Thursday, December 19, 2013

Finished At Last

I finished Emma a few weeks ago, and I love her!


I also finished another semester, and I'm pretty sure I lost some brain cells in the process. No way I would have chosen to major in chemistry. Now I'm going to enjoy a few weeks of pure bliss and stitch my fingers off.


I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

Friday, September 27, 2013

Pumpkins For Cathey

Wishing you a very happy blogoversary, Cathey. I hope these pumpkin blossoms brighten your day!



Thank you Sharon for organizing a special day for a very special lady!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Back In the Hamster Wheel

I recently read on someone's blog (wish I could remember which one) that it was back in the hamster wheel now that school had begun again. That is exactly how I feel. I need to keep reminding myself what is on the other end of all this work and that it will end at some point. After having pretty much the whole summer, it is hard to get back into the routine of school. Very hard to put school first, and my stitching, reading, etc. second, or third, or wherever it falls after school, cooking, cleaning - you know - all those fun things. :) Really, though, my life isn't all that different from most of yours - most of you work and have families and I'm sure not nearly as much stitching, fun time as you would like. I've already fallen behind in my blog reading and commenting - sorry. I'm trying to catch up a little, and I hate being days, sometimes even a week late in my comments. Not sure how you all feel about late comments. August seems to have disappeared in a puff of smoke, and now it's September. Can't say I really miss August though, it was kind of a sad month.

Anyway...I have one very small finish. A few months ago, I went in search of some old Handwork samplers - can't even remember which ones now. I tried the Attic needlework shop and while she didn't have the ones I was searching for, she gave me a list of a few that she did have. Sight unseen, I ordered a couple, one of which was Naomi Dartnall.


I'm currently trying to finish Emma Lerch. After stitching a gazillion leaves, it's down to some filling in and should be done very soon. I recently came across the 1848 Lydia Ann Sharp sampler in the Spring 2013 Sampler & Antique Needlework issue. The colors are somewhat similar to the colors in Emma (to my eyes anyway-may have to pink it up some), and I'm kind of thinking about starting it. Grand plans I know.


I'm also doing some secret stitching on a Halloween piece to be seen later in the month.

We took a short trip to Bellevue State Park a week or so ago...


Even though it is hard to believe, we once had a castle in Delaware. Before and after pictures of the remodeled Bellevue Hall.


We took another short trip to North Carolina in August to help our daughter and son-in-law move back home. Sadly, things just didn't work out on the job front for my son-in-law and it was decided they would come home and try to get back on their feet. The night before leaving to come back home, we enjoyed a delicious farewell dinner with some of my daughter's co-workers along the Cape Fear River. An absolutely beautiful evening.


Looking across the river


Lola wanted a chance to redeem herself after that unfortunate picture of her funny expression. It doesn't look like she is being very successful.

Sound asleep, and snoring.


Not happy about the impromptu photo shoot. Would any of us want to be awakened out of a sound sleep to have our picture taken?


Finally, a very big thank you to all who stop by and visit! Whether you leave a comment or not I really appreciate your time. Welcome to new followers! Every time I consider discontinuing this blog thing, someone new pops up and I'm simply amazed, and think...well, maybe just one more post. :) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Monday, August 12, 2013

Summer Blog Hop

Earlier in the year, in a state of extreme exuberance over the whole summer looming in front of me, I signed up to be a part of the Summer Blog Hop sponsored by Jo, of Serendipitous Stitching. We were asked to share home-themed stitching. I just received this lovely postcard from Julie of Juliesstitchingjournal:


This is what she wrote to go along with it:

"The words on this piece by Tanya at The Sampler Girl are so true. It's nice to visit new and exciting places, but there really is 'nothing like staying home for real comfort' be that the comfort of your sofa, or the comfort of your family and friends who come to visit and make you happy."

After being away for a few days, I have to say that I could not agree more with this sentiment! :) If you aren’t already familiar with Julie’s blog, why don’t you stop by for a visit, and if you are interested in participating, pop on over to Jo’s blog and sign up. I really enjoyed being a part of this blog hop!

