A Stitching Frenzy

The Queen is in Australia, can you guess why?

2011-10-26T12:42:00.001+10:30

HRH is here to pick up her tiara, I accidentally popped it into my luggage and brought it home with me after that wedding.

I'll be polishing up the silver and getting the Wedgwood out for a spot of afternoon tea. Steve makes a mean coffee and it'll just the thing to perk them both up after a long day in Melbourne! (Shhh... don't tell anyone she's popping into Adelaide, it isn't on the official itinerary).

What would you do if she was visiting you?

A gift, a mystery, a start on Halloween and a request for puppy housetraining help.

2011-07-19T14:41:00.000+09:30

A gift-

Lookie what I won from bronny -

My very own limited edition sheepie fob- it's so cute and I'm in need of a new one!

She also sent

a lovely letter with some floss and

some pretty coasters- check out that quilting! Thanks bronny, it was a lovely surprise to open your gift!

A mystery

Uh- oh, when the envelope looks like this

and has this put inside

it's not good. According to the leaflet, either a sniffer dog detected 'something' or an xray detected 'something'. Fortunately a physical search of the contents revealed nothing. But what was coming from overseas that got stopped for inspection?

This-

Yep, a chart, a business card and a plastic bag. That's all. By The Bay Needleart's Stitch an Inch was calling my name, so I ordered it from Donna's etsy store.
I wonder why it got opened- did the sniffer dog smell another dog's smell or doggy treats in/on it? Or did the xray reveal cross stitch contraband? We'll never know.

A Start on Halloween

Last year I bought Halloween charts nice and early, but still didn't manage to stitch or make anything in time. In fact I didn't even start anything.

So, I'm starting nice and early this year. It's July already (in case you didn't know), so I figure I'll be finished in time, I think.

I've started

Sew Spooky, by iStitch and as I didn't stitch it last year, I'll be making a small adjustment to the charted date. I've purchased some Halloween fabric for finishing and matched the floss to the colours in the fabric.

I've also kitted up

Voodoo Bob (got it from Stitching Bits and Bobs last year too)
And also, I've kitted up

a pumpkin! I think I bought that from Joanne at 123 Stitch last year. What is so strange about my mystery envelope that got stopped at Customs recently (Stitch an Inch), is that when my pumpkin chart arrived last year I was shocked that it didn't get stopped. Have look at what is included with the pumpkin chart-

Yes sir, a bag of contraband, also known as stems and twiggy things for decorating the pumpkin. Guess the dog or xray machine was on the blink the day this envelope went through postal customs...

Help- I need puppy housetraining help!

After the death of our dear Jack last November, it has taken a while to feel like having another dog in our home. I didn't think I'd ever get over Jack's early death. However here we are!

Another Jack Russell. We've named him Ben. Nicholas did want to name him 'Russell' (he named Jack) and then decide that 'Bullwinkle' was a better name. Steve had his favourite names as did I. 'Ben' was the only name we all liked although I was kinda partial to Bullwinkle too!
So, he's almost 9 weeks old. We had to drive 3.5 hours to pick him up- the breeder drove 3 hours to meet us (Ben's a country boy) in the outback!

Here's my problem- his bowel is somewhat out of sync with his eating. All of our previous dogs have had fairly predictable poops after eating. Not Ben. I feed him at 6.30am and he poops at 10am. Or feed him at 6pm and he poops during the night (10pm- 6am) on the laundry floor. Three times. Or eats and poops straight away. Or eats and poops an hour later on the family room floor.

Anyone got any tips of helping him get all synced with his eating then pooping? I put him outside after he eats and when he wakes up from a nap. And in between when he starts to look like he might want to pee. He's peeing outside without many accidents. So, is this just a puppy thing? Jack was a bit older when we got him and he was all synced and ready to go! Any suggestions greatly appreciated!

When the weather gets cold...

2011-06-27T11:31:00.000+09:30

I start knitting! It's been a while since we've had a 'normal' winter- the kind where its wet and cold, not dry and mild like it has been for the last 5 or 6 years. When it gets cold I feel the need to knit. So I've dug into the bottom of my drawer, found my needles and went in search of wool. Here's what I'm making...

It's a cardigan to snuggle up in on those chilly days. It's knitted on circular needles (had to buy one in the right size as my extensive range of knitting needles does not extend to circular ones) and it's a freebie pattern from Red Heart and is called 'Cardie to Love' which, of course, I do. After redoing this sleeve 3 or 4 times, I discovered its for 'experienced' knitters'. Fortunately I am one, but only when I pay attention and mark down my rows!

