SimplyStitchingInTheGarden

Happy New Year

2012-01-07T23:18:00.005-05:00

I know, I know - I am a bit late with my well wishes. Life has been busy as usual - but the light is definitely at the end of the tunnel. It is the beginning of the Winter/Spring semester at school and the bookstore is just busy, busy!!! We are all working 11+ hours a day!

Plus I am heading to Callaway for their needlearts school this week. Just way too much to do in such a short time.

Hope to have much more to share with you all this new year of 2012 and I am planning on lots more stitching - last year had way too many bumps so not much of anything got done in the yard, in the house and with the stitching and such.

Best wishes for happiness and good health to you all.

Roberta

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-24T09:00:00.005-05:00

Well it is Christmas Eve day and I am wondering where this past year went!! How did my life get so busy - well 2012 will be hopefully a slower paced year and filled with lots more stitching. I learned a new word --- NO!!

To add to my busyness - my computer has been acting strangely - notice the underlining!!?? Do not know where that came from and I cannot seem to get rid of it.

The little bit of stitching I did is below - the small red and gold Whitman's Tin with smalls from a Jane Timmer's design. I also made a waxer using two small charms tied together with a ribbon with the wax pressed inbetween.

Since I do not like to see the writing on the bottom - I cover the area with felt or ultra suede and then add button feet.

Above is an ornament I received from an exchange group and below is the ornament I sent.

Since this is the 3rd attempt to post this - I will close and say Merry Christmas to you all.

Roberta

TUSAL

2011-11-25T18:43:00.003-05:00

Well, life just seems to not want me to sit at the computer - I truly thought I would be able to get caught up with my messages and my blog reading - WRONG!!! I do see the light at the end of the tunnel, just have to get a few more things taken care of both at home and family and with my stitching projects. Working, of course, doesn't help!!!

But I did remember to take a picture of my ORTS for this past month.

The picture below shows the small container with this months ORTS and this years collection of ORTS.
This is a shot of this months ORTS.

I have been getting some stitching in and some finishing - hoping to get all my stitching done for Christmas.

Did everyone have a good Thanksgiving??? We did and we really tried not to overeat!!!

Thank you for stopping by ---- see you soon.

Roberta

Life is not slowing down

2011-10-27T16:16:00.005-04:00

But I am still working on some small things.

Below is from a mini workshop that my EGA group put on - it is a scissor fob using ribbon, beads and the anchor is a coffee stir straw with silver filler beads on the end.
Here is a photo of the full thing - pretty cute and clever.

Here is a small scissor holder with the newly made ribbon fob attached (cannot see fob)

Below is a lovely ornament that I received from Edgar from the HOE exchange group - this is just beautiful - stitched and finished with perfection - just love it.

This is the ornament that I sent along to my exchange partner - I just love the legs!!
Now this is a spider web that was over our driveway - it was really pretty, but luckily it was quite high up.

I belong to Ikebana International and below is my design from a workshop - design something using grapes!! I thought it looked pretty good and the instructor liked it, but did take away the chop sticks that where in the vase.

Can you believe that the Holidays are upon us - Halloween this weekend and then onto Thanksgiving and then Christmas - where does the time go???

Thanks for stopping by ------------- Roberta

What I have been working on!

2011-10-05T13:59:00.017-04:00

Over the past year and a half, I have been working on the table favors for the EGA National Seminar in Naples, Florida. There were several of us that worked on these lap cloths for this event, which happened in September (last month). I was also volunteer chairperson - so with all that going on and working, having my sister move down to Macon - life has been a bit crazy and my stitching, blogging and life in general was totally out of routine and control!!!

Below is the the silk screen that we put on the lap cloths - the name of the event was Flamingo Fandango - it was great fun, wonderful hotel, hotel staff, good food and the classes and teachers were terrific.
This is the lap cloth layed out. We had folded them and tied them with pink floss with a thread card attached - the cloths were well received.

Below is my Halloween ornament for the month - my stitching was reduced to small things over the course of the last year plus.

At the seminar I had the privilege of being accepted into two separate classes one taught by Tanya Berlin and the other taught by Jetta Roy-Finley Heath. Tanya is from England, trained at the Royal School in England and now resides in Canada. Jetta is originally from Denmark and specializes in Danish white, pulled, drawn thread styles. Both ladies are extremely talented and very knowledgeable about their skills and techniques.

Below is what I did in Tanya's class - basically it is a thread painting class using 1 strand of DMC. The boutique that was at the seminar had cut out mats to complement various pieces that were being taught at the seminar - I really liked this mat that was cut to fit the Blue Bird on a blossom branch. It is slightly off set, so it give a really nice appearance.

Now this is Tanya's piece!!! her work is just exquisite!

Now here is what I did in Jetta's class - Falstersyning Coaster - it is the style of whitework that is done on the island of Falster, just off the coast of Denmark - syning is the word for sewing - hence Falstersyning is sewing in the style of Falster.

Here is Jetta's piece, again another beautifully crafted piece of embroidery.

Well, since I didn't have enough to do, several of us were asked to do a pilot piece for Barbara Rakosnik - which she was teaching at the seminar - this is what I have done so far.

I am just loving these pieces that I now have to get finished along with the rest of my WIPS!!!

Below are two wash/dish cloths that I did manage to crochet and knit up - there also was a third on, but it was given away before I took a picture of it.

As if there is nothing to do, I also belong to the local Ikebana oranization and this was the workshop for September - manipulating leaves/line material.

I know that I went on forever, but it has been such a long time since I have been able to sit and write about what I love to do - it felt good to be able to sit here at the keyboard and share my loves with you all.

Thanks for visiting - see you all soon - I have lots of blog reading to catch up on -

Roberta

TUSAL photo

2011-10-02T12:15:00.004-04:00

Well, it has been a month since I last entered somthing onto my blog!!! Life is finally quieting down a bit for me - but, of course, the holidays are just around the corner!!!

Here is my ORT's from this past month. I finished up the table favors for the EGA National Seminar (dark blue and pink orts) and the rest is from the two classes that I took at National and the Pilot class I did before the seminar. There is also some scraps from a small quilt that I am working on.
I will have photos of what I have been working on later today or tomorrow.

See you all soon.

Roberta, who is back to blogging!!

TUSAL

2011-09-03T15:47:00.002-04:00

Hi All, I thought I would be able to be back in the swing of things, but my life is still very busy, once the EGA National Seminar is over, I should really be able to catch back up with you all. I do miss my blogging and reading what everyone else is doing.

Well, I missed the last few TUSAL's so here is what I have and yes, I am a few days late - sorry!!!

See you all soon, thank you for being so patient with me. I'll be back in blog land in a few weeks.

Roberta

Dropping in for a quick hello

2011-08-06T07:54:00.011-04:00

with some photos to share.

The weather has been so terribly hot that my poor yard is suffering, but there is still some beauty --- this gorgeous butterfly on my hydrangea bush.
Then we have the area that the birds feed - I now have a garden of ????? corn maybe??!!

But definitely, do have pumpkins or squash growing!! Isn't this so cute and little!!

Couldn't pull this out of the yard and I am so glad that I left it. I know it will be gone what with the deer, raccoons and possums that visit my yard!!

Now onto some of things that I have been able to work on with my crazy busy schedule. The local yarn shop "Creative Yarns" has stared a sock club which meets every week and we are suppose to do pair of socks a month -- ya right!!!! Just so I can catch up, I am not doing the August sock until later!!

Here are some of the socks that I have started - this one below is not in this book but something I started last winter and hope to finish soon!!

This is the sock for the month of June - the purpose of the Sock Club is to learn new techniques and to help each other with problems - this is not a class but a social event. What is so fun is how everyone approaches each sock. This pair I am doing on double pointed needles as with the above sock.

Here is a close up of the pattern and the yarn which is - Malabrigo - kettle Dyed Pure Superwash Merino Wool.

Below is the sock for July and I am using 2 circular needles. this is my first attempt using circular needles for socks and I am liking it so far.

A close up of the pattern - this is a cable technique and the yarn is Spud and Chloe a superwash wool and silk. This yarn splits easily, but I love the color and how it feels.

So yes, another knitting project - because of my crazy busy life at the moment, the knitting is an easier thing for me to do - I can just pick it up and work a few stitches or rows when the time is available - especially at work!! Yes, I can stitch or knit at work when it is not busy. I do get to stitch once in a while at home, but I am only working on small things like ornaments.

Below is scarf - some call it a 'jellyfish' scarf.

This is what it looks like on the skein and then pulled apart.

This is how it is knitted - using # 10 or 11 needles - cast on 6 stitches using the narrow edge and then you knit using each loop as your throwing yarn.

This is the product that was at my yarn shop.

Notice the thick bottom of the strand and the thinner top which is where you work from. Clear as mud!!! I hope I explained this so you too can do this project - it could be done in one long night - I am not a fast stitcher - this took me about 5 hours. It is a great gift item!!

Thank you for stopping by and good for you for reading through this longer than usual entry. I hope to be able to be back on track with blogging and reading and commenting by the end of September.

Again thank you for visiting ---- See you soon on the web ---- Roberta

A quick Hello

2011-07-21T08:36:00.003-04:00

to say that - no I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth YET!!!

Life has just been extremely busy and my computer time and my stitching time has suffered greatly- will explain soon.

Just wanted to share with you the cat that is too big for the small box. Cats love boxes, paperbags, small spaces in closets and chasing sheets as one makes a bed.

Well, here is Mars sitting/sleeping in a box from Sam's club (big box warehouse store). He loves this tiny box - why is beyond our family's understanding, but it is just way too funny and cute!!
This is some flowers and spearmint from the yard - smelled great!

The Hydragea's were lovely, but with the heat we have been having, my bushes are just not too happy, but here is another view - do note that large cat is still in small box just under the purple flower.

Now some of my flowers are simply a food source for the locals - we have visitors daily and there are hardly any flowers left in the yard. LOL

Now as for stitching - that has taken a big hit - have worked on a few smallish items and have been knitting a bit - dish/wash cloths, and knitting socks - have 3 going and only one sock is almost done from the three pairs!! I do miss my computer time and stitching time, but I do try to drop in and visit blogs - usually do not have time for commenting since I visit during work. I am hoping life will ease up for my by mid September.

Thank you for stopping by ----------------- Roberta

TUSAL

2011-06-01T19:54:00.005-04:00

Well here is my 'orts' for this year!! I missed both April and May getting my TUSAL photos up. Now I am not sure what I should be showing - the smaller container is from the beginning of the year and the larger container is what I have put in these last two month. I think I need to change the containers!!!

So my question is do I show just what I did for the month or do I show what I have put into the jar year to date??
I have completed my ornaments for the months of April and May - will have photos in a day or two. Need to have May's ornament arrive at its destination - It was an exchange piece.

I am 2 months behind with my wash/dish cloths - hope to catch up this month by doing 3!!

Thanks for stopping by.

Roberta

It has been 2 months!!!

2011-05-30T15:09:00.003-04:00

Where does time go??? My life has gone into total chaos, nothing serious, just things having to be done, traveling, getting ready for DS, Jean to move here with us, yard work and of course work, the paying kind.

I haven't has much time for the computer so my blog reading (and you already know that my blog writting) have taken a back seat. But I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

I have been doing a bit of stitching, but just small things. I have had the time to pull out my bigger projects, but hoping maybe by the middle of June I can get back to some serious stitching.

I have also been working on a project for a National Seminar for the Embroiderer's Guild of America (EGA) and that has taken up a lot of my stitching and computer time, I am almost done with working on that!!! thank goodness.

I have been taking pictures, and hope to get them downloaded to the computer soon.

It is good to be back in blogland and I am looking forward to visiting you all and having you drop by once I get some pictures posted.

Hope everyone had a good Memorial Day weekend - have a great week.

Roberta

Some catch up and some finishes

2011-03-30T21:30:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone, having ones computer die can be very rough with commuications with family and friends. I now have a new desktop computer, fits just right into my messy desk area. Springtime has come to middle Georgia - the cherry blossom trees are just about done, but now the azaleas and dogwoods are showing their beauty, will try to get a photo up sometime soon. Below is my March TUSAL, I know it is a bit late, but no computer, not picture to post.

I did get my March ornament stitched. She is from the 1999 JCS magazine.

Below is my wash/dishcloth for the month.

I have been busy stitching and doing some beading as well as working in the garden.

Thought I had it down on how to down load my pictures from the camera and no it didn't work, had to have DH and DD come and help me figure out this new program.

I know this will get easier as time goes by, so bear with me.

Hope you all are doing well - I will be catching up once again with my blog reading.

Have a great rest of the week and a good weekend.

Thank you for stopping by --------------- Roberta

Today is the first day of the Cherry Blossom Festival

2011-03-18T18:09:00.006-04:00

Well, I am slowly getting use to the new computer and was able to download pictures from my camera.

Since today is the first day of the Cherry Blossom Festival here in Macon, Georgia, I thought I would share part of what this is all about.

