Morning to you... it's cold here... -8 right now... Thought I post you a little spring and sunshine! Will post later with some updates...

Until later... stay warm!
KimV

More Adam and Eve

2011-02-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

too funny... I'm not the only one who posted about an A&E subject.
Check out: Vonna at Twisted Stitcher Blog and Margaret at Days of a Sampler Lover and another chart that is new by Beth at Heartstring Samplery, Permit Me Not to Stray

Adam and Eve

2011-02-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

Genesis 3: 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

So, now are A&E charts going to be come a must have for me??? I've been checking out different A&E charts from different designers... and oh, there are a lot! There are at least 3 that are being released at Nashville (ABC Stitch)
This is Elizabeth Jackson 1824 by Samplers Revisited

This is Jane Thomas 1822 by Cardan Antiques and Needlework Design

Remember Us by Examplar from the Heart

Others that aren't new but wanted: Jane PhilpottAdam & Eve Sampler by Shakespeare's Peddler

By Plum Street Samplers: The Fall of Man,

and Paradise Lost

Blackberry Lane: In the Beginning

Carriage House Samplings: Adam and Eve

Bittersweet House Samplers

The Addison Adam and Eve Sampler

Ann Lake Whinburgh 1821

Examplar Dames Design: Guarding Eden

Temptation by Examplar Dames

and my dream... my favorite... the one that I hope to do and finish...

"And They Sinned"

There are so many more...

Deborah at Midsummer Night Musing has a post on A&E samplers... check it out! I will continue to post for you on this subject...

I found a great book at the library you may be interested in also. It's called Girlhood Embroidery 1, by Betty Ring. It is a phenomenal historical account of embroidery through the times with beautiful color pictures of samples. It has a section devoted to A&E samplers. I'm actually looking to purchase this one.

Lastly I leave you with and A&E engraving from a 17th century Bible printed in 1616. It's listed on ebay if you care to look there are other engravings also... absolutely beautiful! (a little out of my $$ range! lol) but the detailing is awesome.

Until later...

KimV

Another online give away...

2011-02-17T09:03:00.000-08:00

Another great blog and a lovely giveaway!!! Peg is giving away a Longaberger basket filled with lovely stitchy stuff! Check it out!!!
KimV

2011-02-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Well, it seems my fingers have wanted to stitch on QC this last couple of days! Here's a little progress, I'm pretty much done with page 1 on the chart... I have a few little motifs left but I've progressed to the next page to the right and the page below to finish motifs that are charted on both. I'm liking it quite a bit.

Don't you just love that linen??? (for anyone wanting to know colors, linen or stitch count... look up in the left had corner in the sidebar... I have them listed.

I'm not a 100% on the heart scale motif... wondering if I should have kept it solid... I may end up pulling it later if I don't like the whole look. We'll see. What are your thoughts?

Sally asked about the designer of the little stitch on the Valentine's box. It was designed by Kathy Cadilek of The Monkey Works. It was a little freebie that I got in a newsletter through our local guild. It says that its a free chart. So, here it is. I don't know if you'll be able to print or not... I'm a little computer illiterate... but I think you will.

Thanks for all the looks and comments! It's much appreciated. Enjoy your day!

KimV

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2011-02-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

Good Morning to All!
Happy Valentine's Day!
1st We are having a vitual Valentine's Day Party over at Parsley's so check it out... we signed up to do a little swap, Parsley divied out the names, rules are easy, make something little handmade and buy "stuff" under $10 and send it off to your secret Valentine by the 7th, then post to Parsley's site today! My Valentine received came from Amy in Texas... posted below. My Valentine sent went to Mary in Colorado We had to fill out a little info about ourselves... Mary's favorite color is peach and her favorite candy is peanut clusters and she collects roosters (but not living! lol) so shopping was fun ~ I got her an Angel, and a rooster calendar and Yum a Mr. Goodbar, but mostly I had fun creating a little box for her. Here are pictures from beginning to end!

And that is that! LOL! It turned out really cute,

I hope that Mary likes it.

2nd... today at the quilt store, I'm teaching a class on the

Bird Brain Designs Embroidered Heart Sachet... Yikes! I'm a little nervous. I like to embroider, but I haven't done that much of it... so to teach it seems funny (strange not HaHa!) to me... but I'll give it a try! Have a wonderful Valentine's Day... Check in tomorrow for update on Quaker Christmas... it's moving along!

Until later, stay warm!

KimV

A Gathering Place Giveway...

2011-02-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Go to A Gathering Place

Sign up for her beautiful giveaway! Rebecca is such a talented artist! Her blog is so beautiful and as you read her posts and see the links she has in her sidebar and the comments she makes you can tell she is a very sweet and caring person...
Thanks Rebecca for offering such a lovely giveaway!
KimV

Valentine Swap Received!

2011-02-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

I went to the post office today and low and behold I had a box! Yeah! It was from Houston... how very exciting! :)
So, of course, I didn't wait until I got home because... well, who can wait???

Can you believe all that!? I just kept pulling things up! Thank you to my secret Valentine Amy at

http://mrsrooster.blogspot.com/

She was an AWESOME Valentine!

KimV

Stash Report

2011-02-10T08:03:00.000-08:00

Being the Wooley Stitcher and a lover of Shepherd's Bush :) I have drooled over this kit for a few years... well, guess what came in the mail??? hehehehe... now, how'd you know that? lol
Yes! The Wool Gatherer is MINE! or maybe I should say is me... ;)
anywhooo, I'm thinking I don't need another WIP but... just maybe I'm gonna have one...

WIP Updates

2011-02-08T21:42:00.000-08:00

A little bit of progress...

And the winner is...

2011-02-07T20:44:00.000-08:00

First... thanks for all the lovely comments!

Second... we have a winner!!! Charlene http://needleinhand.blogspot.com/ Needle in Hand blog spot! I hope you love this little sampler.

Temptation of Man...

2011-02-04T08:38:00.000-08:00

Genesis 3
   Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And He said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
   And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
   But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
   And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
   For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

Don't forget to sign up!

2011-02-02T15:04:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that I'm giving away Blessed are the Needleworkers by Sue Stadler of Crossing Montana (from the Remember the Ladies series)

What you get: The chart with some history and info, all the silks that I have left, put together in a clear plastic case.

Remember that I am drawing a name Monday the 7th after 5pm mountain standard... Leave a comment and make sure there is a way for me to contact you!

Stay Warm!

KimVDR

Another online give away...