Here's my current Cross Stitch wip-

The Bookshelf by Little House Needleworks. You can see I left the hoop in, I got sidetracked by my knitting and forgot to take the hoop off.

And I finally got the borders on (well actually I did it some time ago, finally got around to photographing and then blogging about it) for my 2nd Layer Cake Quilt A Long.

It's quite big, Steve had to stand on the coffee table to hold it high enough so it wouldn't drag on the floor (hence part of the delay- waiting for him to finish the very important task of being busy doing nothing). Just waiting on the backing to arrive now and then I'm going to quilt it.

Hope everyone had a productive weekend!

Hey Aussies and NZ'ers- The Stitching Post is having a Sale

2011-06-26T12:25:00.000+09:30

The Stitching Post is having a sale to celebrate their 10th Birthday!

I'm off the peruse, cos I'm pretty sure I *need* something...

Happy ~~Shopping~~ Stitching

What's your Royal Wedding Name and which Tiara will you be wearing?

2011-04-27T10:09:00.001+09:30

Well, I'm still waiting for my invitation to arrive! Then I found out last night that the invitations have all been sent to our Royal Wedding Names, along with just our country and that's why they haven't arrived. So, go the post office and see if your invitation is waiting there for you in your Royal Wedding Name.

So what's our Royal Wedding Name, I hear you ask? It's quite simple really...

1. Choose between Lady or Lord

2. Take the name of the oldest relative (of the same sex) you know about.(go back as far as you can)

3. Take the name of the first pet you owned. And then hyphenate it with -

4. The name of the first street you lived on.

Easy peasy!

So, my invitation went to.... drum roll please...

Lady Adelaide Jeffrey-Allen

(Very posh sounding, isn't it?)

For your laughter, Steve's Royal Wedding Name is

Lord Clement Puddles-Torrens

I've picked my Tiara out- what do you think?

Just gotta pick out the gown now!

What's your Royal Wedding Name and which Tiara will you be wearing?

If you want to play along, work out your name, pick your Tiara and post on your blog. Then comment back here so I can visit your blog!

Quilty and Stitchy Finishes.

2011-03-08T14:19:00.000+10:30

Yes, I've been missing- summer holidays have finally ended and high school has started for Nicholas!

Then there was that little problem with computer which resulted in a system restore- after much hair pulling and swear word muttering to myself, it's finally up and running again. Sigh, computers drive me nuts.

First up, for your viewing pleasure is my Valentine's finish-

It's by Carol of istitchaholic

And although I finished stitching it the day before Valentine's Day, it didn't quite get finished in time. Oh well, it will be for next year!

Here's the quilt I've just finished making for Nicholas. It's made from batik fabric and will fit a queen size bed- not that he's in one yet, but as he's already taller then me, I think his next bed will be queen size. I painted his bedroom during the summer holidays, and am now doing the soft furnishings. As his bedroom is quite big, he has a feature wall of blue/green with the other walls being white. Very fresh and crisp. Just the thing for a teenager. And he can take his quilt with him when he leaves home in about oh, 20 years or so!

Just waiting on the backing to arrive. As Nicholas is a swimmer, I picked this quilt to represent waves and blues to reflect the colour of water.

Here's some blocks from the Layer-Cake-Quilt-Along-2010 Three more blocks to go, I think!

I'll have two different quilts, a pretty one for me, and my very first ever, Christmas quilt!

And finally some hexagons that I've been making while Nicholas swims (3-5 times a week).

Only 95 more to go!

Now I'm off to catch up on some blog reading!

Do I really have that much floss?

2011-01-27T07:32:00.000+10:30

When your guesses started coming in, I thought 'they're a bit high, I don't have THAT much floss'.

But then I started thinking about it- bad idea- and I realised that with 6 boxes, each one capable of holding around 100 flosses, I surely did have that much floss!

So how much floss do I have?

Well, I have 669- so that makes Missy of Eat Stitch Love the winner with her guess of 661! Congratulations Missy, I'll email you shortly. Thank you to everyone who played along, I hope you have fun!

Happy Stitching!

Blogoversary! Guess how much floss I have!

2011-01-17T12:21:00.002+10:30

Well it's my second blogoversary! Woohoo! Let's have a little fun!

If you can guess how much DMC I have, you will win a prize!

Here's my collection-

There's this box

And this box

And this one

Pretty easy so far! One last little lot and that's it!

The closest to the number of floss I have, will win!

Win what? you say.

Well, I can't be bothered going through my stash, and the mail delivery is still atrocious, so the winner will get a US$30 gc to

123stitch.com

Interested? Get guessing! One guess only please!

Make sure your email addy is in your profile, or in your post.