First, the newspaper is printed on "PINK" paper. Everything is "PINK" and everyone dresses in Pink and they serve Pink pancakes. It is truly a fun event and this year the weather has been so cooperative that the Cherry Blossoms are out and still busting out - will have more photos of trees tomorrow. I belong to the Ikebana of Middle Georgia group and we are invited every year to do arrangements in all of the rooms of this historic house - the Woodruff House.
Below are three photos of my designs which in located on the first floor sitting room.

The container above is a true Ikebana container.

The one below I found at TJMaxx and was hoping that chopsticks would fit in the holes - and yes they did, so it is truly a unique container.

The two designs above are sitting on the mantle and this design below is in the hearth.

Here is a photo of the whole look.

I will try to post some more photos of designs, but I need to ask permission of the other ladies who put designs in.

Thank you for visiting -- until later --- have a great weekend ----Roberta

No Computer, No Blogging, No Messages

2011-03-15T20:11:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note, to say that not only am I waaayyy behind in blog reading, but in everything else that is 'computer'.

My faithful laptop has been acting up for the last several months and I am sad to say that it has seen its last days. So here I sit with a new 'desktop' but without all my goodies - pictures, worksheets, patterns, whatever. The computer doctor is trying to pull off my information from the laptop. So hopefully, I will be able to get this new 'puter organized. I am really concerned about my pictures, we'll see what happens.

So off I go to get more comfortable with my new friend. I will be back in blogland soon, but I need to catch up and read everyones blogs first.

Until later ---- Roberta

Finishes, kitties and the yard

2011-02-28T10:45:00.008-05:00

This has been a busy, crazy month for me, but I did manage to get stitching done and some pieces finished, as well as, getting some work done in the yard.

I finished up this ornament last nite while watching the Oscars - so now I have my February ornament done - need to pick what I will stitch for my March ornament.
I have managed to also knit and crochet two more wash/dishcloths. This is also another goal of mine for this year - a wash/dishcloth a month.Finished putting this strawberry together - it was stitched last year!!! Time does seem to fly, I have about 5 or 6 more of these!!!
Now I have finally finished BBD's Tis the Season!!! I started this last year in hope of having it done for Christmas 2010 - WELL, it didn't happen, but it is finished now and I just love it.
The Cardinal is just so beautiful and it was a fun area to stitch, the leaves on the other hand where not my favorite things to work on.Now for some kittie photos - Ms Saddles and Mars helping me with my sewing.
I brought the sewing machine down to the kitchen because I had a lot of machine work to do and I needed to work on the machine inbetween cooking and doing other household things.
Now here is Natsuki and Ms Saddles with Ginger in the background. They are sitting on my ironing board in the kitchen, watching everything I am doing. They do try to help out!! LOL
Now we have Natsuki doing her high railing act.
This just drives my husband crazy - he is fearful that she will fall!
Now here is Blackie - one of the outside feral cats, she is watching the birds on the ground eating the seeds that fell from the feeder.
Here is a quick snap of one of the birds - a Tit Mouse.Here are the pretty faces of the Pansys - they are just so sweet poking out of the leaves.
A shot of the side yard, the bushes starting to green up.
Bought myself a Pink Dogwood. Also have some potting to do.
Another shot of the yard - front side - Spring is in the air!
Well, I must say if you have managed to stay with me on this post - thank you!!! As I have said in the past, my computer time is so limited now that I am working, that I needed to get in as much as I could in this one shot. I am able to read blogs sometimes during work, but I am not always commenting - do not want to push my luck!!!

Thanks for stopping by - Enjoy the week ---- Roberta

February's Projects

2011-02-15T16:19:00.004-05:00

Well, it has taken a bit of time to get some pictures taken of my February stitching, but it would help if I had batteries in the camera that were full!! LOL

One of the things I hope to accomplish this year is to make a wash/dish cloth each month. This is the one for February. I find that it is easier on my eyes if I knit or crochet in the evenings, when I have a tiring day at work, so these washcloths are a nice evening project. I also have a pair of socks going and a scarf or two!! can't remember!!! CRS is taking over very quickly. LOL
Here is one of the projects from my challenge of 15 new ones for the year, didn't get very far did I??
Here is good old Sanctuary by Drawn Thread - my hopes is to get this done this year, but then again I have been saying that for about 2 or 3 years now!!!
Another newbie, Witches Hollow, but it was started last year. In hopes of getting this done by August.
Here is my ornament for the month of February - it is from the 1999 JCS Ornament issue - it is called No L by Eileen Bennett.
Now here is Quaker Christmas - don't know what happened, but this was to be finished in 2009 (notice date on picture) and it has been put away twice now!!! not sure what is bothering me about this piece, but it will be finished with any luck by the end of March - at least that is my goal for this piece.
This is from a class I took with Catherine Jordan at the San Francisco EGA Seminar. The box top is done and the inside piece is painted, just have to put some stitching on the piece - a sea monster and a mermaid. This is another piece I hope to have finished by the end of March.
Here is Tis the Season from the BBD Joyeux Noel. Almost done it is set to be finished by the end of this month. I just love the bird on this piece.
Work is keeping me busy, so my computer time is becoming so limited, I do try to read as many blogs as I can, but I am finding it hard to always comment, so do know my friends from the blog world that you are still part of my life.

Thank you for visiting me.

Roberta

TUSAL, scarf and an outreach

2011-02-03T18:22:00.005-05:00

Well today was a rainy misty day, but headed off to Athens, GA for stitching time with friends. The first Thursday of each month we get together to sit, stitch, eat and chatter. It is a great time with friends.

So now I am home, waiting for the meatloaf to cook and trying to get caught up with the computer things. Computer time is really cutting into my stitching time, but I love blogging and reading blogs and reading the groups messages, one learns so much about what people like to stitch and buy, but it is also an enabling tool for wanting to buy more things for ones self!!! It is also so good to see what new products, designs and classes that are available through out the country and the world.

Below is my jar for the TUSAL, this is one SAL that requires very little from me - I love doing this. I went to Marshall's and bought this great glass container for only $6.00 just for this SAL.

Here is another pompom scarf for one of the gals at work -it is finished, and it is long, we used 2 skeins of pompom.
These next two stitched pieces are for the EGA project - Kissing Pillows - theses will be made up into a small pillow and then they will go, with other pillows, to a military base and will be given to those that are deployed overseas. I believe one is kept by the military personnel leaving after it has been kissed by members of the family and then (I am not sure about this part) the other pillow will be kissed by the soldier and kept by the family.
I feel really strong about doing whatever outreach project I can do, since I love to stitch, knit, sew or whatever - it is something that needs to be shared and I do hope that what I do does make a difference.

So my goal for this month is to get at least 1 ornament done - I have 4 lined up and kitted; I will finish "Tis the Season" (WIP) work on getting the writing stitched on "With My Needle" and some motifs done on Witches Hollow. I could be biting off more than I should but we will see how it progresses - I can always adjust.

Well, off to read some blogs and finish up dinner - have a great weekend everyone.

Roberta

Some finishes

2011-01-30T12:14:00.006-05:00

Well, I am happy to say that I have finished 4 ornaments for the month of January.

Below is a freebie from Sandy.
The next 3 ornament Raindeers are from Sharon at DaffyCat, they are so cute, and a fun and quick stitch.

I love to make washcloths/dishcloths as gifts for friends. Below is a pattern I did this past month it says "Happy 2011".
These 3 little heart squares are for a neo natal unit at an area hospital - the mother wears the square for a day or 2 and then when the infant is born it is placed in the incubator with them and the smell of the Mom is present with the baby.
Now you all know that I can stitch or knit or whatever at work on occasion when it isn't busy, well it has finally slowed down at work and I was able to knit two scarves using the PomPom yarn from Michael's. One of the girls at work loved the scarf and wanted to learn to knit one, but I thought learning to knit with pompoms might be a bit overwhelming so I will make her her scarf this coming week. DD, Lindsay also loved the scarf - her pompom yarn is the pink one shown.
Both of these scarves where knitted on #8 needles, but you can use any size on up. I casted on 8 stitches on the brown one and 10 on the purple one. Just knit as usual pushing the pompom out of the way - usually I was able to get 2 stitches between each pompom, but sometimes 3 stitches and once in a while only one.

Well, need to go and work on some other projects that need to be done - one is a WIP and the other is a new start.

You can see on my side board the list of new and wips that I want to do this year.

Thank you for dropping by -- will put up some photo's of the Callaway classes in the next day or two.

Roberta

So where have you been???

2011-01-28T07:54:00.008-05:00

Good Morning and yes it is a great morning, I actually am home and have the entire day - OK the entire weekend all to myself!!!!

Life has gotten in the way these past several weeks, so I want to apologize to my blogging friends for not stopping by to visit - though I am slowly getting caught up with all that everyone is doing.

Christmas was wonderful, but so busy before and then after - had to go to our condo (with no internet) in Florida the week between Christmas and New Year's. Then it was registration at the college and for two weeks I worked 10 to 13 hour days, so computer time was very limited.

After two weeks of work, I had signed up to go to Callaway Gardens NeedleArts retreat a year ago, Off I went to Callaway to stitch for 6 days. It was great fun and so relaxing - again computer time very limited.

Then back to work, but on regular schedule and have spent the last week and 1/2 trying to get the house back in order, and get caught up with messages and blogs - I am slowing getting the blog reading done.

During all this time - I managed to stitch everyday - well, let me clarify this!!! My New Year's resolution was to put at least one stitch in every day. Well, some days it was only about 4 or 5 stitches!! But I am back to doing more stitches a day now!!! YEAH!

I have finished stitching yet another ornament (total of 4) and have knitted two scarves and a washcloth and just about finished the second sock of a pair that I had started last year!!

Will have pictures in a day or two - today I am hoping to straighten out my sewing room and to get some serious stitching done - actually that is the plan for the entire weekend.

Sorry for not being around - I do appreciate it when someone does drop in for a visit.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend ---------Roberta

A quick Hello

2011-01-08T19:48:00.006-05:00

Just wanted you all to know that I am working 12 to 13 hour days at the college bookstore because of registration and the start of classes, so I am way behind on my blog and message readings. I will be working again this coming week Monday (unless it snows!!!!fingers crossed), Tuesday and Wednesday. Then I am off to Callaway Gardens to a Needlework convention for 6 days. So after all that is over I should be able to sit and start catching up with my blog reading.

I am still making sure that I put in a stitch each day - which is part of my New Years' resolution, now mind you I said A STITCH!!!

Thank you for stopping by.

Roberta

Dishcloths, Pillow Cases, Ornaments and TUSAL

2011-01-03T07:55:00.003-05:00

Good Monday Morning to you all,
It is a cold crisp day here in Central Georgia and the house is almost back to normal. Both DH and I have the day off - school starts tomorrow and then computer time, stitching time and reading time will be limited. First, I am about 1 week behind in my blog reading and hope to get caught up today, please forgive me if I do not make a comment, I do so love reading about all the wonderful blogging out there in the stitching, knitting, quilting and cooking world, but sometimes life gets in the way and my time is not always my own!! This Christmas was busy with company, cooking and visiting, then a trip to Florida to check on our condo there - that we decided to put up for SALE!!!

Today is a bit of a catch up with what I have been doing - below is my TUSAL (totally useless SAL) This is my orts and such for 2010.
Below is my beginning TUSAL for 2011 - this is January 1st orts.
I did manage to get two ornaments stitched - this is a freebie from Sharon and she has two more raindeers, both are ready to be stitched (actually started one of them). They are just too cute, I love them.
Below is a freebie from Sandy - decided to do this in an overdyed fiber and I like how it looks.
This is the beginning of my quest to do an ornament a month (hopefully more, but at least one a month) Now I know I have 2 done, but work starts tomorrow and I have WIPS to finish and some new designs to start!! and spring is around the corner and then my yardwork will kick in!!

I also like to knit/crochet dishcloths, which I gave for presents with a nice bar of soap. Below are the last ones to be given away, forgot to photo the others.
Love to make pillow cases - here are two that I made up for my SIL, I love the colors and fabric as did she.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and/or holiday season. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous New Year.

Thank you for visiting ------ Friendship in Stitching ------ Roberta

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2010-12-31T23:15:00.004-05:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone an absolutely wonderful and prosperous New Year.

I have posted on my side board, my projected stitching list for 2011. I am also hoping to finish one ornament a month. I already have 2 done!!! so with any luck I might get more than one done a month.

My New Years Resolution is to put at least one stitch in a piece everyday!!

To eat healthier and to exercise more.

Try to post to my blog if possible - once a week!! (this could prove to be interesting)

Try to understand my cell phone, kindle, camera, computer and whatever electronic devise I own, and to use them to their full potential, or at least close!!

Happy New Year to you all and thank you for stopping by to visit.

Roberta

Christmas decorations and gifts

2010-12-20T08:32:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas - Happy Holidays Everyone, glad that you have a bit of time to visit. It is such a busy time of year - for me it is a LOVE/hate time. So much to do and it seems that the time just gets away from you!!!

Thought I would share some of my Holiday decorations - we only put up part of what we have, since it will be a quiet Christmas and what with getting sick - energy level was a bit down. All is done here, just need to finish some wrapping and maybe try to get the cards done!!

Below is an angel made from an old Hymnal and beside it is a lovely card that is stitched from a very dear friend. I have been fortunate to be a recipient of these cards for several years - I treasure them.
Our tree top Angel, which will go on the tree after our son comes. We wait to decorate the tree when he comes home - a family tradition.I love to do little vignettes so here is a bit of everything. If you look close there is the tiniest of Manger scenes in the front. Also, a lovely Hardanger towel, a frog as a candy cane holder and a lovely 3 dimensional tree card.
Here is a cute little gourd painted Santa.
And an other gourd Santa - this one is just beautifully done.
This is the front entry way, we usually have way more holiday stuffed animals that go all the way up the stairs and around the tree.
This is the main tree in the livingroom - it looks like it is leaning, but I think it is how I took the picture. There are a few ornaments on the tree the rest will be put on this week when DS comes home.
Have you all seen this Whitman's tin?? I think it is just darling. I usually like the 'sampler' ones but I really like this one.
A little gift from Becky - thank you so much!!
view from the side - sorry it is blurry.
This is from another dear friend - Margaret. She makes the most wonderful bags and goodies, again I feel so lucky to have such dear and wonderful friends. Thank you Margaret.
Well, best get off the computer for now - need to take the cats to the Vets!!! this should be fun!!!LOL

Enjoy the Season everyone and thanks for stopping by and taking time out of your busy day to visit.

Roberta

Ms Saddles and a stitched bag

2010-12-15T10:21:00.002-05:00

If you remember in a previous post I had shown you all a picture of the little stool that I had won. Well, the minute I put it down on the floor, Ms Saddles decided that this was too sweet of a perch to let anyone else have. So she claimed it!!! we moved it near the window so she could see the birds and watch us in the kitchen.
Sometimes when we watch TV Ms Saddles likes to relax on your lap - here she is relaxing -actually totally sleeping on Mildred's lap.
Below is another bag that I stitched for an exchange.

Need to go back to my stitching so will wish you all a happy season and will be back again in a few days ---- Thanks for stopping by.

Roberta

Tea Cup Auction

2010-12-08T17:25:00.007-05:00

This past Sunday was my EGA chapters Christmas Party which is a Tea Cup Auction. Sunday was also my birthday so it was a fun birthday party for me!! though no one knew. My birthday has always been lost due to Christmas parties and preparations - so I always consider the month of December my special Birthday Month not just a day. Cards and gifts do arrive at various times during the month so it is a fun and different way to celebrate!!

Below is a free little gift from Fern Ridge - both of the designers are members of the guild so every year they bring a basket with a kit for all of the members - this is very special and very much appreciated.
Below is a little stool which I got because my ticket was pulled.
A top view - this has now become a favorite sitting place for the cats!!! are we surprised.
Also, had my name pulled to receive this neat stitching cabinet.
Looks pretty nice in my house - do you agree!?
The above items plus several others are flea market, yard sale finds by one of the lady's husband. He love to find thinks for us 'stitching' gals and we all look forward to his finds. Last year I was lucky to get a quilt rack that he had found.

Below is a little basket which will be fun to paint and then line with fabric.
a scissor fob and scissors
A sewing bag with pincushion
The sewing bag closed
A beautiful hand woven scarf
The total picture====
So you see how fun my birthday month can be. Next weekend is two more stitching parties. Everyone helps me celebrate.

To all who have a December birthday - enjoy the season as a total celebration.

Thank you for stopping by ---- Happy Holidays ---- Roberta

Something for the Tea Cup Auction

2010-12-05T08:47:00.002-05:00

Good Morning all,

Today is my EGA chapters Christmas Party and every year they have a 'Tea Cup' auction. Everyone brings an item that they have made or that is somewhat stitching related.

Below is my item. It is a small bag for carrying a stitching project or whatever!!
I used a BlackBird Design for the cross stitched piece on the front and I lined the bag with some of the Moda sampler fabric.
There is also a little fob which can be used for ones scissors or just as a zipper pull.

Well, off to get ready to go - I have a 2 hour drive ahead of me. Will check in with you all when I return - hopefully with a goodie or two!!!

Enjoy the season ----------- Roberta

Cats and presents

2010-12-04T09:46:00.005-05:00

Well what is it about cats and laundry from the dryer. Here is DD's cat Natsuki sitting on what was once a nice clean batch of clothes fresh from the dryer!!!! Too Cute!!Below is a birthday present I received from my friends Diane and Mildred. It is a recycled sweater that has been felted and made into a purse - how clever is that. The sweater is green but the photo is coming up blue!!! Inside the pocket is the original label (Petite Sophisticate) Now this is the only Petite anything I will own!!! LOL
Now what is it with cats and bags!!! Ms Saddles had claimed the bag that my gift came in.
She is such the little lady and she so does love to have her picture taken - Isn't she the cutest!!
On a side note - I am way behind in my blog reading and I am trying to get caught up, so know that I will be visiting all my blogging friends, hopefully this weekend. Sorry for not keeping up, but with being sick and working part time - my computer time is paying the price, not to mention the housework!!! LOL.

Thanks for stopping by - Enjoy the Season ---------------------- Roberta

The joys of being sick and an exchange

2010-11-30T21:01:00.003-05:00

I am way behind on blog reading due to being sick, working and the holiday madness!!

Hope everyone had wonderful Thanksgiving - it was a nice day here, a bit too warm, but we had good company and a nice dinner. The fall and Thanksgiving decor is put away and 3 of the 4 trees are up and a small portion of the Christmas decorations are out. We are not going out all the way with our decorations this year - working, though only part time, really does a job on time availability!!!

DH, DD and I have been dealing with terrible cold and flu issues - DD being the worst, but after 2 1/2 weeks, I am still stuffy and coughing!! it is really draining.

I took part in a quick exchange of BBD stockings - below is what I received. It is so appropriate since DH and I traveled to Paris this past summer.
This is what I stitched and sent along. Knowing that I would be done before Thanksgiving and I just love this turkey - I decided this would be a fun stitch to do and send.These little stockings are just the greatest quick stitch and the finishing is pretty simple. I like putting a ribbon for a hanger vs the beads.

Hope you all are doing well and thank you for stopping by. ---- Roberta

Exchange, blog win and Fall Quilt

2010-11-11T19:25:00.012-05:00

This past week has been busy, but was still able to get in some stitching and beading. I am still trying to figure out what I should be giving as Christmas presents!!! I am a bit behind on that front!!

Well one of the fun things that happened was an exchange that I was a part of with some long time internet friends. This is what I made and sent to Angela in England.
Of course, I forgot to photograph the little dish and the homemade acorns that I also sent along.
But this is the inside of the the needlebook.
And here is the front cover.Now will I ever get this Fall quilt done in time for fall??? Well, it is almost finished so we will enjoy it for part of the season.
This has been an easy quilt to put together and I only have 2 more borders to put on and then I will machine quilt it. It will probably be draped over a round table.
Now the neatest thing that happened to me is that I entered a blog contest (as I always do) and occasionally I do win, but I never in my wildest dreams think that I would win this absolutely adorable, darling doll.
Now isn't she the sweetest little thing you ever saw?? I just love her. She was made by Julia who lives in England. Thank you Julia for making such a sweet little doll.
Thank you all for stopping by, I hope you all are enjoying a nice Fall and that the weather has turned cooler, but is not cold just yet.

Friendship in Stitching ------------ Roberta

Happy Halloween and new painted walls

2010-10-31T10:14:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! EVERYONE!!!
Just a few shots of some of the decorating for Halloween - Black Cat at the front door.
Halloween/Fall pillows up the front hall stairs.Front hall chest.
Photo of kitchen and family room paint colors - kitchen mossy green; familyroom brick/burgandy.
Fireplace with Halloween and paint color - the color changes from where ever the light hits.
This is my stitching chair and a new table that I just found at Goodwill for $25 - it's an Ethan Allen!!
More Halloween and paint color in familyroom.
Halloween on Piano and Ms Saddles wondering what I am doing!!!

hope you all have a wonderful day - Happy Halloween!!!--- Roberta

An exchange piece received

2010-10-30T17:48:00.005-04:00

Hi all thought I would show you a darling thread holder I received from an exchange I was a part of. This is from Patti who lives in England.
Look how darling this little bird is and the blue flower is just so pretty.Thank you Patti, I just love this - now do I want to use it or just display it??? That is the question!!!

Breast Cancer Month and Halloween

2010-10-29T09:01:00.005-04:00

How did this happen - pink and orange just do not mix!!!

So one day I wear pink and then the next day I wear black and orange - this is playing havoc with my closet and trying to keep the laundry caught up with my pink and orange clothes!!!

Our local yarn shop Creative Yarns does a big breast cancer campaign. The shop hands out small bags of yarn to those who wish to knit or crochet a scarf. My bag contained enough yarn for me to make two scarves - one crocheted and one knitted.

They also set aside a Friday evening and all day Saturday for "Knit-a-Tit". Which is knitting a temporary prosthesis (sp?). Below is my contribution. Here is only a portion of what the shop has received. As of yesterday, they had over 134 knitted and crocheted that were donated
This is such a wonderful cause and community event, they also raise money for Breast Cancer.Please drop by the Creative Yarns website - they are a wonderful group of gals and the shop is just yummy with great fibers.

Have you had your Mammogram this year??? I went yesterday. Do take care of yourself and your body.

Thank you for visiting, I appreciate your dropping in --------- Roberta

A class in English Paper Piecing

2010-10-17T09:22:00.008-04:00

This past Friday, I took a class on English Paper Piecing which is different than foundation paper piecing. This was such an interesting class but oHHH so tiny little pieces. Here is a link about English Paper Piecing. http://www.quiltingassistant.com/englishpaperpiecing.html

Below are photos of my class project. The pieces are sittingon photocopies of the design we are doing and a shot of the teachers backside of one of her squares.
My colors are blues and browns using a veryfine (100) polythread which just disapears into the fabric.
Here is some of the pieces as they will be attached when all the pairs are done
Attaching the two little diamonds

Here is the whole thing fabrics and tiny paper pieces, which will be removed once the squares are done - if I choose I can leave them in or take them out and reuse.
I think this would be a great way to do Grandmother's Flower Garden!! but will I ever get around to doing it???

Thanks for dropping by --- Have a wonderful week full of stitches =========Roberta

So is this a "FROG"????

2010-10-08T11:39:00.003-04:00

A friend was at Goodwill the other day and found this piece of pottery. She knows I like 'frogs' and that I have a few displayed around the house - so she bought this and gave it to me.
I am curious though whether this is a 'frog' or if it is some kind of kitchen container?? Anyone know!!!

Thanks for stopping by ----------- Roberta

Some stitching going on!!!

2010-10-05T15:13:00.004-04:00

Hi all, now that my traveling days are over (I hope!!) I am finally getting back to some normalcy!! (whatever that is) and getting some stitching done.

Below in a fall quilt that I have started - it is called Harvest Time using Red Rooster fabrics. I saw this at the Farmer's General Store in Lancaster, Ohio. (that is where my sister lives) This store is a gift shop, candy store, antiques shop and a quilt shop. It is just darling. I posted about this place last year. I picked up the panels this past summer while at my sister's, but could not find the fabrics locally so I had them send me the kit without the panels. I have all the pieces cut out and labeled - will start putting it together sometime this week.This is the progress I have so far on "Tis the Season". I just love this Cardinal.
I was part of an exchange for Autumn and this is what I received from Susan. It is DT's Summer into Autumn and Susan put into a bag that she made!! This is my new stitching bag. Isn't it gorgeous???
Unfortunately, I neglected to take of photo of my exchange piece that I sent out, always rush about to get it in the mail!!!

Well, that is it for now, will have more to share by the end of the week.

Thank you for stopping by and for putting up with my negligence for posting to my blog and for falling so far behind in reading all of yours. I will catch up someday.

Roberta

I am back from San Francisco

2010-09-21T06:38:00.004-04:00

Good Morning everyone, I have not meant to ignore my blog, but catching up with messages, starting a new job and having 2 rooms painted in ones house - does not give one much time for blogging. To make matters even more behind - I am off and running once again - this time to Jacksonville, Florida - will fill you in about that later.

Below is a shot of "the streets of San Francisco" sounds familar!!! OH yes, it was a TV show way back when!!!

DS, Jeremy lives in SF (he lived in NYC before) and the EGA had their National Convention there this year. So since I was lucky enough to win the Convention classes and DH had an freebie airline ticket = off I went!!
Below is pictures of the Golden Gate bridge - FOG and all

The rocks and waves below the bridge.

Will share more pictures of what my classes were later on another day, but wanted to at least put something up on the blog to share with you.

One of the exciting parts of the trip, was that I was able to meet up with Edgar!! from the blog 'Blacksheep's bit of the Web'. We meet up at a Thai restaurant for dinner and had a wonderful non stop chatter. Of course, both of us forgot to bring our camera's!!! DUHHH!