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Blue Cat Detour

I knew when I first saw this design that it would not be one to just file away. I just couldn't resist the blue cat. In my house we have...
A black and white cat with mittens



A gray and white cat with knotty fur



A dopey cat that looks like he is wearing his striped pajamas



A little black cat that rules the house and my heart



And the newest addition



Jean Longmuir circa 1840 The Essamplaire

Life has been a bit of a rollercoaster lately, so this won't be a wordy post. I do want to thank those who take the time to read and comment and to thank those who are followers. I know it takes time to participate in the blog world, and I know most of you have busy lives, so the time you give me is much appreciated!! Now back to Emma. :)

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Emma Pretty In Pink

Surprise, surprise, I haven't let quite as much time elapse as I usually do between posts. :) I've been working on Emma Lerch from The Scarlet Letter. I've had this chart for quite a while and although not my usual colors, I'm finding Emma very pretty. I'm really enjoying working on her, even the border.


Unfortunately, vying for attention are some lovely samplers I received from The Essamplaire. Discipline...it's not an ugly word. :)



We celebrated my son's 21st birthday on June 1. I want to tell time to slow down a little bit.



I know it takes time to stop and leave a comment, but the fact that you take the time really means a lot to me! Welcome to my new followers! I like to acknowledge comments, so I will take this opportunity to say thank you to those of you who are no-reply. :)

I was being blinded by this bright orb in the sky today when I realized it was the sun. We haven't seen much of it lately and I was thinking that maybe I should put stitching aside and get started on building an ark. :)

Thanks for reading!

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Endings and Beginnings

Finally reached the end of a sampler that although small, took forever.






Hannah Cummins, 1828 With My Needle

Love this rabbit-


Garden Rabbit Ornament Cherie Wheeler Designs

My semester at school came to a close and I'm eagerly awaiting a package from The Essamplaire to fill my time until the summer semester begins. I will be taking a couple of classes online, so thankfully no traveling.

Another ending that is also a beginning-



My son graduated (magna cum laude) and will begin the next half of his college career in the fall. Way to make him squint into the sun. :)

The beginning of a new life together. The weather cooperated and it couldn't have been more beautiful-







Guess google reader is going away, and although I'm not sure how bloglovin works, I guess I will give it a try. Not sure if this is necessary, but Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Hope you are enjoying a beautiful spring day. Thanks for taking the time to visit!

Friday, January 4, 2013

The World Is Back On Its Axis...Temporarily

Going back to school has sure put a stop to a lot of things. :) It has been a pretty drastic change for me. For four VERY LONG months, everything I enjoy took a backseat to school. I guess it was worth it, as it resulted in four A's. For my sanity's sake though, I need to figure out how to keep the things I enjoy in my life, and do what I need to for school. There must be a way? As much as I hate schedules, I'm hoping that maybe that is the secret to having it all. Delusional probably. :)

I've been on break since the 15th of December and I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed it!!! My son and I took a quick trip to North Carolina to visit my daughter, future son-in-law and my grandkitty (their demon cat), Kahlua.


She really is a sweet little cat. :)


After a whirlwind Christmas, I was able to settle down and do what I've been waiting to do for a long time. :) Stitch!

Hannah Cummins by With My Needle - ignore the fuzz and cat hair. :)


Hopefully, I can finish this before I go back to school on the 15th. I've enjoyed the instant gratification of some smaller finishes too.

Good Tidings to You by The Sampler Girl


Dec. 25th Cupboard Hanger by Pineberry Lane


August Word Play by With Thy Needle and Thread. I love the little garden girl!


Having no time to stitch hasn't kept me form ordering some new things. :) The Country Sampler always sends your order so nicely packaged.


Inside...


I couldn't wait to order Christmas at Hollyberry Farm!

Another thing I have really missed - READING!


I finished A Reliable Wife and am currently reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

My world really has seemed to be back on its axis for the last few weeks. I'm looking forward to visiting your blogs once again and really am going to try and figure out how to maintain this once I go back to school. I've missed my old life terribly! :)

I really appreciate you taking the time to visit and hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend!