Nutmegger Stitcher's Works

200 Plus Followers Giveaway

2012-02-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

I have reached over 200 followers, more like 231 followers. I am so honored so many will come read my blog about my life and stitching. I have met so many people around the world through blogging and it touches me you take time from your life to visit my blog. I really appreciate your visits.

For the giveaway, I will send the winner a $20 gift certificate from 123Stitch!, my favorite stitching store. The rules are:

1.) Comment to this post, stating you wish to enter in the giveaway with your email address.
2.) You must be a follower, old or new.
3.) For an extra entry, answer the following question in a separate reply post.
If you could meet and have dinner with a cross stitch designer, who would it be and why? I am anxious to read your replies.
My answer is a tied for Nora Corbett of Mirabilia designs and Diane Williams of Little House Needleworks. I have always admired Mirabilia designs since I discovered her in 2003. I have many patterns of her works, and even have couple kitted and started, but sadly have not finished one yet. I have seen several pieces finish and the do inspire me.
I was introduced to Little House Needleworks from a stitcher friend through an exchange. I fell in love instantly. Why I didn't find these patterns sooner, I don't know. I have been following her blog for over a year and I feel I know her a little. She seems to be very down to earth person and I would be honor to meet her someday.

I will pick a winner on March 2. Good luck!

Update, winner and pizza!

2012-02-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

I am a little late for this update. The above picture is my LHN Peppermint Twist as of last Thursday on Feb 2. I might be able to finish it off on Thursday if I don't get pick for a jury.

This my Halloween House update as of week before on January 27. I was too tired to stitch last Friday. I had went to lunch with a friend that day and it tuckered me out. We had went to Friendly's and I had the fried clam strips and a caramel sundae. We went to the graveyard to say a prayer for Mom. I think I might have been emotionally tired because I tried to take a nap but I just couldn't sleep.

Than my round robins came in last week. The ladies did a wonderful job on each ornament. I love them all. What is odd I was suppose to get Vickie H.'s first but I got mine before Vickie's. I am still waiting for Vickie's so I can stitch her piece.


LHN Snow Bunnies in Just Cross Stitch Christimas issue on Sassy	's Fabbys Cheryl's Bouquet~Vickie H

Dragon Dreams Checking It Twice JCS Christmas 2007 on Sassy's Fabbys Snowflake~Sandy R


Water's Edge Santa and Rudolph JCS Christmas 2004 on Sassy's Fabbys Snowflake~Judith L.


Stitched by Berly (Kim) M. from JCS Christmas 2007 on blue aida

I do have my first finish but I can not show it yet. It is a bookmark for an exchange.

Winner

I am sorry announcing the winner. I put the names in a jar and had my father pick a name. There were 22 contestants and Berly of New Year! Congratulations Berly! The box will be on your way soon.
No worries for those who didn't win, I will be doing another giveaway this weekend. Stay tune!

PIZZA!!

I watched the Super Bowl game this past Sunday. It is usually the only football game I watch through out their season. I am just not a big fan. By living in Connecticut, there is this rivalry for NY or New England, I really couldn't help to get into the game this year. I did pick the Giants to win and since my father and brother were hoping for them too, I didn't make a bet with them. I didn't go to a party but I could have gone to my friend's house, but she is a HUGE Patriot fan so I told her I didn't want to see a grown woman cry when they lose. I sure was not expecting to be eating my own words,lol. I made homemade pizza and chicken wings for my own party. Here is the pictures of the food I made.

Pizza with bacon, onions and mushrooms~my favorite toppings!

BBQ Chicken Wings


Pizza~half sausage for Dad, and other half, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, and bacon.

The only thing wrong it was very greasy. I need to find a way to cut that down. I haven't made pizza in years.