Edgar is a wonderful person and would have loved to spend more time with him visiting and sitting down to stitch - another time!! We did get together again when he came to visit me at the hotel/Seminar. We did lots of looking at the exhibits and browsing in the bookstore, boutique, merchandise vendor market and looking at a special exhibit of Italian embroideries.

Well, it is looking like I need to get myself off to work - will explain that in the next post - have a wonderful day everyone and thank you for stopping by.

Roberta

Heading out of town AGAIN!!!

2010-09-02T20:07:00.003-04:00

Was hoping to get caught up with messages and blogs, but once again, I am heading out of town.

I am attending the EGA National Seminar in San Francisco. I had put my name in a drawing for the cost of the seminar and banquets === Well, lo and behold - I won!!!!

Luckily, my husband had a free airline ticket, so all I have to pay for is the hotel and food === and of course, whatever fun thing there is at the boutique and Merchandise Mart Day!!!

I was lucky enough to get two great classes with great teachers - Marsha Papay Gomola and Catherine Jordan. I am so excited. I have a roommate who I know, which is a good thing, we should have fun together.

The best part about this trip though is -- Our son, Jeremy, lives and works in SF so I will be spending as much time as I can with him --- I am really excited about this trip.

I am also, going to meet 'Edgar' who is a fellow blogger - this truly will be a wonderful trip, I am so looking forward to seeing Jeremy, meeting Edgar and visiting with other stitching friends and meeting new friend - nevermind the wonderful classes I am taking.

So with that news and excitement - I am hoping that I will be getting caught up some while in SF, but definitely need to buckle down and get back to reading and writing blogs.

Thanks for stopping by ---- Roberta, who will try to post some photos while gone using DD's notebook computer!!!

HOW WORKING HAS MESSED UP MY STITCHING TIME

2010-08-25T08:01:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to post a quick Hello and to say that I am in the process of catching up on my blog reading.

It's hard to believe how much a temp. job can mess up ones life, but then again the added benefit of money to spend on ones hobby is a good thing.

Each semester registration time at one of the local colleges, I go to work at the college bookstore. This is a two to three week temporary job that happens 3 times a year. I love doing this, but my house and stitching just suffer. The hours are 10 to 12 hour days and standing the entire time.

When I get home, I am just way too tired to even think about stitching, I do not even watch TV, I just eat, shower and hop into bed.

But, now I am back to my regular routine, the house is in order and I am stitching, so hope to have some photos for show by this weekend.

Thanks for stopping by --- Roberta

What I have been working on!

2010-08-03T08:48:00.005-04:00

One would think one would get lots of stitching done when the weather is just too hot to go outside. My poor yard does not get much visiting from me, but I do get out and try to 'dead head' the roses.

I did get some work done - below is the start of Tis the Season - BBD as part of a SAL. The strawberries from a previous post is also part of the SAL. Have till mid or end of September to have it finished.
A closer look of Tis the Season. Stitched on 32ct Vintage Pear, but using threads that I had, not all the ones called for.
This is a little bracelet that a friend taught me to do.
I am not what you would call a beader, but I do enjoy the process as long as there is a class and/or knowledgeable teacher.
Here is an even closer look, once started it worked up very quickly. NOTE: cat hair everywhere!!
Here is another beading project - though I pride myself on not having WIPs in the beading end!! this is a WIP - I started this many years ago and then we moved here to Macon and I just never got it done, so I hope to have this finished some time within the next month.
It is called a Dutch Spiral.
This is my little work area for my beading projects, right now Dutch Spiral has claimed the space.
Below is Pumpkin Blossom by BBD which I finished stitching but have not made into anything yet. Have these two fabrics and need to decide which one to use. I am into trying to use stash instead of buy new stash.Below is Witches Hollow by The Primitive Needle. I am doing this as a SAL with a internet friend, haven't gotten very far.
I am using 40ct fabric of which the name has escaped me, but will post the name when I show you more progress. I used 2 strand of floss on the owl, but have decided to go to one strand for the rest of the piece. Of course I already started the bat and the moon, but will 'frog' them and do them over using one strand of floss.
The owl, took forever to stitch, lots of counting and color changes, but it looks great!! do you agree.
Thanks for dropping by, I do love to blog which I had more time to sit and do this, plus read blogs and stitch. Oh, I forgot, still have to maintain home and family!! lol

Have a great week ------------ Roberta

I won!! a chance to attend

2010-07-24T12:42:00.005-04:00

the EGA National Seminar in San Francisco.

http://www.egausa.org/files/seminar/2010/Seminar_2010.pdf

My EGA (Embroiderer's Guild of America) chapter had a drawing which pays for the recipient's registration, class fee, and the two banquets.

I was so excited and since my husband has frequent flyer mile - we only have to pay for my food, half of the hotel and my kit fees.

The classes I am taking are: Marsha Papay Gomola's - The Acorn Accessories (page 14 in brochure) and Catherine Jordan's Point Bonita Lighthouse (page 23 in brochure).

Both these designers are wonderful and I am so excited.

To top this off - our son lives in San Francisco so I will get to spend some time with him also.

Well, off to get some stitching done - thank you for stopping by - I really appreciate your visits.

Roberta

Do you ever get caught up???

2010-07-23T07:58:00.003-04:00

It seems like I am always in 'catch up' mode, but at some point I do get to where I am back into a normal routine - whatever normal is!!

I am soooo far behind in my blog reading, but I am working my way through all the wonderful blogs that I so love to visit. I am not leaving messages on all, but know that at some point I will drop in.

My yard is looking pretty good - have been trying to get out there in the mornings a few days a week, need to take the camera out with me one of these times - but have to wait until daughter comes home from her vacation - she took my good camera and left me my good little instamatic!

Just two shots of my 'Wild Berry' strawberry pincushions from BBD Joyeux Noel book.
These were gifts - look how cute the packaging is - I picked the bags up at Michael's way long ago - it is a Martha Stewart product. It is a clear cellophane bag with pretty cardboard insert with holes punched at the top and then when filled a ribbon fits into the top to secure.
Since July is my 'Christmas in July' stitching month (actually anything holiday) I am working on Wiches Hollow by The Primitive Needle and would like to get Tis the Season done, but I am thinking that would be wishful thinking. I will continue to stitch Holiday things til December.

Have some exciting news that I will share with you all hopefully tomorrow when I find out if everything falls into place!!! I won something!!!

Have a great day everyone and thank you for stopping by - I appreciate it --- Roberta

We're HOME

2010-07-15T19:47:00.006-04:00

Hello everyone.

It has been well over a month since I last posted, but DH, Terry and I are home from Italy and France.

Terry had been invited to make a presentation at a conference that was held at the university in Cassino, Italy.

Our trip was wonderful, we were gone for 3 weeks, a few days at our niece's college graduation, just over a week in Italy and then on to France.

I never thought I would see Rome or Paris in my lifetime!!! I am so glad that we had this opportunity.

I posted only a few pictures - I took over 1100!!!!

Terry and I in front of the Vatican standing in St Peter's square.
Michelangelo's Pieta - Michelangelo was only 25 when he created this sculpture in 1499.
Piazza Navona - Bernini's Fontana del Quattro Fiumi (fountain of the 4 great rivers of that time - Nile, The Plate, The Ganges and the Danube.
Trevi Fountain
Mount Vesuvius in the background of Pompeii.
The Abbey of Montecassino - sits atop a mountain above the city of Cassino. Known as the Cradle of Christianity and of European civilization. Was destroyed by the Allies during WW II, but the house of San Benedetto was rebuilt. This Abbey has quite a history and a incredible WW II cemetery.
View of Cassino as we drove up the mountain to the Abbey.
View from our hotel room in Cassino.
Now we are in Paris - can you tell!! The Eiffel Tower. This is amazing to see.Arc de Triomphe.
After a long day for sightseeing and walking - we walked so much on the trip!!! We ate and drank and never put on any weight - the weather was also HOT.

A nice cold beer at the Fouquet Cafe on the Champs Elysees.
The Louvre - spectacular!! We spent the whole day here and still didn't see it all.
The Mona Lisa-Leonardo da Vinci - I was able to get about 5 people deep to see this, but not any closer. Still think I got a great photo. This painting is not at all large as one would think. It is lovely.
Thank you for staying with this long post, but I wanted to share with you some of the highlights that DH, Terry and my experiences. I will occasionally post other photos and adventures.

Roberta

A quick post before vacation!!

2010-06-09T08:13:00.002-04:00

Thought I would sit for a bit and read some blogs - I am way behind in my blog reading. I got though several and I am not commenting on them, but will be back in full swing come July.

DH, Terry, has been invited to make a presentation at a conference in Cassino, Italy and we scraped enough money for me to tag along - excitement is in the air!!! These past 2 months have been so hectic, what with the beach retreat, the Sherri Jones workshop, helping my friend Diane move and working the temp job at the college - I feel like I have been wrung dry!!

The nice part of this trip will obviously be all the sightseeing in Rome, Naples and Cassino, but we decided to add Paris to the trip. Well, before we head to Paris we will stop and visit with a friend, Francoise (who I have been internet chatting with for over 5 years). We are so excited to be able to have worked that into the itinerary!!! So I will be gone for about 3 weeks, unless we are someplace where there is free internet!!

I wanted to share a few pictures with you all -- Below is a 'Fair Charlotte' waxer that was part of the workshop with Sherri Jones. Isn't she cute?
The porcelain doll in very tiny and the wax is first poured into a thimble then you stick the doll tiny doll in. The tough job is getting her out!!!
Caught this shot of Papa Cardinal getting food for the babies - he and momma take turns coming to the feeder.
We took out the built in bookcase/tv cabinet and put a small cabinet against the wall to hold the TV until the new built in is done!! (which is not even on the drawing board yet!!). But, if you know cats they always love to be part of the newest changes that go on!!! They are thinking they could settle in!!! wrong!!
And finally, two crocheted hats for DD Lindsay, she loves funky hats, saw these patterns, so I thought I would whip the out - did it during slow times at the temp. job. They turned out pretty good - especially the red one. I need to rip out some of the blue one, the edging is a bit too loose!!
Well, I need to go and finish the laundry and get things ironed and packed. We leave tomorrow for Ohio to attend our niece's college graduation and then visit with my sister, niece and nephew (who is flying in from Quatar). We leave for Rome next Wednesday and will return to the States on June 29/30.

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful month of June - I will try to post if I can while away ---------- Roberta

Scissor Keeper Exchange

2010-06-05T10:34:00.005-04:00

Hi everyone, finally finished work at the temp job and hoping to get some order back in my life, at least for a week!!! We leave on vacation next Thursday!!! I know, my life is just way too busy, it is amazing I get anything done at all!!

I participated in a scissor exchange which was fun.

Below is a scissor bag that I sent to my exchange partner Angela.

This was a kit that I purchased when I was in England a few years ago and I thought it was cute and a bit different. Obviously, I didn't get it stitched (is this a surprise!!) but thought it would be fun to stitch for the exchange. It is a bit different than most scissor keepers but I liked the idea of a bag. The design was really pretty and the colors were lovely. I think if I do this again for me, I will change some of the tones to be a bit deeper. I am not really a pastel type of gal even though I like the look.
Below is the exchange piece I received from Kathy who was my exchange partner. Isn't this adorable, I love the colors.
I also love the little pink bag and the Mary Engelbreit card - I love Mary Engelbreit things. Thanks for stopping by -- will try to get a quick post off before I go to Italy and France.

Roberta

3rd Blogging Anniversary Winners Are!!!

2010-05-31T20:41:00.005-04:00

With the help of DH, Terry, here are the winners of the charts I am giving away.
Carolien you won the With My Needle - Within My Heart Sewing Case. Congratulations!!

Myra you won Carriage House Samplings - Black Willow Farm. Congratulations

Solstitches (Margaret in Spain) you won Sous le Soleil de la Lune. Congratulations!!

If you each could send me your mailing addresses, I will get these in the mail at the end of this week (I am working a temp job and it is 10 to 12 hours per day!!! - no time until the end of the week!!) My e-mail address is simplystitching@gmail.com.

Thank all who participated, I really appreciate your visiting my blog.

Since I am working a temp job, and then off on vacation for a month - my blogging will be very limited as will my blog reading - will be back in full force in July.

Have a wonderful week and month of June --- Roberta

Drawing on Monday

2010-05-28T15:13:00.003-04:00

Hi all, as you probably have guessed, my life is still upside down and crazy. I am working at the local college bookstore during summer registration and I have like no time at home, plus I need to once again head down to the Orlando area to keep my daughter company on the ride down (she has a baby shower to attend for a good friend).

Also, my friend Diane and I will go to Diane's former home and finish cleaning it up and packing up what didn't make it on the the move to Georgia.

Other than that all is well, the weather here in Middle Georgia has been warm during the day and cool at nite and the yard is looking great, but Ihaven't had much time to play in it, nor have Ihad much time to stitch.

Hope to have more to share and some pictures by next weekend - enjoy the Memorial Day weekend.

REMEMBER TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THE PREVIOUS POST IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE 3 CHARTS THAT I AM GIVING AWAY.

Thanks for stopping by ---- Roberta

3rd ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY CLARIFICATION

2010-05-20T21:25:00.004-04:00

Hi all, I am still doing the giveaway, but what I should have said was pick which chart you wish to be entered for. I am doing 3 giveaways!!

Sorry about that, I have been so busy in my day to day life, that sometimes I am not thinking straight.

So if you are interested in each chart then let me know on either this post or on the previous post or if you are interested in only one put that in your comment.

The chart list again is:

Black Willow Farm chart - Carriage House Samplings
Sous Le Soleil de la Lune chart - Reflets de Soie
Within My Heart Sewing Case - with my Needle ( I did the finishing of the model for Ellen Chester)

Drawing date is still the same and you can enter either here or on the previous post!!

Roberta

3rd ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY

2010-05-20T16:41:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone, life is still crazy, but needed to pop onto my blog because today is my 3rd ANNIVERSARY OF BLOGGING.

I have 3 little gifts to give away.

Black Willow Farm chart - Carriage House Samplings
Sous Le Soleil de la Lune chart - Reflets de Soie
Within My Heart Sewing Case - with my Needle ( I did the finishing of the model for Ellen Chester)

I will post some pictures of these within the next few days.

I wanted to do something to thank those of you who visit and any new visitors that stop by.

Please enter on this entry only so that I will make sure everyone's name will be put into the drawing.

I will pull the winners names on the 31st of May.

Thanks for stopping by, I love blogging and reading everyones blogs - one learns so much about life, stitching, shopping, cooking, gardening, knitting and whatever. I am a sponge and I am a people person so blogging is just a great venue for me.

Have a great day and weekend. ----------- Roberta

Lots to tell - no pictures!!

2010-05-08T07:27:00.004-04:00

Hi all, Sorry for not being around and so much for my New Year's Resolution to keep up with my blog weekly!!

April was a busy month spending the weekends at different places = Atlanta with friends to attend a beading gathering, a few days later lunch at the Swan Restaurant and a tour at the History Center with the sampler group. We visited there storage area where antique clothing, furnishings, and some samplers were being preserved. Quite an interesting set up, with the way they do the lighting (low), air conditioning and the wrapping/covering of articles.

Then the next weekend was the neighborhood yard sale, which was a huge success and it was amazing how much of our clothing that sold, usually do not sell that much of that.

Moving onto the 4th weekend of the month was a Stitching Beach Retreat at Santa Rosa Beach in Florida, this was quite a fun event - each stitcher had to bring 4 WIPS and each one was numbered 1-4. Every morning after breakfast you picked a card and whatever number you picked that was the project you stitched on. Then after lunch the same thing. We did have time for shopping - there is a great outlet mall, an outdoor high end mall and many antique shops nearby - way too much to do. No stitching shops, however, but there were 2 knitting shops a bit of a drive away.

Now the nice part about this weekend other than looking out to the Gulf of Mexico, stitching, eating (lots of snacky things), laughing and fellowship, is that each meal is prepared by a small group of the attendees. I was with the 3 gals I drove down with and we prepared Saturday lunch, which was salad with lots of goodies to put into it.

It was a great 4 days and was home long enough to get the laundry done and the house back in order - then off again to Columbus, GA to a workshop with Sherry Jones of Patrick's Wood. We put together the pocket for Hare Pyns and then we prepared part of the finishing for Fair Charlotte which is another little sewing pouch.

In between all of this, we are sitting in the bleachers for our daughter soft ball games - she works at Geico Insurance and is on team.

Today, DH and I head down to Florida to help our friend Diane and her Mom, Mildred, move to Macon. This will be great that they will be close, both are avid stitchers.

So if that was not enough - start work once again at the college bookstore for 3 weeks, which is good!! because after that DH, Terry and I are heading to ITALY AND FRANCE!!!

Yes, we are going to Italy where DH has been invited to make a presentation on "Developing a progressive IT curriculum" for college students. I am so out of control about this and have been this past several weeks.

After the presentation, we will take the train to France and will stop to visit with a dear internet friend in Vichy and then off to Paris for a few days.

We have tapes/CD's on how to learn Italian and French - a quick course - I am hoping this older brain will absorb some of these languages.

Well, I need to go and finish loading the car for out trip to Florida - I hope to pop in now and then with some pictures and some stitching news. I have been good about stitching, beading, quilting, or knitting everyday. I do try to do one of these things daily in hopes that some things will finally get finished!!

If you made it this far - Thank you- I hope to be better at keeping in touch - I have been trying to keep up with my blogger friends, but I have not been leaving messges, but know I do love to read what everyone is doing and working on.

Until next time - Which I am hoping will be my 3 Anniversary Giveaway!!!!

Have a great weekend everyone --- thankyou for visiting. ==== Roberta

A Giveaway and some Thrift Shop Finds

2010-04-21T14:10:00.004-04:00

Since I will never stitch the 'spring' chart again and it was something that I found in a closeout basket, I thought maybe someone else would like to stitch this. The chart is a bit beat up, it is how I bought it, but the inside is intact and readable.

If you are interested leave me your name and e-mail addy in this comment section and I will pull names on Monday, April 26th.
Below is a closeup of what the chart looks like stitched, you can order buttons for this piece, if you wish.
Found these little watering cans at a thrift shop.
This one is stamped made in Holland.
This one says made in England. I love them!
I found this at a Habitat for Humanity thrift shop along with some books. This will do nicely, I hope, with my Ikebana flower arranging.
Tomorrow I am heading out to the Panhandle of Florida for a stitcher's beach retreat for the weekend, so I will not be around for a few days. Will catch up when I return on Sunday evening.

Well off to finish packing - have a good day ---------- Roberta

And Yes, more yard pictures and one stitching picture

2010-04-18T20:07:00.005-04:00

Here is Sanctuary, I have not been a good stitcher with this piece, but I still hope to get it finished by the end of May!!!
So why haven't I been a good stitcher, you might ask!!??

We have been having lots of work done in our yard. Last year, if you remember, a huge tree fell in our yard, well they finally took it away. We have been having beautiful non rainy weather so the tree removal company was able to come and cut the tree up and move it out of the yard.

Because of all the rain we had, we lost a lot of our lawn on the side of the house and in the backyard.

So without any further ado here is my new backyard, plants are little but they will get big quickly and there is still plenty of room for me to plant more things!! ;o)))
Here is a 'pink knockout rose' up close and personal - isn't she pretty!!
This one is the reddish one.
Here is the pink bush.
This is the front of the house as it goes down the side of the house.
We had the landscaper terrace the side yard and look what they did - they added stairs in the wall and then found large rocks in our back bushy area and made stepping stairs.
I just love this and there is still so much room for planting!!
Here we are at the bottom of the side yard - I just love the look and I know it will look great once the plants become established and when I add new plants.
Found this great 'hose keeper' pot at Sam's Club and thought what a great place for your hose and good looking for the garden!!All and all - DH, DD and I are very pleased with the landscaping job and how nice our yard is starting to look. Still have much to do, but it will have to wait until May.

Thanks for visiting - have a terrific week - Roberta

Some stitching finishes, more flowers and baking!!

2010-04-11T11:17:00.006-04:00

Life gets so busy sometimes, what with going out of town (heading out once again this afternoon), working in the yard, cleaning out closets and drawers for the neighborhood yard sale (April 17th)and then just trying to get some stitching and finishing done!! WHEW!!

This is a little scissor fob that was a kit from Ewe and Eye and friends (year 2000).
I think this might be where it will sit as it's new home.
This little pin keep is from Homespun Elegance = Bits and Pieces "Summer Fun"
I am thinking this would be a good spot for this to hang!
Here is "Spring" in a pillow form - I had stitched this about a month or so ago.
Here is the back - I love the fabric that I had found.
I am thinking this would be a good home for 'spring'
So I have had to go to several events and bring food - this is from the Barefoot Contessa - carrot cake - made into mini muffins.
Iced with cream cheese frosting and some sauted carrots sprinkled on top. These were yummy!! today I am making the actual cake to take with me.
Below is a shot of a Dogwood flower from one of the trees in the yard.
And yet another picture of the Dogwood - I love the white Dogwoods, but would love to get a pink one!!
And finally a picture of a wild violet - this is where there should be grass, but with all the rain we had over the past year and especially the last few months - a lot of the grassy area's in the yard are now dirt!!!
Thanks for stopping by --- have a great weekend and week ------ Roberta

Catching up and Getting Ready for Spring and Summer

2010-04-04T09:34:00.003-04:00

Hi All, Have been busy getting the yard ready now that the weather has finally warmed up. So between stitching, yard work and cleaning out closets for the neighborhood yard sale, life has been full.

Also, was down in Florida to attend a meeting for the EGA (Embroiderer's Guild of America) National Seminar 2011 in Naples, Florida. Planned the trip so that I could spend some time with my friend Diane and help her and her Mom, Mildred get packed up. They are moving to Macon. I am so excited that they will be near by - Diane is an incredible stitcher and is very creative, so I am expecting that I will be doing some very different stitching things!!

Here in Macon, spring is just beautiful - this is the home of an incredible display of Cherry Trees, and there is an annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The entire county (Bibb) is just abloom with cherry trees - it is amazing to see. Unfortuately, once again I have missed the Festival, but hopefully next year I will be here.

Below are pictures of my yard - my tulips are coming up.
Here is a flower bed in the front of the garage.
Violets and tulips in a bird bath.
The cherry trees in my yard at full bloom
Can you see how pink the flowers on the tree are?
Well, that is it for now, have more to share later, the daffidols are blooming, need to get some pictures of them. Will hopefully have a stitch finish to share as well.

I am about 10 days behind in my blog reading, so please be patient with me while I try to catch up with you all.

Happy Easter my friends and thank you for stopping by.

Roberta

Spring is here -

2010-03-25T09:08:00.005-04:00

Welcome to springtime in Middle Georgia. (we are hoping it stays!!)

Here is my front door with it's springtime wreath, which includes cherry blossom branches that represent the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Here is just the beginning of getting my front stoop beautified!!
Look I have a tulip, my daffodils never came up - someone had many a wonderful meals!! The birdbath in the front yard.My Cherry Blossom trees starting to bud out.
Look at how pretty the buds are.And here is a small flower, isn't she sweet!
In closing - here are my plants that I found on the 80% off table at the garden shop (a total of $28 whoo hoo), except for the two in front which are my frost eaten plants from last year that I am hoping will survive!
Hope spring is popping out where you live and that the warmer weather will be here to stay, it is time.

Thanks for stopping by ------------ Roberta

ps - I will be heading to Florida today so may not be on line for a few days, will catch up next week when I return.

OK can you believe 2 posts in one day

2010-03-23T13:32:00.004-04:00

I wanted to share with you a wonderful giveaway by Deb. Now don't you all go over there and sign up - for I really would love to win this, I actually use it for what it is intended!!

Only kidding, definitely stop by Deb's blog and sign up, it is a wonderful giveaway!!

TTFN ---------- Roberta

My name was picked and look

2010-03-23T08:01:00.003-04:00

at what I received. This is from Amy. She had a birthday and thought it would be nice to give someone else a present - my name was picked!!!

Look at what I received, GAST threads, petite gold needes, bead soup and a darling pincushion.
All of this was incased in one of those wonderful plastic zippered bags.Thank you Amy and I am glad that you had a nice birthday and that your DH, Ray had a nice birthday at the car show the next week!!

Have a great day everyone and thank you for stopping by ---- Roberta

I am honored and deeply moved

2010-03-20T21:24:00.009-04:00

Today I received this award from Gillie and I am just beside myself with first how do I get this symbol to my blog - well as you can see I did it - but I am not sure how!! And second I have to tell 10 things about myself!!! this is mind bending at its best! Thirdly, I need to pick 10 people to give this too - now I have many blogs that I just love to visit, I am not sure what this girl will be able to do.

1. Accept the award

2. Thank the person who gave you the award

3. Add a link to the person who gave you the award

4. Put the award on your blog

5. Write 10 things about yourself others might not know

6. Pass the award on to 10 others

Thank you Gillie for visiting my blog and giving me this award; I accept with gratitude.

Now what 10 things do I need to share:

1. I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, I have one sister, Jean who lives in Ohio, both of our parents are no longer living. Jean and I are the best of friends, I love her lots, as well as, my neice and nephew Jenna and Justin.

2. Learned to sew, knit, quilt, etc. when I was a small child and have always loved fabric, fibers and the learning process.

3. Moved to Middle Georgia (Macon) in August of 2007 - now how did that happen!! Let me tell you in 50 words or less, if I can ;o)) DH, Terry retired from his job in Miami, Florida and we sold our home there and moved into our condo in Palm City, Florida. DH decided to go back to school and earn his Doctorate Degree. He always wanted to be a professor at a college, even though he was an adjunct professor at several colleges though out out marriage. Well, he interviewed at Macon State College and they loved him so they offered him a job. Now mind you I was pushing for maybe doing some teaching overseas, or Hawaii, obviously, that didn't happen. DH is just loving his job - I am slowly getting acclimated to the area, but find it difficult to meet people and make new friends - it was so much easier when one has children.