2011-02-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

Check out Jan at Belfonte Notes... she has an awesome giveaway!!!
http://belfontenotes.blogspot.com/2011/01/two-year-blogoversary-giveaway.html

my colors for Quaker Christmas... are: Gloriana Silk Luminescence: Black Cherry, Forest, Antique Gold and Midnight.

February 1 ~ another GIVE AWAY and another new start...

2011-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

This is Adam & Eve by the Marking Samplar... it's in a special series called Remember the Ladies. It includes chart picture, some info on the designer and sampler if it is a reproduction and Kreinik Milkpaint silk threads. This is the second that I have done, the first was called Blessed are the Needleworkers. I know I didn't need a new start and I know I have 2 other SALs that I'm supposed to start... but I started anyways...

I'm stitching on 40ct R&R Sheep Straw... I steam ironed and sprayed with water and got this nice old stained look... which I like I'm stitching 1 over 2. This is my first A&E chart but I've been collecting them... I was inspired by Siobhan http://bluehenhollow.blogspot.com/ who has an amazing collection!

Here is the very small amount of progress on Quaker Christmas... I can't wait to be done with this medallion...

Speaking of Remember the Ladies series... this is Blessed are the Needleworkers... I have the chart and the left over silks... I will give this away, if your interested... please post a comment. I will draw a name next Monday the 7th. (I'm getting into this give away stuff... what else am I saving these charts for???) lol

Check out this blog...

2011-01-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

Hi All...
Check out this blog... This is Daniela... she was my first Fair & Square partner, she is the most exquisite needle worker... these are my little blocks from her

she is the extremely talented, creative artist behind Muusa... http://madebymuusa.blogspot.com/ She makes the most beautiful things... look at those purses!

Bird Brain Designs: Sachet Heart Sampler ~ We have a winner!

2011-01-29T08:20:00.000-08:00

HEATHER! You are the lucky winner of the embroidery heart design! Enjoy!

KimV

Snow Garden Framed

2011-01-28T12:05:00.000-08:00

My frame came yesterday... and I didn't like the color (that's what happens when you order off the internet sometimes) but it was a cream color so I painted it. I was going for a shabby-chic look. I added a few layers of paint and then I mounted on foam core with pins and then laced the back up and put it in its little frame. I'm pretty happy with the final product!

When you live with the wild...

2011-01-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm sitting here at my computer and out of the corner of my eye I see a flash of wings... big wings! Now we have lots of crows and they are big birds but this was bigger...

Yes, well isn't he lovely? That tree is like 45 yards from my house...maybe. So I'm excited... snap some pictures from the deck, the window... then I look at my two kitties...

you don't think he's hungry? Cause my furbabies are just little for cat size and I have no doubt that he could carry them off quite handily...

So, I fed furbabies and I'm waiting for our visitor to leave but he's just sitting there quite content to look around... hmmm... these furbabies are not house cats... they hate being in the house... I'll have to see if I can coax them in....

Mouse came in... Tommy won't so... now he's gone.

KimV

A little treasure...

2011-01-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

My step-mom made this and then she gave it to me... can you believe it? Isn't it beautiful? I want to get it framed but I'm not sure where to take it yet... I just wanted to share! Don't forget to sign up for the pattern for the embroidered heart below, if you interested.

Pay it forward...

2011-01-26T18:31:00.000-08:00

I finished my cute little valentine pillow... so, I thought I'd pass the pattern on... if you like it... post to me. I'll draw a name on Saturday. Bird Brain Designs ~ Sachet Heart Sampler

All kind of updates.... :)

2011-01-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

Here comes the sun... na na nanaaa... Here comes the sun, and I say, it's alright...

It's been a while...

This is what it's looked like for the better part of 2 months... It's wonderful to get a glimmer of anything bright!

Here is a quick, little project that I started Monday night. First off... I got a job. Well, a part time job... well, ok I work 1 day a week, but it's at the local quilt store! :) So last year at the local quilt store I picked up this little pattern by Birdbrain Designs and it sat in a drawer waiting. Well, now I work there, so I thought I should stitch this up for the shop. Monday was my first day. I came home and while Corey and I watched a movie I stitched it... it's really an easy little stitch. Now, I've cut it out and appliquéd it to a lovely piece of red cotton fabric by Kaffe. Then added the straight stitch and french knots. I'm going to make it into a little heart shaped pillow with cream ric-rac along the seam to make a scallop... I think it will be cute! http://www.deercountryquilts.com/

Sneak peak of my secret Valentine gift... I figured out what to do with it and the hand made part is finished... but I'm not to send it until the 7th... so, I can't post a complete picture yet... I did take photos through the finishing process... so, you will see the whole thing, just not for a week... :)

OHHHH and Guess WHAT??? I WON!!!! Donna from By the Bay NeedleArts had a drawing for a cute little kit that she made up...and her daughter drew me!!! YIPPPEEEEE ! Here's a link so you can oogle over my prize... LOL... just kidding... http://bythebayneedleart.blogspot.com/ Also, Donna is the designer of the little stitchery that I have for my blog title picture... if you look to the left at the top there is a link to that FREEBIE. I just loved it... of course it has sheep... and weeping willows and a beautiful manor house, and, and and ... lol.

So, you all seem to like Quaker Christmas you commented and wanted to know what threads I'm using.. so here they are: The threads are Gloriana Silk Luminescence: Black Cherry, Forest, Antique Gold and Midnight.

Well, have a wonderful day and stay warm!

KimVDR

2011-01-24T07:59:00.000-08:00

Works In Progress: Revisited. Well, good morning All! I have been on but haven't posted because I want you to see progress... sometimes it doesn't look like much! lol I started ByGone Stitches Quaker Christmas sometime ago. I was doing pretty good and then tragedy... well, maybe not tragedy but... see the medallion not finished? I had stitched all the way around almost to a close when again... I'm off 1 thread... ARRRRGGGGG! so long story short... I pulled it out and put Quaker Christmas down for a season... lol I picked it up Saturday... and now I'm working on that medallion again... but it's going a little smoother! I'm stitching on 32ct Days Gone By 1/1 using Gloriana Silks.

Also continuing on with EftH Resurrection. I am making some progress here also, I started the cross. I am extending my sides so that I might scroll my linen up. I get all excited... then I look at the picture of the finished work and realize, yeah... you have a long, long, long way to go! :)

Also, I have finished stitching my secret valentine... I just need to decide what I'm going to make with it... should it be a box, a needle book, a pillow, a pin cushion...??? what do you think??? if you were getting a secret valentine in the mail... what would you want??? Have a glorious day!

KimVDR

Watch this!

2011-01-19T17:28:00.000-08:00

Hey all...
I just found this on the web... this little girl's voice is AMAZING! Thought you might enjoy it...
http://www.rhemamarvanne.com/
KimVDR

More stash...

2011-01-18T17:08:00.000-08:00

Mail Call!!!! I mentioned earlier how the mail lady had been letting me down... well she came through today!!!
I got STASH!
1. LHN Poinsettia House with threads
2. LHN Winter Band Sampler
3. BBD Valentine Rose AotH series
4. Ackworth Variations Part 2

Then to top it off I got a swap! From Sonda my Fair & Square Holiday partner... she had some family issues arise during the holiday time and was set back. I hope all is well, Sonda! Today in the mail I received these lovely squares that she stitched for me as well as a beautiful scissor fob. Thank you so very much! I am going to make the squares into an ornament. I will post a picture when I get it finished.

We started our Bible study today. We went through the 1st chapter of Daniel. It's really quite fascinating how God works. Actually the first chapter is very action packed!

Well, good evening to you and yours... stay safe and warm.

KimVDR

EftH Resurrection Update

2011-01-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

I'm going to leave the sun. It's hard to get a good picture but it is a different color and I do think after the cross is stitched that it will be more prominent. Finally got to stitch something else! Love the little bird and the star are quite pretty... 2 more and I can start the crosses or... stitch more down the sides. These silks are so very nice to stitch with and they are so pretty!

I joined one more Yahoo group: the Sampler Life. Been enjoying reading... I am members of Blackbird Design Fans : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blackbirddesigns/ and littlehousecountrycottagestitchers: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/littlehousecountrycottagestitchers/ and Hand Dids: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hand-Dids/ and Needleprint: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/needleprint/ and now the Sampler Life: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/thesamplerlife/
It's great fun to be part of a group!
We start our Bible Study today! We have a small group. We have a great time. We are doing Daniel by Beth Moore. If you love to do Bible studies and you haven't done a Beth Moore study you should! I just love her! I can wait to get started! Here's a link to Beth's Living Proof Ministry http://www.lproof.org/
Anyways... have a fabulous day!
KimV

Stash...

2011-01-15T11:55:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love stash? lol... I'm waiting for more to come but the mail lady has been disappointing me lately!
I wanted to show you another MUST HAVE that I got just a while back. Tempting Tangles CREATION OMGoodness! I was stunned by it's beauty. It's calling my name as I type... I can hear it over there, but I must resist the urge!!! right??? you've got to support me on this one or it will be on the frame! lol Here is Deborah's website http://www.temptingtangles.com/2010/01/creation-is-up_30.html and check out her blog also ,http://www.temptingtanglesblog.blogspot.com/ She's a very talented designer... I love most all her stuff!
I'm going to stitch this on 32 count Silkweaver's Desert Sky. I ordered the silk threads from Vikki at HDF again.

http://www.hand-dyedfibers.com/oscnuked/index.php This time I ordered the premium silk floss... you should see it in person! It's so thick and soft and luxurious! If you go to Vikki's site and click on Silk Packets over on the left... you'll see all the kitted thread packs for different charts. I just looked through it again and there's like 10 packs for different charts that I just got... more stash wish list!

WIP ~ Resurrection

2011-01-14T07:40:00.000-08:00

This was a MUST HAVE chart as soon as I saw it! It is from Examplars From The Heart. The linen... well, I'm not sure. I had hoped that I would find a post on it here in my blog but alas just pictures no info. It's a 40 ct but I'm not sure on the color anymore. I started this last spring and then put it down to stitch stockings and what have you. I just picked it back up last night. I'm working on the sun right now. Oh, how heavenly! The threads are silks from Hand Dyed Fibers... scrumptious! If you haven't stitched with silk you should treat yourself... hmmm... or maybe not... Here's the link to Vikki at HDF

http://www.hand-dyedfibers.com/oscnuked/index.php

My only concern is the color of floss for the sun with my choice for the linen... do you think it'll be ok? I suppose it's a little late to fret about... The lat thing I want to do is pull all those stitches... not to mention finding a floss to replace it with... hmmm... well, stay tuned for continued progress... (hopefully) LOL!
Keep an eye out I'm gonna post stash later!
KimVDR

Pincushions...

2011-01-13T15:37:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love pincushions and needle books? I just love them! I don't have any pincushions though... so I've been searching ebay and other sites. I came across this little guy and had to get him... now I just have to decide what to stitch! What I really want is a shaker cushion... I love both the cushion and the box with cushion on the lid... but... I suppose it'll have to wait, they're kind of spendy! lol

have a great evening!

Snow Garden ~ Done!

2011-01-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Well, Blogging Buddies it's true. It's done! Yeah! It really was an enjoyable stitch... my complaints were all things that I messed up... I'm working on ordering a frame. I will post the finished/framed product soon hopefully! Thanks for all your sweet comments.

Hmmm... now off to start a new project??? Maybe just a quick cute little something for my secret Valentine... ;-) and work on some of my WIPS, oh and just ordered linen and threads for 2 new stockings... and CCN Snowflake Serenade is on the way... ;-)

2011-01-12T17:51:00.000-08:00

Does anyone else love this song? I get it stuck in my head. I thought the picture was beautiful, it was painted in 1864 by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Interestingly as I browse through pictures of his paintings red haired beauties in green dresses seem to be a theme... some think the song was written by Henry the VIII for his lover and future queen, Anne Boleyn... but many say that's unlikely since it was probably written after he died. Whoever wrote it for whomever... it's a classic tail of a broken heart.

Alas, my love, you do me wrong,
To cast me off discourteously.
For I have loved you well and long,
Delighting in your company.

Chorus:
Greensleeves was all my joy
Greensleeves was my delight,
Greensleeves was my heart of gold,
And who but my lady greensleeves.

Your vows you've broken, like my heart,
Oh, why did you so enrapture me?
Now I remain in a world apart
But my heart remains in captivity.

chorus

I have been ready at your hand,
To grant whatever you would crave,
I have both wagered life and land,
Your love and good-will for to have.

chorus

If you intend thus to disdain,
It does the more enrapture me,
And even so, I still remain
A lover in captivity.

chorus

My men were clothed all in green,
And they did ever wait on thee;
All this was gallant to be seen,
And yet thou wouldst not love me.

chorus

Thou couldst desire no earthly thing,
but still thou hadst it readily.
Thy music still to play and sing;
And yet thou wouldst not love me.

chorus

Well, I will pray to God on high,
that thou my constancy mayst see,
And that yet once before I die,
Thou wilt vouchsafe to love me.

chorus

Ah, Greensleeves, now farewell, adieu,
To God I pray to prosper thee,
For I am still thy lover true,
Come once again and love me.

chorus

Snow Garden ~ 1 more day

2011-01-12T08:13:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I hope you all are snug as a bug! For those Blogging Buddies in the East and North East, stay warm and safe and home if you can! I was just reading a bit about your storm. I have yet to turn on the TV... but I saw that you were suppose to get pounded... and that for one the weather people were right and you did get pounded. Well, looks like a good day to stitch! :-) Here is progress on BBD AotH ~ Snow Garden. Almost done! and that peacock is done... except the specialty stitches in the tail. I have the key and one more initial and some snowflakes left... one good sit down and I should be able to call it good. Am checking on frames now, so I can begin the wall of AotH. I'm thinking old, shabby chic, white/cream.

Thanks for stopping by and any comments!

Happy Stitching.

KimVDR

Snow Garden

2011-01-11T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ohhh.... I think that peacock might be the death of me... LOL
no seriously... I finally chose the colors. I began to stitch, man, he was looking good. Almost done... to the tail... hmmm... what's this? what did I do wrong... wait... count that again... 1, 2, 3, 4... hmmm... look at chart... 1, 2, 3... hmmm... look at bird... hmmm... I'm off... how can I be off... oh, wait... way over here at the beginning... yeah, 5 stitches NOT 6! ARGGGHHHHH! can I fake it? can I leave it...? no... long, deep, drawn-out sigh... ok, pull your stitches... and of course, that's not easy. So, finally, stitches are pulled and bird started over. I'm beginning to get impatient to finish this one! :-)

On a bright note... we have wonderful, glorious, sunny sunshine!!! (which is good since it's only 3 degrees! yikes!!! that's cold) Sojo is very much enjoying the sun.
All of you Bloggin Buddies in the North East... be prepared... I heard your to get some major weather tonight and tomorrow. Stay Safe and Warm.

BBD Anniversaries of the Heart SAL & my little stitching corner

2011-01-09T12:15:00.000-08:00

Hello there Blogging Friends! I promised update to my AotH SAL. This is a SAL (stitch along) That I'm doing with the BBD (Blackbird Designs) Yahoo Group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/blackbirddesigns/

I started on January 2nd. I'm getting close to done... if I keep stitching like I have been. This is the 1st design of the series, Snow Garden. There are 14 designs total, 1 for each month and 2 bonus. Some in our SAL are stitching on one piece, some are stitching separate. I'm stitching separate. I think they will look awesome framed individually and grouped together. I am stitching Snow Garden on R&R Iced Cappaccino 40ct linen. I am using most all the colors called for in the chart. I have changed 4. I substituted WDW Dove for GA Toasted Barley, I substituted GA Sable for GA Cindermill Brown, I substituted WDW Chablis for GA Lexington Green and I am going to substitute ?? for GA Portabella. I'm having most trouble with the Portabella. I love the look of the sample but my Portabella is mostly brown. I'm not sure what to use, I thought I'd try GA Green Pastures... too dark, pulled the stitches. I thought I'd try GA Mountain Mist... still a little dark and too tealish... pulled the stitches. I'm inclined to use both Woodsmoke (roof) and Dove (letters & side of house) to achieve the look I want. Stay tuned to for continuing drama on the color of the peacock! LOL! For the year I chose 1990, my wedding date. The VDR is our last initials (seriously 3 letters!) Then I will add K, M, B & C for our family.

1-2-11

1-4-11

1-8-11

1-9-11

The Christmas tree went away yesterday. I spent a good part of the day taking Christmas down. Then I rolled up the rug, swept all the floor, rearranged the furniture, put back down the rug and vacuumed it again. My hubby wanted to know I rearranged and I pointed to the recliner and said: "That's My Stitching Spot!" It has a lamp for me, a place for all my stuff and a cup of coffee. Ahhh, he just nodded his head as though this was important to him too.

This is Sojo, my mom-in-laws dog. I'm babysitting. He thinks he's pretty important and that your job is to wait on him hand and foot and play with him and pet him and watch him and read his mind when he wants to go out to potty and to clean up potty if you were too stupid to read his mind and know that he wanted to go out.

There's this SAL that I've been seeing on other blogs called TUSAL ~ Totally Useless SAL. You are suppose to keep a container of all your snippits of thread. I can do that... and actually for me it's not that useless cause it keeps my Spot neat and clean. Well, sort of... lol

Have a wonderful day! Remember it's a wonderful life!

KimVDR

Oh look, I got pretties!

2011-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

I got some lovely Klemscott scissors and a needle minder at Christmas... well, I got them for myself... I got some for my Mom too... but anyways... it doesn't matter which Santa brought them right? LOL

The fabric fat quarters are Moda from one of my wonderful LQS... I have to admit we have some of the most awesome quilt stores in the nation... I think anyways. The bottom fabric is Wyndham. The tote... Oh, my at the Quilt Away in Great Falls, MT they had these lovely Moda BBD totes... arggghhhh.... I have to have it! so, I got it and the lovely Moda fat quarters too...

The needle book with the strawberries I made and just finished up with the buttons. It's made with all felted wool. They are very easy to make! I love needle books! I love wool! I love scissors, I love needle minders, hmmm... I love a lot of things! The crocheted doilies... I bought on Ebay.

oh, and lastly... a little more stash... Carriage House Samplings: Fredrick, Frederika, Sampler Stocking and Alpha Blocks and BBD Tokens of Friendship.

Friday... again

2011-01-07T10:26:00.000-08:00

Hey! How is everything with you? I guess, I should tell you all thanks for being my bloggin buddies!
Here is a picture for you...

Not as good as the first time I came up the stairs. This is my bed... maybe I should qualify that... my side of the bed and this is also Shadow (my 6 year old mutt whom we rescued when he was a puppy anyways I digress...) this is his favorite spot during the day. My first trip upstairs he was laying stretched completely out with head on pillows soundly asleep ~ that was the picture that I wanted to share but he seems to know when your sneaking up on him...

the other mutt... is Copper, who is my 10 year old Boston Terrier/Pomeranian cross... Best dog ever! Heck, I had a designer dog before such a thing existed! True story, I went to the store and when I came out (in Great Falls, MT some 60,000 people) in the car across from mine is this white dog... I swear, Copper only white... hmm... Copper had 2 sisters, he was about 6 at the time and I had no idea what had happened to his sisters, (yeah, you know where I'm going with this) so I wait... about 10 minutes for the owner (ok, I did go and talk to the dog, but she wasn't giving any info, she did want to be petted and she was sweet but mums the word on her family) the owner comes (finally) and long story short... yep...Copper's sister! and I could tell it was... and her owner said the same thing... Best dog ever!

My RAK for the week, I went to the post office on Monday. I had to go into the office for pay for postage. The poor gal working was suppose to have help but they never showed and when her supervisor called she kept saying she'll be there... well, no, she's an hour and a half away in another town! So, this poor gal (who is filling in) has had no break, no food, no drink because she thought she had help... she had been there since 7:30am and it was 3pm... and she still had 2 hours to go... I went and got her a pizza and liter bottle of water...

Hand Dyed Flosses and Threads

2011-01-06T08:15:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love hand dyed threads! I buy them just because they are pretty... I have to admit, I get a little frustrated when I buy a chart and I don't have any of the flosses listed even though I have many, many skeins of floss... but they are pretty to look at! lol

Now, my only gripe with Hand Dyes are the exact reason that I love them... the color and of course there are different dye lots... so just because your chart calls for this specific color and you love the picture from the chart... you may not get the same look... in fact you probably won't get the same look... and that's ok because it makes that project our very own... and no one will have one just like us. I am doing BBD Snow Garden right now. I have changed some of my colors because as I started to stitch with the charted colors I didn't have the same variations that the picture shows.

The chart calls for GA Cidermill Brown for the window side of house but I used GA Sable because my Cidermill Brown wasn't all that different from the GA Harvest Basket which the windows are stitched. Probably my biggest change so far, however; is the other house wall. The chart calls for GA Toasted Barley with GA Woodsmoke for the roof. I am using Woodsmoke but changed the T.Barley to WDW Dove (which is a color that I LOVE and have adored this floss forever, I have a new project in mind just for it... share later)...

My last change that I think I'm going to make is my peacock. In the picture he looks mostly greeny/blue with some browns, the chart calls for GA Portabella... now, I love the Portabella that I got, but it's almost entirely a rich chocolatey brown(in the middle of picture)... not quite peacock material... lol... so, I'm thinking either GA Mountain Mist (lighter color at bottom) or GA Green Pastures (on top)... I haven't decided... I think I will stitch him last...

I'm stitching on R&R Iced Cappaccino 40ct 2/2

Valdani Hand Dyed Perl Cotton... I still haven't used any... it's too pretty!

1/2/11 Progress Already???

2011-01-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

My oh my... Yesterday I started the Blackbird Design Series: Anniversaries of the Heart SAL. I'm starting with Snow Garden Design 1. I'm not going to do it all in one piece, but rather all individually framed and grouped. I love this chart! I'm stitching on 40ct RR Iced Cappuccino with all the recommended threads. I have one slight goof that is causing me a little fuss... I'm stitching 2 over 2 and as you all know on 40ct that probably should have been 1 over 2. Oh well... I have nice full stitches... lol! Here's a picture of my progress...

This is the progress on Gingerbread Trio. Such a very cute design... I am partial to gingerbread cookies and gingerbread men in general... I saw on another blog a gal that stitched only 2 of the little guys with a heart in between... It was so CUTE... I'll find it again and post a link!

This is the progress on N.Hinde 1778. Too funny... I was looking back over my stitching reading the alphabet, hmmm... I'm missing the J... HOW DID I MISS THE J??? hmmm... she didn't stitch the J... hmmm... do you think there's a story? Why didn't she stitch the J??? Maybe it is the initial of a man... who broke her heart and she just couldn't bear to see the letter J again... hmmm... but wouldn't he have 2 initials and wouldn't she have skipped the other too? Maybe she just screwed up. Boy, that's not a very good story ~ sounds like something I'd do... LOL... oh, well... I choose the first... only he didn't leave her... he died tragically and she only knew him by his last name... poor, poor girl... she didn't even get to know the first name of the man whom she loved! She pines for Mr. J!!! (ok, so I have a slight dramatic flair)

Well, hope you all have a lovely day! Kids go back school tomorrow, that makes me happy and kinda sad... It's lightly snowing... again... I need to wake everyone so they can get ready for church and make some breakfast. It's potluck day at church, taking bean soup. Until later...

KimV

1-1-11

2011-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

What a unique date!

We went to friend's last night. The guys played an exciting game of RISK and us girls watched a movie.

It's cold again this morning... -20 brrr. I do think it's warming up... lol

I've been pondering this Crazy 15 Challenge... http://up4achallenge.blogspot.com/ Check out Vonna's blog...

I think I might tweak on it a bit... I have like 6 WIPs and many new stocking I plan to start... but not all in the next 15 days... I don't even know what patterns I'm doing yet. I don't know maybe I won't tweak it... you'll probably see my name somewhere! LOL!!! I also have like 4 quilts started. So, I think I'm putting a goal challenge WIP project in my side bar... I did join the Anniversary of the Heart SAL on Blackbird Yahoo Groups. I don't think I'm doing it all in one... I think they would look awesome framed and grouped on a wall together! I also have like 3 Adam & Eve charts that I'd like to do... oh, you should check out the Chatelaine Designs on European Cross Stitch! http://europeanxs.com/

OOOOHHH! How I love her designs... she has an Adam & Eve... I have 2 of her charts, Alpine Seasons and Holland Mandala... sooooo very pretty. I have to save pennies to get her kit... I want to do it as she charted it... not substitute DMC... I don't think it would look as pretty... of course, I do have expensive taste and love silk and linen... who can blame a girl???

Have a great day! I think it's perfect for a cup of coffee/tea/cocoa and a couple of stitching projects and a good blanket! Keep warm!!!