Many hugs,
Vicky

Back Home and Traveling Stash Box

2012-01-26T12:51:00.000-08:00

I am back home and I couldn't stitch for a few days. I have been either shopping or cleaning, and when I thought about shopping I was too tired. When I got home, found out my brother bought a Kreuig coffee machine. I am thinking "Cool a fresh cup of coffee everytime". The first cup came out perfect but after that,the darn thing won't brew. My brother cleaned out but nothing. I went to Walmart and got myself a new coffeemaker. We threw the old one away already. It works perfect and I found mine favorite coffee flavor on the shelf too, and with my new Dale Jr cup, I am a happy camper in the mornings now.

I did some stitching of my UFO on the last week I in VA. Here is a picture what I did before I left.

I worked on LHN Peppermint Twist that Thursday. I didn't do much. My computer got a virus on Monday night and Thursday I was catching up. My friend is a computer nerd and he was able to to take the virus out, which I am so grateful. If he didn't fix it, I would be still be without a computer.

On the train, you would think I would be stitching alot with a 10 hour ride. I was up at 5:30 and I was tired and just couldn't concentrate until in the afternoon. I just looked outside and listen to my mp3 and I think I took a nap too. Last night after chatting with my Stitcherhood group, I got the stitching bug in a big way, and I had to stitch while I watched Top Chef. Here is the picture after the train and last night. I am almost done with the dragon. However, I have to put it down to stitch a bookmark this weekend and start on Lavender Blue so I can get the next part on time.

Traveling Stash Box

I have won the Traveling Stash Box in November from Julie and Yes Dear. With the holidays, getting behind on my stitching in December, and going on vacation, the box has been sitting here. I am getting tired looking at it or tripping over it. These are the items that are going in the box. There are a lot of goodies and anyone who wins will have a hard time choosing. You get the box, you take out what you want but you need to replace what you take out. If you take 5 items, than 5 items need to go into the box from your stash. If you want a chance to win this box, comment on this post. I cant afford the international postage rate, so it will be going to someone in the States. I will pull a name on Feb 1.

More pics of my friends' pets. I miss them so much already,lol.

Zoey

Ryleigh playing shy!


	Sammy


Gingy

Halloween House update and exchanges

2012-01-15T07:23:00.000-08:00


Dragon Dreams Summer Magic

Most of you know I have been stitching on one of my UFOs, Dragon Dreams and I was able to backstitch the first half of the design. It really made it pop! I was done on Wednesday night and I had started the other half too. Not much is done but I will be back stitching it today. Thursday I needed a break so I started on Peppermint Twist by Little House. The picture above is what I accomplished. I think every Thursday, I will be stitching on a Christmas related piece.

This is week 2 on my Halloween House SAL. I, also, stitched it on Saturday. I just didn't want to put it away for another week yet. You can barely see the ghost by the green roof, except for the tail. I am not sure how much I will get done next Friday. I will be packing to head back home to cold Connecticut.


This is my friend's Christmas tree. I love it and it is so pretty. It is still up, lol.

A journal and a day book from Vickie H for the 12 Days of Christmas exchange. The Jane Austen daybook came from England and so far I am writing in it everyday.

More gifts: a scissors fob with a crown at the end, metallic threads, 3 pieces of material: purple, green and cream with gold speckles, and a few ornament kits with the threads,patterns from JCS 2011 magazine and material.

The last two days I had opened 2 kits: Lizzie Kate Boxer Summer and Sunset Bag Ladies. It is a kitty pattern and I love it. Not sure when I will get to it. The last pictures are the pets, Zoey and Sammy.


Isn't she a little princess sleeping on the pillow, which is the perfect size for her.

Sammy

Many hugs,
Vicky

New Year 2012

2012-01-07T10:33:00.000-08:00

2012 has started and I am in Virginia, visiting my friends. This picture is their cat Piper. Isn't she a beauty? Last time I was visiting, I forgot at times she was in the house because she stayed upstairs majority of the time. This time she has escaped from the house at least three times this week!

This is my last finish of 2011. It was finished on Friday, Dec 30. I just couldn't sew together until a couple days ago, I caught my friend's cold and I have been sick all week. I just don't have the energy to stitch when I want to, so my stitching has been slow. I haven't even read as much either. This ornament is from Leisure Arts Christmas ornament leaflet I got from Elizabeth in my 12 Days of Christmas exchange. I stitched the snowman on red aida and used 2 threads of red for Merry Christmas. It is on its way to its new home.

This is my new journal for the year. I love it because it says Paris and Eiffel Tower on it. Paris is the one city I want to visit, which I might do when I turn 50. I am doing another12 Days of Christmas with my friend Vickie of Reading and Stitching. Her box arrived yesterday and I opened the first gift that was marked. It was a Jane Austen day book from England. I am going to try write in it everyday, even it is just mundane stuff. I could keep track of what I stitch everyday. I will show a picture on my next post.

Haunted Halloween by Ursula Micheal

I have joined 2 SALs this year. This is the first one, Haunted Halloween by Ursula Micheal. I am stitching this with Linda from Stitching with My Furbabies. This is a little more bigger than I thought it was going to be. I had to order the materials on Dec 31 and had send to my friend's house so I can start on time. It arrived yesterday on the 6th. I started on it immediately and did part of the roof while supper was cooking. I'll get back to it next Friday.

This was my new start of the year, Snow by Shephard's Bush. I thought this was going by my first finish but I ran out of GA Oatmeal thread. I have some more at home. I will finish it when I get home. I love how its coming out. Sorry the picture is bad, I took a quick one and didnt realize there was a piece of green ort on it until now.

The weather has been beautiful here. There has only been one or two cold days and the rest of time very warm. The nights are cold though.

Many hugs until next time,
Vicky

Giveaway

Sarah, from CraftyMoo is having a giveaway. Click here to check it out.

End Year Giveaway

2011-12-29T16:18:00.000-08:00

My friend, Vickie of Reading and Stitching, had done some cleaning and is giving away some of her stash. Click on the name of the blog, and enter.

2012 Crazy January Challenge

2011-12-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Here is my stitching challenge in January 2012.

The rules:

1. Have fun!!!
2. Goal to finish them by December 31.
3. No NEW stash buying unless I am at a retreat,vacation or my birthday. NO EXCEPTIONS!
4. I will start when I return from Virginia, around January 22.
5. Have fun!!

LHN Coming to America

Poppy Kreations Red, White and Blue

Vee&Co Summer In the USA

Waxing Moon Designs Witch's Garden

Imaginating Born Shopper by Diane Arthurs


CherryWood Design Studios A Stitcher's Prayer

LHN Deck the Halls

LHN Gingerbread Village

LHN Bringing Home the Tree

LHN Thirteen Colonies

Chreistmas 2011

2011-12-26T15:27:00.000-08:00

Christmas Tree 2011

ChristmasCards

Amy under the tree

My nephew, Anthony and me

Amy,Dawne, John, and Anthony

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. As you can see I put a few pictures of my Christmas. I made 5 types of cookies on Thursday, Saturday made the rice pudding and carrot cake. Sunday morning, I made ham, pot roast, mashed potatoes, gravy,coleslaw,carrots,corn,broccoli and cheese, and noodle pudding. Dawne and Amy brought another pot roast, bread,blueberry crumb pie, and banana cream pie. The second pot roast is made a different way. My family is very fussy. My dad likes his roast at least rare and my sisters like theirs well done. They cook another pot roast in the crock pot, and I admit it is so much better than the way my father likes it. However I overcooked the pot roast in the oven and it was well done. Well, there is next time. Amy made a chocolate raspberry truffle cake. I think most deserts will end up in the garbage. I am leaving for Virginia on Wednesday. I will be bringing some cookies and carrot cake on my trip.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Many hugs,
Vicky

Giveaway

2011-12-25T17:29:00.000-08:00

Randi, from My Insanity Has Come Out of the Closet, is having a giveaway. She is looking for new followers. Just click on the blog's name.

Gifts!