4. I love to garden!!! the house we bought has the most beautiful yard, it blooms perpetually throughout the year. Of course, with all the rain, cold, wind and ugly weather, the yard has suffered terribly.

5. We still own our condo in Florida - it is for sale - anyone interested!!??

6. I have lived in - Boston, MA; Los Angeles, CA; Tampa, FL; White Bear Lake, MN; Miami, FL; Palm City, Fl; and now in Macon, Georgia.

7. I am a member of Ikebana Internation Middle Georgia Chapter and I just love the ladies in the group and I am taking Ichiyo flower arranging and loving that very much.

8. Both of my children were born in Southern California, the boy child, Jeremy, is living in San Francisco and he is a Dancer with the Oberlien Dance Company - use to live and dance for a company in NYC. DD, Lindsay, is living with us here in Macon (we invited her to move back home with us when we moved here, now we do not want her to leave!! we have become the best of friends)

(Oh my 2 more things to tell about!!!)
9. I am afraid of heights - so bridges and mountains are a problem for me!! Some bridges I can do and only a few mountain roads I can drive, both are 'white knuckle' for me.

10. OH YEAH!! last one!!! I love to cook and bake!!

OK now I cannot name 10 blogging friends to give this award to - so I would like all those who I visit and who visit me to have this award. Please feel free to take it and follow the rules.

I have to admit doing the 10 things about me - was a thought provoking experience and I actually enjoyed it. Of course, now I am thinking of other things I should have put down (have already changed some of the things) This really helps to let you recognize what you have going on in your life and how wonderful people and things can be.

Well, enough chattering -----------once again, I thank you for stopping by and please feel free to take this Honorable Award - it is yours for the taking because you stopped to visit with me.

With Friendship in Stitching --------------- Roberta

Birds, Flowers and Spring!

2010-03-18T08:50:00.004-04:00

Well, saw this little one sitting in my Cherry Tree and not quite sure what it is - I am thinking it is a Thrusher! Haven't had a chance to look it up in my bird book. Being still new to Middle Georgia, I am trying to learn about the birds and plants that are in this area.
If you look close you can see the buds on the tree.
By next week it will be bloomed and all white and pinkish.
Now this little Robin was sitting outside my bathroom window - He is quite stately don't you think!!
Today is setup for the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Ikebana group I belong to does floral arrangements at one of the Historic homes - the picture below is of a design I did in my Ichiyo design class. I am a beginning student!! This is a very disciplined art form, but I am enjoying it. I will have more pictures to share after all the arrangements are done, hopefully today!!

Well, I have to run - need to get one more bunch of flowers and then off to do my designs.

Have a great day - the weather should be warmer here today 60's!!! fingers crossed.

Roberta

What I have been stitching

2010-03-13T14:12:00.007-05:00

At the end of April, I will be taking a workshop with Sherri Jones from Patrick Woods Designs. Below is the prestitching that needs to be done - the class is a finishing class for this 'Hare Pyns' pocket.
This design is mostly stitched over one thread with one strand of silk (NPI).

With the exception of the flame/bargello stitch which is stitched over 4 threads with 2 threads.

Below is the scissor sheath.
This is the back -flame stitch and the front panel is the flower. The flower is stitched using tent stitch and encroaching gobelin, this is very tiny work!!
Below is the scissor fob front and back.
This is all the stitching I have done up to today - will be working on this steadily for the next few weeks.
But just to give me some breaks from Hare Pyns - I have started LHN 'needle and thread'
I already stitched this little scissor fob.
As previously posted I also finished 'spring' - still haven't put anything into a finished form - hoping for that to happen next weekend - have to be in the mood to 'finish'!!!

Thanks for stopping by - have lots more to share with you - hope to do so in a few days.

Have a great weekend everyone --- Roberta

I FOUND THE BUTTONS!!! YEAH!!

2010-03-04T07:56:00.002-05:00

I finished 'Spring Row' by Bent Creek and as mentioned in a previous post - I could not find the buttons that went with this piece. So, of course, I started to question if I really did buy the buttons (for I had bought this chart years ago!!) You know old age is definitely creeping in! ;o)) So I decided to do a little bit of cleaning out of some drawers in the sewing room and lo and behold --- BUTTONS!!!
Below is the fabrics that I will be using to make this into a pillow. Now, of course, I wanted this to be done last weekend, but since I couldn't find the buttons - it didn't get done - so I will finish this up this coming weekend.
So any idea as to when 'spring' will be here??

Have a great day and Thanks for visiting - I am off to go stitching with friends.

Roberta

Some spring stitching and an exchange received

2010-02-25T16:44:00.007-05:00

I have had it with the cold windy weather!!!

Mother Nature tickled us with some beautiful 60/70 degree weather this past weekend and then changed her mind and send us more cold weather - it was 24 degrees this morning!!! Now I know that is nothing to those of you who live in the Northern part of the USA, but it is cold for us here in the South. (Now mind you I am a Northern gal born and bred, but have been away from that kind of cold for a long time.)

So since I was house bound due to not feel very well, I pulled out this old Bent Creek Chart and started stitching Spring Row!! I hope to be done with it by tomorrow and I plan to make it into a pillow - now all I have to do is finish and then find where I put the buttons!!!
I just love the thread colors and the fabric is a soft green (green is one of my favorite colors) I already have the fabric for the pillow, which I will post when the stitching is finished - now all I have to do is find the buttons!!!!

Receive a wonderful surprise in the mail yesterday - I belong to an Ornament Swap and I received my ornament from Amy Isn't if just darling, I love the colors and the workmanship is just wonderful - Thank you Amy!Thanks for dropping by -------------- Roberta

Today is our Anniversary!

2010-02-24T16:05:00.004-05:00

It is hard to believe that Terry and I have been married for 31 years, and what an incredible time it has been. We are definitely 'soul mates' but we are as different as night and day, which makes our time together so much fun and interesting.

Below is a picture of us just before we got married - I made the frame!
Here is a picture of our wedding picture. My computer is not connected to my printer/scanner so this was the best I could do. Terry is wearing a beige 'leisure suit (polyester)', he wanted to wear his 'poly' shirt as well but as you can see he is wearing a cotton shirt and a tie. I made my dress. Money was tight in those days!!
Our wedding present to each other was this Norman Rockwell Plate and
figurine.
They sit on a shelf in our livingroom with a photo of us taking our vows.
Here is a close up of our kiss as man and wife. ---- Note how thin we are!!!
So the story of how we met - you do not have to read it is not required, but I feel that I would like to share it with you.

I moved to Southern California in the summer 1977 and worked at Brooks Brothers in LA (I use to work for BB in Boston) I lived with a friend for about 9 months then got my own apartment in Huntington Beach. My sister moved out and lived with me. Terry lived in the apartment about 3 doors down, there were several other young people also living in the apartment complex (now think Melrose Place for that is how the apartment complex looked) We all kind of chummed around together going to the beach, clubbing, going to art festivals, flea markets, hanging out and playing cards. It was a great summer and fall. One evening several of the guys decided to light the fire pit and play ping pong (part of the complex) and it suddenly became a party. For some reason that evening Terry decided that I was the one for him !! now mind you I didn't participate with the group that much (was dating the son who was a decendent of an exiled French count - or that is what he told me at the time!!!?? ;o))) I was working downtown LA, had friends in the north end of LA and seemed to be on the road a lot.

Well, shortly after the firepit ping pong nite (I was there obviously) my sister sits me down and says - 'do you know that Terry likes you?' Well, of course, I was didn't know that - but being who I was - very up front and no holding back- went over to Terry's apartment and asked him if he liked me!!! Well his response was - yes, of course, the whole gang is great!!! So I then said to him looking him in the eyes - "I mean do you really, really, really like me!!!" Well, Terry sat for a few moments an then looked me in the eyes and said 'yes'. So I then asked him what he was planning to do about it!!

His response was when I ready to stop dating and wanted to settle down we would get married and have 2.5 children!!!! Now you can imagine my surprise at that answer. Well, I went out on my date that nite and told my date, that I could not see him anymore because Terry wanted to marry me!! What a brat I was!!!!, but I never had anyone tell me that they thought I was perfect for them and wanted to marry me and spend the rest of our lives together!! Now remember - Terry and I have never dated, haven't spent any time alone together, just hung out with the others. So what happened next was the whole group was suppose to go to 'Hamburger Harry's' and then off to the Sawdust Festival - yes, you guessed - everyone backed out and it was only Terry and I. It was a wonderful day and about 1/2 way through the day Terry and I were holding hands. We went out to dinner - Mexican- that nite and that was the one and only date we had - I moved in with him (my sister moved in with her boyfriend) - now this is a no no in those days!!!! Now this all happened in the fall around the beginning of February - Terry said why don't we get married this month!!! So in 3 weeks, we made and sent out invitations, planned a menu with friends who were going to help with the cooking, rented chairs and a champagne fountain (our biggest expense) and I made my dress.

We found a retired minister who was willing to come to the apartment complex to perform the ceremony - it was such a fun day and I still cannot believe that I married my friend and that I still to this day wait in anticipation for the garage door to open and know that he is home.

Terry is the best thing that ever could happen to me - he is very smart, extremely funny and has the best disposition of anyone. He keeps me grounded and makes me happy.

Well, if you all read this ' thank you ' and if you didn't 'thank you' just for dropping in.

Roberta - also known as Mrs. Terry J. Smith

Stitching received from friends

2010-02-23T15:47:00.003-05:00

Sorry for not being around for a few day - have caught the crude!! and feeling just so so!! This is the 2nd time this year (2010) that I have been sick - after going almost 10 years with hardly anything. It must have something to do with age!!!

Anyway, I received this darling pin keeper from Margaret and I am just now getting around to photographing it. Margaret does beautiful work and I am always thrilled to be on the receiving end.
Below is a PIF from Jill and once again I am thrilled to be on the receiving end from Jill, she also does beautiful work. So now that I have received a PIF I will be setting up a PIF on my blog sometime in the next few weeks.
Well, off to have a cup of tea and hopefully stitch, but may just lay down and read!! Feeling just a bit eckky!!

Thanks for dropping by -------- Roberta

Stitching finished

2010-02-15T08:46:00.004-05:00

Well I managed to actually finish the stitching on one project and it will now go in my 'to be finished' pile.

This is A French Trinket Box - it is a group project that my EGA Chapter in Columbus, GA is doing. In looking at what I thought was a finished 'stitched' piece, I realized that I had forgotten to fill in the flowers on The Briar Rose Etui from a Jackie duPlessis workshop. The scary part is that I have already started putting this project together!!!Well once again it is a wet day here in Middle Georgia - at the moment it is raining -but they are predicting sleet and possible snow!!! The weather this past year has been crazy, my poor yard is just a mess with all this wetness.

Now I am off to finish picking up the house and then get ready for my Ikebana flower arranging class for tomorrow.

Thanks for visiting - Roberta

Winter's beauty

2010-02-13T08:48:00.006-05:00

Of course this title is only for those of us who were lucky to be home all warm and comfy and not out trying to get home from work like my DH and DD.

Being a New Englander, I have always loved the snow and the beauty, peace and calm that came with it. Then reality sets in and one has to shovel!! which when young was not a bad thing!!

Below is some shots that I took mid-day - when all was said and done we got about 3 inches. This is my side yard.
This is part of my front yard.And my little pansies are weighted down with snow.
My front stoop.
Now, of course the squirrels are totally enjoying the feast that I had put out for birds!! It is snowing but this part of the yard is warmer and somewhat sheltered so the snow hasn't started to stick yet. Having received a new camera for my birthday in December, I have been able to snap some pretty good close up shots through my kitchen window of the birds (and squirrels)Have been having lots of Yellow Finches on my Finch sock, but they all took off - maybe they are camera shy!!!
Found this cute little bird house at Walmart and the birds seem to like it.

Thanks for stopping by - the sun is out this morning and I expect that the winter beauty will be gone by this afternoon. Have a wonder day and Happy Valentines Day. Roberta

My two major WIP's for 2010 and a few shots of Gingersnap

2010-02-11T22:44:00.006-05:00

2010 has started out a bit on the crazy side - I worked at a temp job, went to a stitching seminar and started cleaning out my stash!!! The cleaning out of stash has not been very successful!!

Below is Sanctuary by the Drawn Thread and it is my intention to have this finished by May of this year - of course I already have a replacement piece for when this is finished!! I started this in 2001, but being the simple minded person I am - I decided to finish this in 2010 since all I have to do is switch the last two number on the date!!! Pretty cleaver, don't you think!!
Dutch Beauty by Permin is my other major Work In Progress. This however, will probably not get done this year since I have several other pieces that I would like to stitch, but my goal is to work on this piece during the months of February, April, June, August, and October. This piece and Sanctuary sit in my kitchen and I work on them in the morning while having my coffee and watching the news - I sometimes will work on them when I am cooking dinner.