I'll count the floss next Wednesday 26th and let you know.

Here's a little help- some of the floss cards that are laying down have floss sitting underneath them too that you can't see!

The Stitching Post in Katoomba NSW is having a sale today!

2010-12-22T06:50:00.000+10:30

Now that I've ordered my goodies :) The Stitching Post in Katoomba NSW is having a sale for today only.

24% off for 24 hours!

Discount off lots of items, see HERE for details.

I'm one happy mama!

2010-12-16T21:20:00.001+10:30

Nicholas starts high school next year- year 8. So, the letter to advise what class he will be in, arrives today.

I've got my contact lenses in, so I can't read it too well. Blah blah blah, class 8.7, blah blah blah, sub school, blah blah blah, gifted, blah blah blah blah, accelerated learning-blah blah blah. WHAT?

Hold up- what is this saying? He'll be in the gifted class and have accelerated learning in Maths, English, Science and Society & Environment? Oh my goodness! I don't believe it! I know he's smart, but he's never been tested for any giftedness. He wants to learn, he wants to make an effort. But because he's a good student he gets put among students who don't want to be at school, who are disruptive and rude to the teacher behind the teacher's back. Do teachers put better behaved students with disputive ones in the hope that some of their enthusiasm will rub off on them?

Anyway I tell him to ring Steve and read the letter to him. I speak to Steve briefly afterwards. At home tonight, Steve tells me he was so proud he almost started crying at work!

So, Nicholas will be in a class of likeminded students, who want to be there, want to make the effort, want to learn.

Here he is on graduation day for year seven. He's here with his best friend, who is on the left. Nicholas gave a speech at the graduation ceremony which was actually funny in places and well as reflective in others. I was so proud.

This is the best Christmas present I could ever want.

Bronny's ornament exchange received!

2010-12-07T16:21:00.000+10:30

Guess what turned up in the mail today! Have a little look!

It is beautifully finished, and I'm going to put it with my other Christmas ornaments! Thank you Nutmegg it makes me feel all cozy inside, I love the 'P' on the mug! By the way, Nutmegg won one of my last giveaways! How cool is that!

Merry stitching!

12 really important stitchy questions!

2010-11-25T09:59:00.002+10:30

I was reading this on Reflections in the Pond and found it very interesting so I thought I'd participate too! It started on Stitchitandie.

1. What are you stitching at the moment?

Stitching- I've finally picked up Mary Wigham again, and after such a long break, I'm finding I'm enjoying stitching her again.

Quilting- Layer Cake Quilt-a-long at Moose on the Porch Quilts and a couple of small gifts.

2. How many finishes have you had this year? Small? Medium? Large? Extra Large?

Stitching- Hmmm, not as many as I thought I would- but 2 large (1 from last year and 1 started this year) and about 10 small.

Quilting- lots- 1 extra large, 2 large, 3 medium, and about 10 small.

3. Do you think you will finish any more in the next month and a half before the end of the year?

Stitching- no way.

Quilting- waiting on fabric to finish off one Christmas gift, so hopefully, yes!

4. If you could buy 1 thing for yourself what would it be? (Doesn't have to be stitching)

This was actually quite hard! After much consideration, a personal trainer to kick my butt and get me out walking.

And after more consideration and a round of emptying the washing machine and putting more washing on, I'd like a washing machine/dryer combo that doesn't destroy clothes, or shrink them, uses very little water and electricity, and when you put them in dirty and wrinkled, the clothes come out clean, dry and wrinkle-free.

5. What is the best thing you have ever stitched?

Stitching- my first attempt on 28ct is up there, but probably the hardest would be the Quaker Basket from Needleprint. The *best* is probably the stitching Needlework Folder for my friend's 50th birthday last year.

Quilting- my Moda Beach House quilt here.

6. Do you like making lists?

Yes, and sometimes I even look at them!

7. Do you stitch in rotation (how does it work?) or OAAT?

Stitching- gifts for others- one at a time, but something I'm stitching for me is in a form of rotation. When I've finished my gift stitching, I pick up my own stitching and rotate those dependent upon which one I'm enjoying at that time.

Quilting- rotation dependent upon which one I'm waiting on fabric to arrive, or the block to be released.

8. What is the next thing you plan to stitch?

Stitching- tricky question. Probably a birthday gift.

Quilting- easy question!- batik quilt for Nicholas, Valentine's quilt, Paganini Schnibble plus another Schnibble that I can't remember. First two already kitted, last two waiting on fabric. Oh, and something Christmassy for me!

9. What is your fave ONS? And why?

123stitch -it was my very first ever online purchase, lol (had to be stitching, didn't it!) because they have a great range.

Have also enjoyed buying from Stitching Bits and Bobs, Needlecraft Corner and Just Needlin'

Quilting- Todays Quilting - great service. And also Cotton Charm Quilts .

10. Do you have a stitching chair?

Usually the right hand seat of whatever couch I'm sitting on. I do have a small stitching table and magazine holder that I drag to whatever spot I sitting at - I move the furniture around a lot! The table has my scissors, needles, a photo of me with Nicholas at 3 weeks old, lots of bits of paper, some charts, some
floss from previous projects that I haven't put away, ort holder, tissues, pen, texta, nail file. Magazine holder has my wips in it.

11. Do your children/pets get into your stitching things?

Nicholas learnt at an early age- 'don't touch Mummy's stitching things' he said in a stern voice to some friends when he was about 4 yo.

Jack (our recently departed dog) was always trying to get my floss and I often found spitty blobs on the floor where he'd succeeded.

12. Do you participate in any stitching forums?

I occasionally visit 123 stitch, but really enjoy reading other stitcher's blogs.
And am currently involved in the Layer Cake Quilt-a-Long on flickr.

Feel like answering these very important questions? Head over to Andie's where you can cut and paste the questions.

My current stitching- Mary Wigham stitched on 28ct cream evenweave with Vikki Clayton silks.

Aussies - anyone got a good honeycomb recipe?

2010-11-15T14:30:00.000+10:30

Hi everyone

(Not meaning to exclude my American friends, but I can't always get the same ingredients here and measurements are slightly different).

I'm making biscuits for Nicholas's school concert and thought I'd also make some honeycomb. But I can't find my green and gold cookbook so I need an easy, idiot-proof recipe! Kinda like this, (but not necessarily with chocolate)?

Or, do you have a recipe for some type of sweet thing that's easy to make, will fit into a cellophane bag and will appeal to adults and children? My email is in my profile, or add a comment with your recipe!

Our dog Jack- gone but not forgotten....

2010-11-12T08:38:00.000+10:30

Jack, you brought so much joy into our lives and we miss you dearly.

We had you for such a short time, noone thought you would only stay for 3 years. We will miss your company and your crazy antics, your unconditional love and your happy nature. Our lives are so much richer for having you in them.

Life will not be the same without you. I hope your first night in heaven was filled with running and playing with other dogs. I love you Jackie, I can't believe you're gone...

Two more stitchy Christmas finishes!

2010-10-25T11:29:00.000+10:30

Hot off the needle are my two latest finishes

Happy Holidays by Deb Brewer of Frances & Me, from JCS Ornament Issue 2008(?) stitched on mystery fabric, with Vikki Clayton's silks to match the Moda Fruitcake Table Topper I quilted recently.

Homespun Elegance's 'Santa, Please bring me...' stitched on mystery fabric and using mostly DMC floss, with some colour changes.

Both stitchings need charms attached and I'll attached them after I've finished them off- I think they need a bit of a press, don't you!

These are the last two of my Christmas stitching (hooray!)but I may do a couple of extras between now and Christmas. I'll be back to post my finished finishes soon!

Christmas finishes - quilty and stitching!

2010-10-11T10:03:00.000+10:30

First up is a Moda Bakeshop design which was very easy to follow and made up quickly.

You can find the pattern here! I used Moda Fruitcake fabric and a fat quarter of the red/white fabric instead of a charm pack. This will be a gift for my friend in England who has asked to see some pictures of my quilting- I thought I'd send her something she could keep!

This fabric is actually white 32ct opalescent linen. Designed by The Sweetheart Tree in Just Cross Stitch Ornament magazine 2008?, stitched with Vicki Clayton's Hand Dyed Fibers and the suggested Sweetheart Tree beads and Mill Hill Beads. I'm going make it into an hanging ornament, but probably not using the template in the magazine, cos those roundy bits look hard to work with!

Peace on Earth by Black Bird Designs stitched on 28ct cream evenweave, using the suggested Weekes and GAST threads. As the colours of this are more rustic than traditional, I'll probably choose a rustic frame for it.

And finally, I have joined Bronny's ornament exchange- I'm so excited, I haven't done an exchange for such a long time! I've chosen a chart-

Santa, Please Bring Me by Homespun Elegance- it says on Santa's list 'linen, floss & time to stitch' which is sooo appropriate for a fellow stitcher, and aren't the little scissors cute!

I am so please that I've almost finished my Christmas stitching gifts and it's only mid October! I've got one stitchy one that I'm half way through, plus my ornament exchange piece and that's it!