2011-12-18T11:59:00.000-08:00

The first two pictures are the last two days of the 12 Days of Christmas, Days 11 ans 12. On the11th ay, I got Glade Apple cinnamon candle, oil candles, and wall plug-ins. They smell so good. My Dad thought I was making an apple pie. On the12th day, I got a very lovely kit. It is very beautiful and I hope I can start it soon. Thank you Elizabeth for all the gifts you had send me.

These gifts are from my Secret Penpal I have been posting since August. This package I got a snowmen stocking, stuffed snowbaby, Santa chocolate, a few skeins of DMC threads, an ornament, fabric postcard, crossstitch ornament kit, Santa felt kit, and socks. My penpal is Norma from Creativity Has No Limits blog. Don't you love her blog title? She is a mixed-media artist and her blog is fabulous. Check it out. It has been wonderful getting to know
Norma and looking forward reading her blog in the future and following her creativity. Thank you Norma!

Snow by Shephard's Bush, threads and button, Peace ornament

I joined a Christmas exchange in my Pens and Needles group. I got stuck on a RR, and it took me awhile to finish it, which got me behind on my exchanges. I got my package from my partner, Lynda, a week ago. I felt guilty not sending my package out in time, I didn't open it right away. Today I decided to open it, since I send out my partner's package yesterday. Oh wow, I was spoiled! I got a stitched ornament, Snow from Shephard's Bush, which was on my wish list, plus the threads and button that goes with it, ribbons, ric-rack, green, red,and white threads, monthly planner, red and green fat quarters fabrics,buttons, hot cocoa, a list pad and stationary kit (pad, journal and a pen.) Thank you Lynda!

Yesterday was Dad's birthday. I was up at 7 am, baked him a carrot cake, his favorite and homemade ravioli, 234 of them! Yes, I counted them and all done by hand, no machines. It took me about 13 hours it do, including cleaning. I leave in ten days to Virginia and I have so much to do before than. I have to finish crocheting a scarf, stitch 2 ornaments, organize my projects for the Crazy January Challenge, and WIPs/UFOs challenge, bake cookies, and some last minute shopping. Oh and the wrapping and finish decorating. I didn't even start! The tree is up but the cards are not. I am still getting some everyday.

hugs, Vicky

Ninth and Tenth Days

2011-12-10T14:10:00.001-08:00

On the Ninth Day of Christmas, I got a leaflet of bookmarks patterns and three bookmarks to stitch on. The patterns are very beautiful and I can't wait to stitch a couple. I see a bookmark exchange in the future. The bookmarks will come in handy since I am an avid reader.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas, I got a piece of white evenweave, some glittery silver snowflakes, and a cat key chain. The cat has a button, when pressed, lights go on and a noise. It is so adorable and I laugh when I press the button. I love it! The snowflakes will be going on my tree soon. Thank you Elizabeth for the lovely gifts.

I organized a Wishlist Exchange in the ILCSing Yahoo group,where a person sends two items from their partner's wishlist. Betty send me Little House Needleworks Winter Wonderland and Ginger & Spice Florida Sampler. I really want to start on Florida Sampler but I got to good and stitch my exchanges first. Thank you Betty!

This is a tease! These beautifully wrapped presents are filled with these amazing gifts and I can't show you! It is a Secret Santa exchange and until I get the word it;s okay to show, this is all you see for now.

hugs,
Vicky

Seventh and Eighth Days

2011-12-08T13:30:00.001-08:00

Sorry I meant to post yesterday. I got busy stitching and hoping to finish it last night. I had to frog the boarder and snowman and end up finishing it today. Yesterday on the seventh day, I got 2 packages of needles and a needle organizer. I needed the organizer. I keep my needles in a pincushion.