Poor little Gingersnap had her 'little' female surgery, but she is such a feisty little thing she keeped nipping at her belly so this is the present the doctors gave her. She was quite bewildered about this little collar. But she is good, she managed to figure out how to get out of this.

She also has been able to undo her collar with her ID tag and her bell - she is a determined little girls - but she is just darling and lovable when she is not terrorizing the other cats!!

Someone asked me What is your Favorite thing to stitch!!

2010-01-28T17:51:00.003-05:00

Well, my answer was 'Reproduction Sampers" --- Then I stopped and said no lately I have been doing lots of 'smalls'! Below is 3 classes that I took at a NeedleArts Retreat in Pine Mountain, GA. You will notice that all three classes are 'smalls'.

The three pictures below are of a HummingBird box, taught by Marsha Papay-Gomola.
The stitching on the front cover is mostly surface embroidery and the humming bird is done in 'long and short' stitch over padding to make it 3 dimensional. The ground fabric is linen.
In the class we learn to actually make the box and the little ladybug and the woven needlepad.
On the back cover Marsha put an absolutely beautiful initial - this is for her Mom - Helen and also perhaps for the hummingbird. My hummingbirds is just about done, but is packed away for now - but is in my 2010 work basket.
Below is the Bunny Notebook, which has three padded 3 dimensional animals - the bunny and the three birds. My bunny is just about 1/2 way done and the little Chickadee on the bottom is finished!
On the inside of the notebook is of course, a notebook and under it is the designers name and the date (this is where my name and the date will go) on the other inside page is a listing of stitches and how they look. Marsha gave us all the ones she used and some others, but suggested that we put in the stitches we really like to work with.
Again, a beautiful initial on the back cover - this could be for bunny or perhaps for her husband whose name is Bob.
Now this next class was taught by Barbara Jackson and it is her Succulent Strawberry. It is surface work again done on linen.
This is a darling piece and has lots of speciality stitches. This project should be finished hopefully quickly as it isn't very big about the size of a pear.
I want to thank you for dropping by for a visit. ----------Roberta

Happy New Year

2010-01-03T17:53:00.007-05:00

Well it has been a month since I have posted to my blog - What can I say - December was quite the busy month at our house - lots of company - several luncheons, shopping, visiting and of course stitching and cooking!!

It was a wonderful holiday here at the Smith household - below is a picture of our family - bottom of the staircase is husband Terry, me, sister Jean, niece Jenna, daughter Lindsay and then son Jeremy.
Here is Jenna with her fingerless mittens that I made for her.
Jean with her fingerless mittens
Lindsay with her fingerless mittensJeremy received fingerless mittens last year, but would like to have another pair!! So what do you give a young man for Christmas!!?? How about a made by Mom pillowcase! ;o)))
Can you believe he just loved it - I am so glad.
Actually everyone received a handmade pillowcase - one also went to my sister's son, Justin who is working in Quatar.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season --- Happy New Year to you all.

Roberta

Guardian Angel watching out for us

2009-12-04T17:06:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday, December 2nd, Macon had yet another terrible storm - it seems that 2009 was the year of the rain!!! - We are no longer in a drought situation.

On this day, I went to work in the LNS to help out the owner, DH, Terry was at school teaching and DD, Lindsay was at work. Now this was probably a good thing for when we got home from work we found our neighborhood filled with broken branches along the streets and in everyones yards. However, upon looking out of our back window and subsequently going out onto the back deck - we found one of our trees had uprooted and fallen --- Thankfully it was away from our house!!!
Here is the hole that was where the tree stood.
This tree was huge in length!!.Here is the end just before it dropped into the stream.
The stream with branches from the fallen tree.

View of the back of our house about 1/2 the length of the tree.
View of back of the house with roots just outside of the garden bed.
On the other side of the garden bed at the foot of the stairs to the deck.
A view of the roots.

Needless to say, I am glad that I was not at home, for I am sure that I would have had a 'heart attack' hearing this huge tree fall.

Thank goodness it fell away from the house - we would have been living in a hotel and this computer and sewing room would no longer be!!!

Well off to get some stitching done - Have a great weekend and thank you for stopping by.

Roberta

It's raining leaves!!

2009-11-30T09:30:00.003-05:00

Sorry for not being around for so long - life just seems to get in the way!! but in a good way!! for the most part. Thought I would put up some pictures of what my yard looks like at this point in time - it rains leaves everyday and my yard is just covered. On this day it actually was raining!! you can see the rain drops on the picture below.
My Azalea bushes are in full bloom also.
Even the Camellia bushes are blooming. I just love this yard it blooms something all year long. The previous owner did an incredible job planting this yard, it is forever beautiful.Here is a close up of a Camilla bud.Yes, these Camillas are pink, the white ones will pop out in February/March! The bees are happy can you tell!!Will hopefully post some stitching soon - have to wait until some of the stitching is received by its new owners.

Hope you all are having a wonderful Holiday Season - We are in the throes of Christmas Decorating now. We had a nice quiet Thanksgiving, but Christmas will make up for it when our son comes in for a few weeks from San Francisco and my sister and niece from Ohio.

Thanks for dropping by --- I am hoping to be a better blogger and blog reader sometime soon, I hope!!!

Roberta

Christmas Ornament Exchanges

2009-11-07T12:09:00.003-05:00

Well the holidays are just around the corner and I have already started decorating for Christmas. At least upstairs!!! Fall is still the main attraction on the first floor, but upstairs I put up my little Christmas tree that holds my handmade ornaments.

Below is from Julianne from our Christmas Ornament Exchange group. Isn't this mitten just darling. I so love the overdyed threads and this color red/mix is just beautiful -- thank you Julianne.
Here is the fabric backing, just so perfect!Below is my exchange piece that went to Rosalie.
Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather and the stitching for the holidays.

Thanks for dropping by to visit. ---- Roberta

Ghouls Nite Out

2009-10-26T14:12:00.004-04:00

A darling freebie from Tanya Anderson of The Sampler Girl. I thought a little pocket would be a perfect finish for this.One pocket is for my sister and the other is for my friend Jackie. Now I need to get one stitched for me!!
Happy Halloween everyone - be safe. ============ Roberta

Fall is here!

2009-10-18T08:33:00.004-04:00

Cooler air feels so good and wearing slacks and sweaters is such a nice change from wearing summer clothing.

Below is the landing on the staircase that I decorated for Fall and Halloween. Everything there is hand made except for the Black Squirrel. The wishing well is from a gourd that I found in a craft show in Ohio. The pillows I made and the pumpkins where made by a friends son.
This is my front entry hall. Found this really neat pumpkin holder that looks like a spider web. If you click on the picture you can see it in better detail - it is on the left side.
Here is my little witch pendant - she is stitched over one. She is resting on another of the needle felted pumpkins done by my friend MaryAnn's son Brian.
Many years ago, I had taken up Tole painting, this other little witch was done in a class 15 years ago. I just think she is so cute, wish I could still paint like that!! Hope to get out into the yard and take some pictures, my Azaleas are blooming like mad and so are my Camilla's. It has been a very rainy week but it looks like the sun may be out and shining today!!!

Hope everyone is enjoying the Fall Season and thank you for stopping by to visit.

Roberta

Well it's a rainy day in Georgia!

2009-10-05T09:22:00.006-04:00

Good Morning, it has rained all night and what a wonderful way to sleep - the windows open and the soft pitter patter of rain drops. Fall is definitely in the air and the leaves are starting to turn. The picture on the top of my blog is from last year, hoping that this year will be just a beautiful.

I finally have the laundry done, the house clean and today will get my grocery shopping done! Life gets so crazy when I have multiple things going on at one time and September was one of those months.

As I mentioned in previous blog entries, I had the needlework exhibition, which is over and my needlework is back on the wall in my house.

Below is a picture of my 'doodle' cloth for my Reticello class, not sure how I will finish it off, but even though it is not perfect, except where the last stitches are, I will finish it into something.This is the drawn thread mini workshop that Diane Clements taught after our EGA Meeting, I am almost done and then put it together and Voila!!
Here are the beads that I did at the 2 day beading workshop!!! Didn't get much done, but this is the results of lots of trying to understand the concept and then doing it!! I really liked doing this and hope to finish several more beads to make a small center design for a necklace!

The strip you see on the bottom left is a starter strip so that you do not have to try and hold these small beads as you are threading them together.

The 2 beads to the right with thread are still works in progress.

Below is the second 'Breast Cancer' scarf that I have knitted. The local knitting shop Creative Yarns, does a whole month of breast cancer support. On October 1st she give anyone who wants to knit a skein of yarn to make a scarf, I turned in one on the 3rd. Then they do a 2 day 'knit-a-tit-a-thon. There is a pattern that knits up into a sweet little breast (tit)shape. Will post mine when I get it finished. Both the scarves and the knitted breast shape will be donated.

I also taught a small stitching project to the local Cancer group at my health club, will post pictures of that later, need to find the project bag that the samples are in!!
Now since I have nothing better to do and since my knitting needles where in such a mess, I decided to make myself a needle roll for my knitting needles.One side is for my double pointed and the other is for my straight needles, my circular already have a store bought case to hold them.A lot of my needles are from my mom or mine from when I was a child.

So that is what I have been up to, now I am off to exercise class which I haven't been to in a month!! And then to Walmart to start the grocery shopping.

Hope you all have a wonderful day - Think Pink!!! October is Breast Cancer Month!!

Roberta

A quick peek of September's events

2009-09-29T09:26:00.003-04:00

Below is a picture of the finished piece from the Reticello Workshop I took with Diane Clements. Now this is Diane's piece and with some luck mine might look similar to this someday!!!
Below is a shot of the necklace made by Laura who taught the "Beaded Beads" class, again someday mine might look like this.
Here is a picture of some of the gals that I stitched with when I lived in Miami, Florida. All of us have moved except one who still lives and works in Miami. It was great fun having everyone meet up at the Bulloch Hall Needlework Exhibit in Atlanta (Roswell).
This is a shot of my piece (the one on the left) Beatrix Potter that was displayed in Bulloch Hall.
Since this is still busy, busy September, I have very little time to show you my progress on the beading and reticello pieces, but will hopefully be able to get that done this weekend.

This week I am working at the LNS to help out the owner, then off to Columbus on Friday for stitching with friends there. On Thursday nite I will stop at the local knitting shop and pick up my packet to knit a scarf for "Breast Cancer". There is lots going on, just wishing the speeding train will slow down a bit so I can catch my breath.

Thanks for stopping by - will catch up with you all hopefully this weekend.

Roberta

Busy Busy September

2009-09-24T20:01:00.003-04:00

Hi All, just a quick note to let you know that I am still around but have been busy with the Needlework Exhibition at Bulloch Hall in Roswell, GA. Went to the Yellow Daisy Festival that same weekend, then worked as a docent on Saturday and several of my stitching friends, from Miami, who have moved or traveled to Georgia, got together for lunch. It was a great time and a wonderful weekend.

The next Thursday was off to Athens for a "Beaded Bead" workshop and then off to a "girl" weekend with friends in North Carolina!! The travel from Athens, GA to NC was terrible what with the torrential rains. I continued on since I was closer to NC than to my house (Athens is half way between). The weekend was a great one despite the rain, went to a play on Saturday nite, watched movies, ate, drank, did a bit of shopping when the weather was clear and also visited with other friends and went to an Artisan Exhibit. Came home on Tuesday and then off to work on Wednesday and today, Another workshop!!! This one with Diane Clements from California. Today was 'Drawn Work' and tomorrow and Saturday will be Reticello work.

On Monday, I teach a class at the cancer workshop at the Wellness Center here in Macon, so needless to say - I have NO TIME!!!

There is still more happening, but I need to get to my sewing room and get ready for tomorrow's class.

Will have pictures and more explainations hopefully sometime next week --- oh yeah, I work on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - then off to a stitchin on Friday in Columbus, GA!!

I know, I'm nuts - but sure am learning lots - hope to get the lots done!!!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Roberta

More finishes - Needlerolls

2009-09-15T18:30:00.007-04:00

I am trying to get some of my stitching that is done into finished form and below are two needlerolls that I put together.

This is from the Thank You, Sarah Tobias booklet from Blackbird Designs.

A closeup of the top.
A closeup of the middle section
And this is the bottom - just love the wool felt color that I found that matches the thread and the color on the backing fabric.
Below is from The Sampler Girl - Jane Austen collection - Return To The Sea. This is originally a sampler, but I thought it would look nice as a needle roll and I am very pleased how it turn out and I like the movement that the backing fabric has.
I did change some of the thread colors since I pulled from my stash and I didn't have all the suggested fibers.
Unlike Sarah Tobias, I decided to put in a pincushion, thread rings, and a wool needlebook.
I just loved stitching and finishing these two project. At the moment both are on display in Roswell, GA at Bulloch Hall.