KimV

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T10:06:00.000-08:00

Every year it seems the tradition that we make New Years Resolutions... many of us do this only to set a goal too high in the exuberance of the moment. It's wonderful to set high goals for ourselves, especially when we achieve them, but when we don't it only seems to add a sense of failure. Now don't get me wrong... I'm not saying don't set high goals for yourself. I'm just saying don't set unreasonably high goals for yourself! I know there are some people who set their goals to never think of them again and are never bothered by it, but there are also those people who only seem to make themselves feel worse.
I have a Challenge Resolution for you. I'm making it for me too. Part 1: At least once a week do something for someone else that has no benefit to you or simply is a Random Act of Kindness (R.A.K.) Call a friend or a relative and let them talk... just listen, don't talk about you. (I tell my kids all the time: You have 2 ears and 1 mouth!) Cook your husband or kids their favorite dinner or dessert for no special reason. Make a batch of cookies and take them to your neighbor or to the senior home. Make a dinner and take it to someone who's shut in. Pay for the coffee for the car behind you in the drive up or go down to the local cafe where the old boys have coffee in the early morning... pay for their first round! Send a thank you letter or card to a serviceman or woman over seas or to Walter Reed Hospital. Heck send a box of unused cards and a book of stamps so they can write someone else... I guess what I'm saying is there is some much that we can do to make our world a better place, and it's even better if we don't expect any gain from it! (but I do believe that good things happen to those who aren't expecting anything). Part 2: Keep a journal... not to pat yourself on the back but to keep track of the positive things that happen or how it makes you feel about yourself)
I will post a weekly R.A.K. that I myself have done... We start next week!
Now, on another note... OMGosh! I woke to -23 degrees!!! It looks sooo pretty outside... clear, blue skies, frosty trees, sunny sparkly snow... and way too cold to go outside! The guys think it's gonna warm up to go snowmobiling. I have my doubts.
Our friends called to see if we want to come over tonight after dinner to play games, my husband thinks I should offer our house cause it's bigger... my brain is rebelling saying You will have to clean... my heart is saying what about all that stuff you just wrote! lol so, I'm thinking I'll call and offer... see what she thinks.
Happiest of New Years to you and yours...
KimV

Final Finishes for 2010!

2010-12-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

YIPPEEEE!!!
My mom came to visit for Christmas... (which was awesome) and because of her I got stuff finished! Things that have been in my cross stitch cupboard needing finishing (done stitching).
I had 2 that I had stitched for both my sis in laws from Montana... We turned into wall hangings.

I just finished the LHN ornaments when
Mom got here and we finished them like little pillows with hangers.

And then lastly... my Quaker Girl Needle Case by With My Needle... that I stitched in 2008! is now FINISHED!!!!

Wow... what a sense of accomplishment... closure... joy... oh, yeah... and now I can look at all my many whips and say... You're Next!!!!
Or... hehehehehe... more than likely... I will start more projects!!! I'm thinking of more stockings... I have my sis in laws 2 older kids and my brother Phil and his partner...
and then the whole other side of the family!
Ok, so here's the question... I want your opinion what's your favorite stocking pattern???
I have done 10 Shepherd's Bush stockings, I will do at least 2 more for Will & Nicole... but I'm thinking something different for this side of the family, there's at least 9 of them.

Christmas...

2010-12-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

We all have Christmas Traditions and memories... what are yours?
I remember when I was really little we were staying with my grandparents in Pataha. My aunt and uncle were also with their 2 boys. I don't remember why... just that we were all there at Christmas and I remember that they had a blue tree. I got a doll for Christmas, I think from my aunt and she was dressed in white and very pretty... I wonder what happened to that doll... I wish I still had her... anyways. We had a blue tree for most of the time that I can remember... when Mike and I got married, I found blue lights and we have a blue tree. I tried a couple of years ago to change to white lights, but my husband had a fit... and since we have a blue tree...

When Mike was little, he had an aunt who would buy each of them a Christmas ornament every year. They are the hand painted, hand blown glass ornaments... they are so very cute and pretty and delicate...

What a great idea! If you have nieces and nephews, heck even your kids... get them a special ornament every year and when they are old it will bring back memories every Christmas.

The silver cross I bought used. It's an old Barton Reed Sterling Silver ornament... I'd like to get some more... very pretty...

These mittens are the quickest, cutest little gems to make... all you need is wool felt... cut out 2 sides. You can bead or add ribbon along the top or whatever you want...

blanket stitch them together and add a little poly fill inside for padding... I attached mine together with some matching floss.

CUTE CUTE CUTE and way too easy!

Merry Christmas...

Framed!

2010-12-08T08:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of the finished framed piece. I really like it!
Kim

Long, long time...

2010-12-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

Wow... has it been a while. What have you all been doing? We have been busy living life. Summer flew by, which I knew it would... but that fast? We had spring-like, cold, wet weather until July. Then it was somewhat summerish and cool and wet again in August. School started (my baby is a freshman!). It warmed up a little and we had a lovely fall, then winter hit. We have a good foot of snow on the level and have had snow since just before Thanksgiving.

Stitching... my there's too many projects!!! I have finished stockings for my brother and his wife. I must say they are lovely!

I am working on LHN ornaments now for my sister's family and my brother's little girl. They stitch up quickly! Finishing might be another story but I do plan and finishing them myself.

I did a quick fun BBD stocking swap! How FUN! I hadn't done a BBD stocking, but I may be hooked now! I also have a Fair & Square Christmas Swap. Again I chose a BBD. It's not really in traditional colors so I thought it was different.

I have numerous WIPs most of them are larger projects.
I really want to do a cover for my Bible. Has anyone done that before. I'm thinking of designing it a bit myself... Maybe some quaker motifs and verses and sampler stuff... I don't know.
We found out Corey is allergic to gluten. So, there is my new challenge. Which I don't think will be too difficult. I found a flour mix and made pancakes today... they were good! So, I should be able to do some Christmas baking. Our whole family is going to try it (gluten free)
I'm dragging my feet getting my tree decorated. I found a tree that I wanted... waited for my men to come cut it down... they never showed... so I walk back to the truck and they decide they aren't going to get that tree... so ok, you pick one out then. Oh, you should see this tree... it will be a challenge to decorate. LOL... I guess that's what I get.
Well, I hope you all have a great week!

Kim

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2010-03-17T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hope this day finds you all well and good! It's a bit cloudy and dreary here... warmish... but grey.
I have been busy with so many different things. I can't believe it's already March 17th... my brother's birthday was March 15th! I texted him Happy Birthday the day before, but as usual... I didn't get his card in the mail! That's me. My other brother's birthday is next week... maybe I can be better... He'll fall over if he get's a card in the mail on time from me! lol

Well, I finished My Shade. This design is by Erica Michaels. I loved it when I first saw it. There are some changes that I made to it. The trees in the 3rd panel had some specialty stiches that I didn't care for and I really liked the look without them... so I left them out. I also changed a few colors, either because I didn't have the one called for or because I wanted too! LOL... she used a white for the flowers on the small tree at the bottom right hand corner... I used WDW Chablis... which is a pale to light pink.

I am currently working on my squares for Round 18 Fair and Square exchange... I am doing a design from Homespun Elegance on Vintage Exemplar linen... so pretty... All I can tell you though in case Nicky (my exchange partner) was to check in. Am getting ready to start "Resurrection" that I posted earlier.

Well, I must be off!

Good Morning!

2010-03-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

I had visitors yesterday... momma and her twins. It was nice, sunny, mostly blue sky... Brandon and I watched the USA/Canada hockey game... Congrats Canada! Good job USA... nothing like a little excitement... and I don't even watch hockey! Mike and Corey went snowmobiling, probably for the last time... it's suppose to be 50 today... we have an icey mushy melty mess... dreaming of spring!

Mouse (the cat) isn't she pretty? and very cross eyed! lol

My Shade update... about 2/3s done! Yay! The words that I'm working on now are 1 over on 40... I'm going to look like my cat!!!

Oh check this out!

2010-02-28T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone... you need to go to Jennifer's Feathers in the Nest blog and sign up for her St. Patrick's Giveaway!!! TRUST ME when I say that you definately want to sign up for it... yummy chocolate Klemscott scissors, fat quarter of beautiful plaid wool and a simply sweet chart from Sampler Girl... Irish Needlebook! Go there NOW! lol... have a wonderful Sunday!

Your Shade update...

2010-02-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

It's going along nicely... pretty easy stitch actually... I'm really liking it!

I got more STASH!!! Yay!

N.Hinde 1778 mini sampler... ya... 1 1/2" x 2 1/2" 1 over on 35ct... holy smokes!

OOOOHH.... Peaceful Paradise!!! I have loved this chart from afar... just got it today!!! I want to start it now... ! But NO... I will resist... I must finish WIPS!!! I must have will power... I must... I must.. lol... well, we'll see...

and then there is Copper again... he's also my stitchin buddy!

Springtime... and Copper stories

2010-02-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of spring... Ok... the flowers are not from outside... they are silk, but oh how they put me in the mood... I looking longingly outside mostly because everytime we get snoow it gets warm and then we have a mess. Granted it hasn't gotten warm enough to actually make the ice go away... just warm enough to melt stuff and then freeze to make skating rinks... however I don't skate. It snowed probably a good 3 inches last night, now it's 40 degrees and thinking of rain... the water is running off my roof... Lovely!

Picture 2 and 3 is Copper... napping on the couch... he does have it rough doesn't he? I do love him to pieces though! He's my 3rd child...

Ok, I have a "Copper Story" for you... Copper loves chocolate, he apparently never heard there was a health risk for dogs to eat chocolate because he will eat it by the pound! (and I'm really not exagerating much) His love affair with chocolate goes back to puppyhood when he "broke into" several Christmas baskets and ate the Hershey Kisses out of them... (very civilized... he takes the wrappers off) Then Mike (hubby) came home from work (he sells hearing aids) with a 2 lb box of fudge (from a man who owned a candy store and bought hearing aids) He gave it to me in our room while unpacking his work cloths... being side tracked I set it on our bed and forgot it. Later that evening I went in my room to discover an empty fudge box... OMGosh!!! 2 POUNDS of FUDGE??? I figured he had expired somewhere or was on the sugar high of a lifetime... but no. Later I found a brick of fudge in my dirty clothes... hmmm... and then hidden in Brandon's room... ahhh... we are stashing it away for later! Smart dog!!! Yesterday I went in my closet and found a Candy Quick White Chocolate box with the corner chewed off... hidden under some clothes... we've been on a no candy diet so I guess he decided to raid the pantry... lol... what a mutt!

Dreams, business and stash...

2010-02-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking of doing something new... well... sort of... not really... hmmm... now that doesn't make any sense does it? It's just if I put it down here... then I'm somewhat accountable. For quite sometime I've thought of starting my own pattern/design business. Maybe even a small web based needle shop... though I don't know about that... I suppose it could start with kits... hmmm... There, I've said it. I'm thinking cross stitch (of course) but it could easily branch into needle punch/rug hook & quilting. Which I think all go together anyways! LOL...
I guess, I need to start talking with established designers for information. I have a couple of charts made up... maybe I will post one as a freebie and see what you think???
Ok... so, stash... there really is much to report! LOL The last picture is a block of the month that I am participating at my local quilt store.

Good Morning

2010-02-23T08:42:00.000-08:00

How is your morning? Mine is sunshining (Ya!), but snow and ice... I am so wanting spring... I was on Beth Twist's site My Heatstring and she has lovely pictures of spring buds and blooms... I look outside and see winter. deep long sigh..........
But today is bible study day so I'm busily tiding up my house. We have a small group of gals that have come over. This next few months is the Book of Revelation through Beth Moore. If you like to do bible study I strongly recomend Beth Moore
I will be back... I have to make coffee... hot water... I have a small treat in oven and my hair needs curled! lol
but here's what I'll be stitching on later today...
Erica Michaels: The Lord is your shade.

I'm BACK!

2010-02-22T13:18:00.000-08:00

Hey! I'm back... sorry I've been gone so long! So much going on here... the first year my child played basketball! We are on our way to District Tournements! Their team ranked 2 in their league. He's on the tourney team... but probably won't play much. He's excited.

Corey has not had a seizure since October 14. We've got him on a vitamin/mineral diet plan... we've cut back on his meds. I am so praying he'll be better. And finally we have an offer on our farm. Oh, how good it would be to get that sold!!!

So many projects to do... Cross stitch is still my love. I've been quilting also.

I've finished 2 more stockings! How dumb of me though... I forgot pictures before I sent them away!

Here is the last one... it hasn't been finished yet... I have 2 more and I think I will be done with those... lol... maybe... ya right!

Stockings...

2009-09-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

Isn't it cute...??? This is the 8th Shepherd's Bush stocking that I have stitched! This one is for my niece Emma. I'll be sending it off to get "finished" soon... am trying to be abitious and get two more done before that... am about 1/4 done with one of them... not very good progress... but they do stitch up remarkably fast!

Angela's Wall Hanging...

2009-09-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

Crabapple Hill Autumn design...
It really turned out cute!
Embroidered... padded satin stitch, french knots, lazy daisy stitch, long stitch and running stitch.

9/11

2009-09-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

Well... I sit here and reflect as I'm sure a lot of folks did today... 9/11 what does it mean to you? Well, 9 years ago... it was a birthday... mine to be exact... (not looking for b-day wishes! LOL) so, it was cake and some excitement, though that changes too as we get older...
Where were you? I was getting ready to go to the Montana Ram Sale in Miles City... my friend called and said... you gotta turn on the TV.... and so it began... I listened to it the whole 275 miles to my destination...
Seeing the images still make me cry. I feel deeply patriotic... I love America! I get goose bumps when I hear the Star Spangled Banner. I feel oh, so blessed to have the opportunity to live here... I love what our country stands for... I sometimes wish that I could live at some earlier time when things were simpler (not easier... just simpler)
A couple years after on the anniversary my oldest who was around 9 told me he was sad... I asked him why? and he said for all those people, for all their families... I was touched... after all we live across the country from NY and we did not personally know anyone there... he looked outside and said... look mom, a rainbow! I think I know why God made that rainbow... do you think there is one in NY too? I cried. Out of the mouth of Babes...

Anyways, I hope all remember...

2009-09-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Hey all... little update from me... this is a swap that I did with my Hand-Dids group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hand-Dids/ We made 3 needle cases and then got back 3 different needle cases... very cute! The crocheted purse and needle case was a little extra special drawing that Angela (our group Mommy) made and I won (yay me!)

2nd Update... as of today Corey hasn't had any more seizures... I just keep praying that it will stay that way... that the medication is where it needs to be... He's very independent. He has a 3 day field trip coming up in a couple weeks. He doesn't want me to be there as a chaperone... he informs me that there are plenty of teachers and instructors that will be there... so deep breathe... ok, he needs space... this is really hard on him. He's my go off by myself... do my thing...

Sneak peak of my Autumn wall hanging swap with Angela...

Update on Corey

2009-08-31T13:11:00.000-07:00

Well, we made it to Seattle... I have to say the Dr. looked at us like we were crazy driving all that way. They did another EEG with sleep deprivation... only could have 4 hours of sleep... (He is still on a small dose of Klonopin) anyways the EEG came back with nothing on it. The Dr. felt it was probably a mixture of the Klonopin and the Lamictal but he felt that Corey shouldn't have had a seizure after being on the Lamictal 300mg for 5 days so he upped the dose to 400mg... he is to stay at 400mg + the small dose of Klonopin for 2 weeks. Then he is to drop the Klonopin and see if the Lamictal will keep the seizures away. If it doesn't then we will switch to a different medication... and so it goes... I am happy that he didn't have a seizure on Thursday though... :-)
Almost done stitching on Angela's wall hanging... just a little bit to go...
Oh and I got 3 gallons of blackberry juice! (I always take my juicer... and then make jelly/syrup later) and then when I got home my girlfriend came over and we made 9 batches of wild plum jam!

Thanks... I'm ok...

2009-08-21T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a melt down... sorry All... I just had to explode somewhere... it just happened to be here... the Dr's office called and they had a cancellation for Tuesday... so we are headed to Seattle Monday afternoon... will be in Idaho pickin' berries and floating on the river over the weekend... so you won't hear from me for about 5 days... thanks for all the support and thoughts and prayers and everything!
Working on Angela's wall hanging... ;-)
Waiting on the finished stockings... think I need to start Emma's (my neice's stocking this coming week)
Got the new Just Cross Stitch mag... ooo, some cute stuff!
KimV

on a lighter note... I saw this post in Angela's Handid's group...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1205007/Shepherdess-bride-marries-stunning-dress-wool-flock.html

I HATE THuRSDAYS!!!

2009-08-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Thursday and I now officially hate this day of the week... the last 3 Thursdays in a row Corey has had a seizure. This morning I sat holding my breathe... "ok, we're going to get through the day without a seizure... everything is going to be fine... he's up to full dose for 5 days on his meds... he's been up almost an hour... yep... it's going to be fine... not going to let him play any electronics... just get past the first couple of hours... 9:23am... we're talking, carrying on a conversation... he's quiet... oh, no... not again... please, Lord, no more..." I don't know if I can keep doing this... this week... the last few days... have really been rough for me personally ~ I'm trying to stay calm, be strong for Corey and Mike(DH) and Brandon(oldest)... We are trying to get in to see the specialist... 2nd opinion type of thing... confirming diagnosis... first set for Oct... have gotten it bumped to Sept 10... but not with the same Dr... 1st Dr is epitologist... head of the epilepsy dept... the new Dr is a pediatric neurologist... in the same clinic.
Stitching... I've been working on a swap that I'm doing with Angela... it's very pretty... I like it alot... been admiring the pattern for a couple years... hmm... not saying anymore Angela!!! ;-)
Well, I'll check in later... Corey is going to walk over to his Grandma's... I'm gonna follow.
KimV

Icecream...

2009-08-17T09:56:00.000-07:00

I scream...You scream...We all scream... for icecream!!!

Ok... so what is your favorite flavor???

There are so many but I have to say that Vanilla is my very most favorite!!! It always has been... you can add chocolate fudge... that's good... but vanilla in general is the best!

my swap with Imi

2009-08-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of what I got from Imi...

She made me a lovely wall hanging, an ooooh so cute sheep needle book, a cute little pillow, some beautiful Gloriana silk thread and yummy Dutch coffee candy!

thank you Imi!

KimV

Embroidery

2009-08-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well... finished tea towel #1... hopefully none of my family find my blog... or they will see their Christmas presents... and it won't be much of a surprize! lol!

Isn't that just cute??? I found this "store" on Ebay... she sells lots of iron on patterns... this is my sis-i-l... I think she'll love them!!! ;-)

I can't wait to get back the stockings so you can see them. They are going to a new finisher lady... so it will be interesting to see how she does them... hopefully they are like the others... but these are for the mom & dad of the family so... they could be a bit different from the kids'...

I'm here...

2009-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone...

Did you all think I dropped off the edge??? It almost feels that way... summer is hard... since I don't have a "real" job ~ we aren't on a real schedule.

We've been boating/jet skis... Corey learned how to slalom ski! He's a very determined boy...

We went to Hungary Horse Reservoir... wow! It's probably one of the most beautiful places I've seen...

We have been dealing with the Epilepsy. Corey has had 6 total seizures this summer. The last one this morning... I feel so frustrated and helpless. He will be at full dose on his medication Saturday. We are making an appointment to go to Seattle to see a specialist there. I have yet to hear from their office.

My oldest starts football practice tomorrow. Where did summer go? School starts in 17 days... it all goes so fast.

I watch them go through all these life periences... I ache for them... first love... first heartbreak... unexplainable illness... It's cloudy and rainy here... I think it's affecting my mood...

On a brighter note... I have to post pictures of my swap with Imi! I have a couple of pictures from the scissor fob that I made her...

I've been working on Christmas presents. I finished my sister's stocking. Both her and Bill's are sent to be finished ~ I will post pictures of the end results... I've also been doing some embroidery. I am making tea towel sets. I found the cutest cowgirl/boy day of the week patterns... I just finished the stitching on Monday... have to do the corner fabric and blanket stitch! Soooo cute!

Well, I just wanted you all to know that I am here... just busy! September will be better for communication!

KimV