Today, on the eighth day, I got two boxes of brownie mix. I thought I was opening a book, because it was heavy, lol. So I made a pan of brownies. They are very good. Thank you Elizabeth!


pan of brownies

This is my finish from Little House Needleworks. This is Berly's RR. It was a quick stitch, which I needed so much. I had finished Judith's RR and it took me like forever. I forgot to take a picture of her's RR. The frogs were have a huge party at my house and some came back last night. I am going have to re-stitch this pattern for myself. Now I need to go do some more stitching. I got behind on my exchanges, so bad of me.

hugs,
Vicky

The Sixth Day and a gift

2011-12-06T18:19:00.001-08:00

On the Sixth day of Christmas, I got 2 Christmas kits, one a Santa and the other an angel. There are jingle bells to add and when assemble, their limbs move. Man, I could really freak my brother out by changing their poses. He will totally freak out if he notices the changes. I will be trying to stitch them by next Christmas. I am really excited for tomorrow. Thank you Elizabeth!

Lisa from Mad Stitches had a giveaway and I was the winner. Lisa is from Cambodia and send a keychain, bookmark and magnet with Cambodia on it plus a cute cross stitch key chain kit. I might bring this kit on the train with me later this month I am sure I can do it in 10 hours. Thank you Lisa!

hugs,
Vicky

"On the fifth day of Christmas....

2011-12-05T21:42:00.001-08:00

..my true love gave to me 5 golden rings." I can literally sing that line because I got rings! Okay they are not gold or rings I can put on my fingers, but they are rings. I am wondering if Elizabeth purposing made this gift for Day 5. She also added some floss baggies too. It brought a smile to my face. Thank you Elizabeth!

I mailed out Christmas cards today, 54 of them. I think I might have to send some more if I can afford to do so.

hugs,
Vicky

Fourth Day

2011-12-04T09:50:00.001-08:00

On the Fourth Day of Christmas, the gift was a bag of Hershey's miniatures candy. Sweet! I can't say no to these minis, especially the Mr. Goodbar. I don't like the regular size Mr.Goodbar because I can taste the aluminum on the chocolate. Elizabeth has put a lot of thought in her gifts and I am very touched. Thank you Elizabeth!

Third Day of Christmas

2011-12-03T08:12:00.001-08:00

On the Third Day of Christmas, Elizabeth gave me 2 hoops. One is 5 inches and the other 7 inches. This stitching girl can never have enough hoops in her stash. They will be handy for my challenge next year. Thank you Elizabeth! I can't wait for tomorrow's gift.

Well I got my haircut. Alot of hair was cut from my head. Here is the pile:

Most of the hair is in a bag. There is an organization call Wigs for Kids so I am hoping to send my hair to them. It is too short for Lockets of Love organization. I think 6-7 inches were cut off. Now do you want to see my new hair do? Am I hearing yes? LOL Ok here is my new hairdo. The picture is not the greatest.

See ya tomorrow!

Hugs
Vicky

Second Day of Christmas

2011-12-02T13:08:00.001-08:00

On the Second Day of Christmas, Elizabeth gave to me, a stamped cross stitch kit Love Me Love My Cat., and a monthly planner with a kitten on the cover. Its so me! Thank you Elizabeth!

I had to show this recent finish. Its for a special friend and on its way. Hocus Pocus by Lizzie Kate on Silkweavers Spring Garden Opalescent 16 count aida.

See you tomorrow with Day 3. I am getting a haircut tonight. I need it badly,lol.

Hugs,
Vicky

First Day of Christmas & Other Stuff

2011-12-01T12:46:00.001-08:00

I joined The 12 Days of Christmas exchange in I Love Cross Stitch yahoo group. I am going try to do a daily post. Elizabeth send me this HUGE box of gifts,and its heavy to lol. Since its the first day, I get to open a present. Inside the wrapped gift was:

A Christmas Ornament leaflet from Leisure Arts and name tags in blue and silver. I love the gift and ornament patterns will come very handy in the couple weeks. Thank you Elizabeth!

Other Stuff

I did some more hand dying couple weeks ago. The first picture is Tan , one on white other antique white on 28 count even weave and both will be gifts. The middle picture is 2 pieces of Kelly green. I love how they came out. The last piece is Petal Pink on 32 count even weave.

For those wondering, I have the Traveling Stash Box. I have taken a few stuff which I will show soon. I will be setting up the giveaway by the end of next week. For my Follower's giveaway, it has been postpone until January. I am leaving Dec28 for Virginia. Maybe if I get something down there, like a souvenir be added to the giveaway.

I will post tomorrow with gift 2. I cant wait to see it.

Hugs
Vicky

A Giveaway

2011-11-17T12:55:00.001-08:00

Lesli from Fabulous Frogger is having a giveaway. Don't you love her blog title? Its so creative. If you love Lavender & Lace patterns, then you have to enter. Click on the name of the blog.

Edit: The link should be working now

A Holiday Giveaway

2011-11-08T05:46:00.000-08:00

Jackie from 1 Billion 2 Go is having a Holiday Contest. It is opened until Dec 15. Go over and sign up!

Stitching and Gifts

2011-11-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

I got there lovely gifts from Lisa S for Falling into Halloween exchange on the Stitched with Love blog. I LOVE the cat ornament and the back of it is a little heart charm saying Made for you. The wooden box is going fun to paint before next Halloween. The bats are so cute and I have used a couple already. The fabric is adorable and I can't wait to start the pattern and ribbons. Thank you Lisa! You put a lot of thought in my gifts and I appreciate it very much.

The two pictures above is what I put together for my partner, Jen. I had Colleen to email Jen asking her favorite Halloween candy was, and I put a Halloween tin can with Hersheys bars, Reese's peanut butter cups, and Sweet tarts. I gave the rest to my brother, well the Sweet tarts at least, lol. I stitched Punpkin Kat from Bette Ashley in the Simply Cross Stitch Magazine, No 37, 1997. I wanted to do it in the ornament but it came out too big. I added Glendon Place Witch Parking Only, the fabric that was recommended, a few hand dyed threads, stickers, needles, and a pair of socks.

I made this Witch's Hat by The Stitchworks in the Just Cross Stitch Halloween issue. I made a couple of changes, I used gold metallic thread for the stars instead of the orange (didn't have any) and use one of the bats I got from Lisa. I made it into an ornament and added a gold bead hanger. It was for Vickie H for the ILCSing Halloween Ornament exchange. I almost kept it for myself. I like how it came out and Vickie likes it.

This is Witchy Brew by Witchy Stitches. It was stitched on 30 count linen and used WDW Lavender for the words. Both the pattern and fabric came from Cape May at my retreat. I added one of my new bats. Did I tell you I like the bats a lot? This one is for me for a chance.

This lovely needle book is from Denise of UK, sometimes in Saudia Arabia,lol. It was for the Autumn Exchange in the ILCS group. I love it. She did a great job. The below picture is the inside of the needle book. Thank you Denise! I am waiting for my partner to get my exchange, than I can show it off.

As I was writing about the snow, the mail came in and I got a package from my Secret Penpal. She sent two mini Christmas ornament and a beautiful Thanksgiving post card. Next month I get to find out who my penpal is, and I can't wait. I have no idea who it is.

Until next time,
Vicky

SNOW!!!!

2011-11-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

When snow is falling, it is so beautiful! I could watch the snow fall for hours. It is gorgeous and the romantic side of me comes out, lol. Last Saturday, Connecticut and few other New England states got hit with our first major snow storm. Usually around here, the foliage is at its peaks and leaves are falling. Instead of rain, it snowed. Pictures below is what it looked like outside of my kitchen the next morning. Its a winter wonderland.

This snow brought a lot of damage, because it was very wet and heavy. It you look at the first picture on this post, and compare to the above picture, you can see the branches are hanging very low.

These trees are exactly down the end of the street. I just love zooming in with my camera and I didn't have to step outside. These trees are just a fraction, maybe less, to all the damage this storm did. Mother Nature was not very nice.

These are bushes between my building and the next building. I wish I took a before picture of these, because the bushes are a good 5 feet tall and were beautiful. They are destroyed and will be pulled up in the spring.