Glad you dropped in for a visit --- Roberta

Cape Cod Girls finished

2009-09-14T08:53:00.003-04:00

Well, I finally sat down and photographed my CCG sampler. I had finished her awhile back but never had a chance to get her on the blog.
This was a fun stitch, which I did with several on-line friendsI didn't have the 40ct fabric that was suggested but used a Luguna which had a bluish molted look to it - so my sampler is a bit bigger than the original.Now my problem will be when I do the male version of this sampler, I will need to find similar fabric so they will be the same size and hopefully the same color tone.This was a fun stitch and I do know that one other of the gals who was in this SAL has finished, but I believe the others are persevering. What is hard now is the holidays are coming and so much other projects are capturing our interests.

Have some more finished which I hope to post tomorrow -- see you then -- Roberta

Exchange stitching

2009-09-05T13:07:00.003-04:00

Isn't this the cutest prim ornament - it came from Lynda.
We are part of an Ornament Exchange group I made a biscornu for my Prairie Schooler exchange partner.

I received this from Lynda who also happened to have my name for the PS exchange as well.

This is what I made for Becky for the Ornament Exchange.
This is the ornament in its finished form - I forgot to take a photo of it so I had to pull it off of the net and not being computer literate, I couldn't figure out how to make it smaller or to move it.

Well off to get some more finishing and stitching done - I am on a roll

Thanks for visiting --- Roberta

Some knitting

2009-09-01T20:52:00.004-04:00

When I first moved to Macon, I found a yarn shop - Creative Yarns and I purchased yarn to make this shawl, well after two years, I finally finished it.

Here is a picture of the pattern and the shawl with a sheep pin that I had found when on a trip to Vancouver - I love sheep!! so I just had to have this pin!!
Below is a photo of the back, please do not mind the loose yarn, I am still weaving in the ends.

Another photo of the front.
Below is a scarf that I am knitting from the Debbie Bliss summer issue.
I am using a cotton yarn for this - I really like the looks of this pattern - the wavy edge.
A better look at the magazine, I just purchased the Fall issue, but haven't had a chance to look through it yet to see what I might want to work on from it.
I am also working on a pair of socks and fingerless gloves.

I did finish stitching Cape Cod Girls and a couple of exchanges, will get some photos posted this week.

I think fall is coming to middle Georgia - it was in the 60's this morning and it never hit 80 degrees, but then the sun never did come out!!!

Happy stitching --- Roberta

Computer Blues

2009-08-31T09:33:00.002-04:00

Hi Everyone, I know several of you have stopped by to visit and there is still nothing new from me --- Well I have just had the "computer blues". I barely go to the computer to read my regular e-mails. Part of the reason is that my computer is upstairs in my sewing area and I have been on the main floor either working at the kitchen table or knitting.

Well, DH set up an extra computer (his tax computer) on the dining room table for me. Well this has given me a whole new link to life on the computer. I still have to go upstairs to download my photos to post, or anything that I want to print off, but now I can just pop on and read my messages and get back to reading blogs. (never mind clean out my inbox!!) So I started yesterday reading blogs once again and I still have a few messages on groups that I need to catch up on, then I hope to get some photos posted to my blog.

I love blogging it is like a way to keep track of what happens in my little world. I do hope to do better so plan to stop by again and see what I have been working on and what I have finished.

Have a great day --- Roberta

Not keeping up with my New Years' Resolution

2009-08-04T09:38:00.006-04:00

Good Morning all, I know it has been a long time since I have blogged on my blog, never mind reading blogs!!

But life does have a way going its own way - which is not necessarily your way!!

At the beginning of July DH Terry and I went to visit friends in Flat Rock, NC. Below is Terry with Chopper who is staying with our friends for a few weeks, Chopper really took to Terry as you can see.
Here is Gunther, he is now all grown up and not the puppy anymore - he is just so cute, but he and Chopper just love to bark at whatever passes by the house!!! it is hilarious, but OH so noisy. Below is a little pillow that I made for Jackie and a few other gals that I have gotten to know. I filled the pillow with crushed Walnut shells that I found a Petsmart in the bird section. It gave the pillow some good weight and personality and it wasn't difficult or dusty to use. I made this little pocket for Jackie and Tom, it was a fun and quick stitch - the hardest part was finding the right buttons for the sides.
After visiting with Jackie and Tom, we came home and the next day I went to Franklin, NC to visit with some of my stitching friends that lived in Miami when I lived there. We all met up in Athens, GA to view the Dogwood Chapter, EGA's needlework exhibit and then had lunch, after which we drove up to Franklin. Had a fun few days stitching and eating ( our favorite pasttime)

Upon my return home on Friday - I received a phone call that my friend in Florida had taken ill and could I come and give a hand - so off I went the next day to Florida and stayed there until the end of the month. Unfortunately, my friend is seriously ill and hopefully we will know what the prognosis is this week.

So with all the running about, my poor blog and my e-mail's were ignored pretty much. I am finally caught up with my messages and have started reading blogs, but it is amazing how much you all do and write about - it will take forever to catch up. I do not always comment, but will try to say something since I am in catch up mode.

Thank you all for visiting and I hope to get back to posting at least once a week - now off to get some stitching done.========== Roberta

Some more finishes

2009-07-02T19:54:00.007-04:00

Well, as I said a while back, this is the year for trying to get some of my UFO's finished and done, as well as, trying new things..

Below is a bookmark that my daughter, Lindsay made many years ago and I found it while cleaning things out - so I finished it with some purple fabric on the back (purple is Lindsay's favorite color). The other two items are beaded scissor fobs. The silver one is worked on a loom type device that I built out of card stock (instructions came with the pattern) Apparently there is a special loom that is available to do looped beading. The green scissor fob is just a stringing project with a tassel.Below is a over one stitch that I did many years ago and it is very small and I didn't like it in a frame and it was to small as a bell pull. I found this box among my stash of empty boxes and tins. It still isn't perfect but at least it has a home and is sitting on my buffet in time for the 4th of July weekend.The inside lining.Below is a beading class for EGA - it is a Group Correspondence Course. All I have left to do is the hanger part on top of his head and I have come to a screeching halt. Have to reread the directions when life is peaceful and quiet.
Below are two more "twisties", pin keeps and measuring tapes. The pinkeep is made with drapery fabric that has a random scrunchie stitched design, the pins have been colored with nail polish and the tape measure I found at the fabric store and glued buttons onto the sides (cutting the shanks on some of the buttons can be really difficult.)The "twistie" opened up (untwisted)This "twistie" set is a PIF that I had several month ago on my blog.
I do have another two PIF to send out and I do not know what exactly I will send or make!! We'll see how inspired I get!!

Well - off to get ready for the weekend - Happy 4th to you all ------ Roberta

Computer and Blog Hybernation

2009-06-30T11:35:00.005-04:00

OK so I haven't been around for a bit - haven't visited anyone in blogland and just did basic e-mails. Sometimes life just gets to be overwhelming and you do not want to talk, visit or be overly social. That is how I have felt in the last few weeks - but now I am feeling more like myself and pleased with the stitching and finishing that I have accomplished. Still frustrated with the yard work - but it is so d@+$)$(^% hot, that I can hardly get anything done in the yard though my tomato plants seem to be doing quite well and producing some yummy fruits.

Will be popping in and out of my favorite blogs in the next few days and I am looking forward to seeing what everyone has done and what you all are up to.

Sorry for going AWOL - but needed some serious downtime.

With friendships and stitching on my mind --- yours, Roberta

Progress with my SALs

2009-06-14T15:56:00.006-04:00

No please do not faint - I am once again posting within the same week!!!

Here is my progress on Sanctuary - I am so loving doing this sampler - cannot believe I had put it down - Well yes I can, there is a mistake, but I have grown as a person and since I didn't see it until just the other day - I figure - all is OK!!! So the mistake stays - it is so minor - what a fussy person I must have been!!!
Below is my Quaker Sampler that is also a SAL with some friends on FortheLoveofstitching group by Tanya Anderson - The Sampler Girl. I am hoping for an August/September finish with this.
Didn't stitch as much this weekend - still cleaning out my sewing room and stash - not getting rid of much!!!! but finding all kinds of wonderful projects that I have to find time and life to get done!! Exercise, eat right and think good thoughts - hummmm!!

Have a great Day --- Roberta

Stitching has taken over

2009-06-12T13:32:00.004-04:00

Just a small note to say that I have been so busy stitching, that I haven't had a chance to visit blogs this past week and the few that I did drop in on, I didn't even leave a message. Hope to sit and enjoy my blog reading sometime this weekend - I am just so into getting things stitched and enjoying the quiet time that I have had! ;o))

A few internet friends decided to form a UFO SAL - we just do it by e-mail, so I am in the throes of working on the Drawn Thread's Sanctuary, which I had abandoned several years ago - why I do not know!! I am just loving it.
This is where I had left off, I have now finished the right side and started the left quadrant, will post an updated picture hopefully in a few days.

Below is Quaker Christmas that I am also working on as a SAL, this is from several weeks ago, it is page one and the start of page 4 (on the bottom). I am now working on on page 2 and have just about finished page 4, will post a photo hopefully in a few days.
Enjoy your stitching time - Roberta

Miss Penny and my PS Exchange

2009-06-07T08:14:00.006-04:00

Here is Miss Penny - my children gave me the kit this past Christmas and I just worked on her occasionally at the kitchen table while waiting for dinner or having my morning coffee and watching the news. She is from Olde Colonial Designs - isn't she just precious!
Here is a close up of her apron - sorry for the blurryness - I have a very old digital (one of the first to come out way back when! hoping for a new camera for B'day or Christmas)

Here is the little needlebook again a bit blurry!
Thought she might look pretty with the Hydranga's from my garden - the little green bottle is an old fashion fly catcher!
I belong to the PS exchange group and this is what I received from Gaby in Germany, isn't this beautiful - I love the colors - it is a mattress pinkeep - she also put our initials on the back, Thank you Gaby - I love it!
Below is what I sent for my PS exchange - Barbara in The Netherlands is orginally from New England and will be going back with her family for a visit - when I saw the July PS booklet, I knew this would be perfect for her.
I just love the little lobster!!
Well, off to get some more finishing done and some stitching done and some housework done!!!

Have a great day ---- Roberta

Staying home

2009-06-04T07:40:00.003-04:00

Sorry for not posting for a while, but have been on the road so much these past few months, I just haven't had a chance to settle back into my routine. I am home and hope to stay for a few month, hopefully!!

My poor yard has been a bit ignored, but I did work in it these past few days.
I have a few things to share but my camera cord is visiting another friend - I should have it back tomorrow and then I can show some of my stitching and some garden shots. Below is a Gardenia and above is a Hydranga, my yard is in almost in full bloom with the daylillies, gardenias and hydrangas.
I did finish my 'Miss Penny' doll and I am hoping to get two needlerolls put together this week.
Hope you all are having a nice late spring and getting some gardening and stitching done. I am looking forward to doing that myself.

Until later - thanks for stopping in - Roberta

Back in Ohio again

2009-05-18T16:56:00.000-04:00

Well here we are once again back in Ohio, this time to attend nephew, Justin's graduations from Kent State University with his Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration.
Justin lived in westen Pennsylvania while attending graduate school working as a Resident Director at a small college. The town and the countryside were just beautiful and my sister and I dragged poor Justin and DH Terry through many of the darling shops.

Below is a picture of a cute Prim Picture which I thought would look great in my house in Georgia. This is really stitched and the frame is just perfect.
Then my sister found this cute bird's nest so we each bought one. Jean also bought little eggs to go into her nest.
Below is a picture of my sister-Jean, nephew-Justin and niece - Jenna. Thank you for stopping by ------ Roberta

finishes and almost finished

2009-05-09T20:35:00.000-04:00

Well, I am almost finished stitching the Sarah Tobias Needleroll, just have the bottom pocket to finish up - hopefully this week. I will put it together at the end of the month.
Below are two quilt blocks from a BOM at a quilt shop in Columbus, GA the top block is February's block and the second one is for March. I will get April's done after I return from my sister's.
I haven't received May's block yet.
Below is a beaded scissor or cell phone fob - isn't it cute - it is suppose to be like a ruler!
I haven't beaded is quite awhile, but have another project sitting in the wings, just a little one, I am not into beading that big time, but like to do some small things.

Thanks for visiting. Have a great Mother's Day ---- Roberta

Shadow work project with Marion Scoular

2009-04-26T09:06:00.000-04:00

This past Thursday, I was able to take a class with Marion Scoular a well know educator in the needlearts. She is originally from the UK and was trained at the Royal School of Needlework. The picture above is a view from the right side. Below is what the piece looks like from the back.
I am not sure how I am going to finish this - thinking of maybe a small little pouch or pillow.

Thanks for dropping in --- Roberta

PIF (pass it forward)

2009-04-21T13:59:00.000-04:00

I have been lucky enough to have participated is several of these fun events and I did win 2 PIF's.

So for my 'pass it forward' I will make 2 little somethings and I will send 2 little stash things.

This is 4 winners!!! So please put your name and e-mail addy in the comments and I will have four names picked on Monday the 28th of April (my son Jeremy's birthday).

The timeline is usually getting the gifts off to the winners withing 364 days and the recipients need to do a 'pif' of their own.

Thanks for participating and look forward to pulling the winner next Monday.

Roberta