This picture is from my right side and I like how the stop sign is covered. Usually by the time I get up after a storm, the snow is off the sign. We lost our power around 4 pm on Saturday. I was about to start supper. I thought I would stitch a little before it got dark, but with the storm, dark came very quick. I listen to the radio under my bed covers and hearing the numbers of power outrages kept climbing. Sunday morning the guys took a quick shower and used up the rest of the hot water. There were only 3 Dunkin Donuts stores open in our area. Dad got egg sandwiches and coffee for breakfast and KFC for supper. Luckily they were open and very busy. We ate in the candle light. I tried to crochet using a flashlight and I think I did 4 granny squares. I was a little slower but I was able to do something instead of twiddling my thumbs. Monday morning was more egg sandwiches and coffee. We went to my aunt's, who did not lose power, and took a shower. It was so nice to have a hot shower. After we got home, I stitched until it got dark and than I switched to crocheting. I had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for supper. Than the power came on around 930 pm. I was so happy and the first thing I did was to put the heat on. It was getting cold. I can't imagine how much colder it would have got. Unfortunately there are communities still out of power as I am writing this. I hope they get their power back soon. The electricity company says 99% of all towns by midnight on Sunday.

I Got Mail and update

2011-10-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Hi! Parsley from Seasons of My Mind, put a challenge for her readers to show a picture of ourselves. So I figure, what the heck, why not? I rarely put pictures of myself because majority of the time I am the one taking the pictures, even at family gatherings. This is my recent picture of me when I was at Sandwich, Cape Cod, taken by my aunt this past August.

I did some more fabric dyeing a couple weekends ago. It has been gorgeous lately on the weekends. I went with a blue theme. The fabric on the left was dyed with Rit Evening Blue, the middle one was brush painted with Mediterranean Blue acrylic paint and the right fabric was Rit Aquamarine Blue with a dash of Evening Blue. I wanted more of a bluish color, instead of a blue-green color. I love how they came out.

On October 15, my nephew, Anthony, turned 7 years old. My sister hired a magician for Anthony and his friends. The magician put Anthony in this get-up. Doesn't he look ridiculous? Of course, I had to take a picture. I think its my favorite one. I going to get a 4x6 picture for this one to put in my room.

There was cupcakes instead of a cake this year. Dawne made the cupcakes, Amy frosted them and I decorated them. There was a pinata,too, a SpongeBob Squarepants. There was one last year and they weren't going do another one but the night before, Anthony started bawling because he wanted a pinata again. So his dad went out to get one. When it came time to hit Sponge Bob, Anthony went first and then the next kid went and gave it a big whack, and BOOM!, candy went flying out. No other kid got a chance to whack it,but they did get candy!

Here is Anthony right before we sang Happy Birthday to him. The balloon next to him also sings and Anthony kept hitting it. He loved it. When I got home, there was a package waiting for me.

Meet Carver the Pumpkin! He is adorable! My Secret Pen Pal send it to me. He is now sitting in my basket with my other stuffed toys. Thank you so much! Than Monday came along, and I had went to the store and came back, and there were 5 packages waiting for me. It was Christmas in October for me. One was a small order for a couple gifts, and another was a secret exchange which I can't show until I get the word its okay to do so. However, here is the other 3 packages.

This lovely package came from Carissa of the i-love-cross-stitch Yahoo group for the 10th Anniversary exchange. The group has been around for 10 years and I have been a member since 2003. It was the first group I ever joined and I had met so many friends in this group. Carissa send me DMC satin threads(which I never used before), 2 Carrie's threads, Stitchy Kitty "The Hamster Did It" pattern, Angel Stitchin "Long May She Wave" pattern, a Silkweaver solo piece with a needle, a card she made and a bookmark, which is in a book I am reading and didn't made in the picture. Thank you Carissa!

This package came from Mary from The Stitcherhood group. The exchange was a Halloween Treasure hunt which we had to find items to represent Halloween from a list we were given. For the pumpkin, it was the Pez candy which cracked me up, plus it glows in the dark. For the witch was a Mill Hill needleminder, candy corn was a dish shape as a candy corn and a bag of candy corn, cats was a pair of cat earrings. (Sorry Mary I have to give them to someone else. I am allergic to earrings), And for Happy Halloween saying was a spool of ribbon. I love everything and it was so creative. Thank you Mary!

This package came from Cindy B. for the Fall Exchange from the ILCSing Yahoo group. She send 2 patterns, Lizzie Kate Flip-Its October and November and a package of needles. She had 123Stitch send them to me directly and when I opened it, I was thinking it was my order. I am looking at the items and thinking "This is not what I ordered", then I looked at the slip and saw Cindy's name and I went "Duh!" Just a senior moment for me, lol! Thank you Cindy!

Last night I got my Halloween ornament from Viv of UK from the ILCSing group. She stitched me a Mill Hill Spooking ornament and included a Mill Hill Kitty Treats with some candy and a card filled with Halloween confetti. I have the ornament hanging from my bookshelfs. Viv knows I love Mill Hill kits and I love it. I can't wait to start on the Kittys. Thank you Viv!

I can show you a finish. I stitched this for Mary from KraftersKorners group. We had to stitched a freebie, finish it off and add 3 specialty threads. I found this SanMan Autumn freebie in my stash and I finished it as an ornament. I uses Carrie's threads Autumn for the wording and gold beads for the hanger.

This finish is Sandy's RR, the Snowbaby from Ellen Maurer-Stroh. I had this done awhile ago, but I forgot to post it. I used the beads instead of confetti stitches for the snowflakes. I think it came out wonderful. I sure hope Sandy likes it.

I want to thank all of you for your good thoughts on my upcoming surgery. I appreciate all of them. I saw the surgeon on Oct 6th. The surgery has been delayed for 6 months, but for a good reason. The doctor, also, does the gastric bypass but won't be taking my insurance for another 6 months to do the procedure. I do want to have the gastric bypass done and trying to avoid to put me under twice, it will be better to wait. However,if my gallbladder does act up too bad before than, he will do the surgeries separately. It makes sense to me. I do need this gastric bypass done because I know it will change my life for the good of things. I have told my family and I have their support and love. I know I can do this, just playing the waiting game for now.

I will be going to Virginia after Christmas. My friends are going to Florida in January and they want to house and pet sit for them. They said I could come even if they do not go, so my trip has been delayed for another 2 months. That means I could save up more money.

I have reached 200 followers, so I will be doing a Christmas giveaway in a couple weeks. It will be so much fun!

January Owl and Redecorating

2011-09-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

I finally started on the OakHaven Owl SAL. Kelly from i-love-crossstitch blog and I started on Sunday. I just finished the owl today. I was hoping to finish it on Monday but my bedroom was being redecorated, thanks to my lovely aunts. They did most of the work. Monday was moving furniture from the walls and painting the walls. Here a couple before pics before the painting.

Tuesday was whenwe moved the furniture around and brought things back into the room. I love it. Here is the results.

The wall is pink called Fading Roses. It took me a long time to decide what color and to find the comforter. I still have a wall with no pictures on it. I better get back to stitching so I can fill up the wall.

Arlette got her bookmark and needles from me. The pattern came from Leisure Arts Bookmarks of the Seasons. I used DMC 4215. I love how the colors of the thread came out and so wintery looking too.

Health note: Sunday, Sept 18, I went the hospital for a pain on my right side with nauseous and a fever. I thought it was my gallstones acting up again. They were but found out I had an urinary tract infection too. They admitted me in and I was there for three days. The surgeon decided it was best to have my gallbladder out but as an outpatient. So I am seeing the surgeon on Oct 6 and the date for the surgery will be set than. I am hoping it will be in November so I could go to Virginia for Halloween. I know I will have appointments before the surgery but I could work around it. I will know on the 6th whether I will be going or not.

Many hugs until next time,
Vicky