Which is probably a good thing, as I've joined The Layer Cake Quilt-Along which starts in November.

I'm using Moda Eden fabrics, and call me crazy, but I'm going to do 2 quilts. I've ordered a Christmas layer cake and yardage and hopefully that'll arrive tomorrow or Wednesday!

Oh and guess who is about to have a bath this morning?

Yep, Jack, the photo shoot supervisor!

You can see the effect the drought has had on our garden. Not much is alive, although the winter rain we finally had this year has produced some lovely weeds!

Its a Koala Thing!

2010-10-07T21:01:00.000+10:30

Nicholas wants to cuddle the Koala and the Koala wants to get down!

I guess I've got Koalas on the mind....

Schnibbling in Adelaide!

2010-10-06T17:18:00.000+10:30

Well, my very first Schnibbles called Paganini has arrived and it's sitting here with some of the fabric I've bought to make it up in. That is, if I don't change my mind before I get around to starting it...

I've almost finished my Christmas stitching, so stay tuned for some pics of them!

Giveaway Winners!

2010-10-04T12:52:00.002+10:30

Okay, here's how we'll work it. Seeing as there were only 4 entrants for 3 prizes I'll award them in order of the time the comment was made.

So, Nutmeg, if you email me (email in blogger profile) and let me know which one you want and your postal address, I'll get that one off to you.

SilkLover - please wait to see if Nutmeg wants the kangaroo. If she doesn't, then SilkLover the kangaroo is yours. If Nutmeg wants the kangaroo, do you want one of the koalas?

Billie- the kangaroo will either be taken by Nutmeg or Silklover. Do you want the koala that is left over?

Blu, if the kangaroo people don't want a koala, you can have one!

Once Nutmeg emails me, I'll know what's still remaining and let everyone know!

Edited to add- Nutmegg wil take the kangaroo kit, so SilkLover, do you want a koala, and if so, which one? Please email me with your choice and postal address!

Edited further to add Okay Billie- do you want a koala? If so, let me know your choice with your postal address! Blu, there's a koala for you! Email me again your address as that will be quicker than me trying to find it in my emails.

24 hours til I draw my giveaway!

2010-10-03T11:57:00.000+10:30

Your chances are looking pretty good if you want to win one of three cross stitch kits featuring either a kangaroo or koala!

Click here to read about it!

Kangaroo or Koalas? Which one do you want?

2010-10-01T09:03:00.001+09:30

Yep, that's right-These fellas need a new home

so I'm giving away a Kangaroo and two Koalas-

They're cross stitch kits of course!

Here's the Kangaroo Kit-

The Koala Kit

And a Koala and Kangaroo bookmark kit.

Leave a comment and I'll draw 3 names on Monday 4th October, lunchtime South Australian time.

Beauty in your Forties and Fifties- why didn't anyone tell me?

2010-09-22T09:14:00.000+09:30

You know that nose trimmer that men buy? Tell your husband HE needs one now, and suggest he buy the twin pack or take up the two-for-one offer. Because YOU will need one.

Forget those little tubes of hair removal creme for your upper lip- if you need to remove hair on your upper lip, you may as well remove the rest of your beard too.

Extra heavy duty hair remover for stubborn leg hair will NOT remove that whisker on your chin. Hopefully no-one else has noticed it before you do.

Facial hair removal is NOT effortless and painfree. That fine hair on your face will cling with all its' might. Use a mirror and sunlight to check for patches left behind. Not while you're driving.

You will get caught with that cream on your face. Pretend its a face mask.

'How long has that been there?' Hopefully only since this morning. But you know its been there a lot longer. The length of it should tell you that.

Care to share anything else I've got to look forward to?

I can't wait for Spring, so I've brought a little bit of Spring into my life...

2010-09-15T11:24:00.001+09:30

It's been so dreary here this winter with rain, wind and cold temperatures. I don't think we've had a winter like this for quite a few years, hence the drought we've had.

I'm tired of feeling grey, so I made something to cheer me up-

It's big enough to throw my purse (wallet), phone, keys and tissues into and so much lighter to carry around than my bag. Made from yummy Moda Eden fabric.

I love this site Purse Patterns as it carries lots of different designers and bought 2 other patterns that I wanted from there.

Is it time for another giveaway?

September 11

2010-09-11T11:32:00.000+09:30

We should never forget...

Missing in action? Hibernating during winter? Just plain lazy?

2010-08-30T12:09:00.000+09:30

Well, it's a little of all that, tied up with harsh words to myself of 'I won't update my blog until...

1/ I've sent those emails that are long overdue...

2/ got something nice to say...

3/ gotten over the mistakes I found in charts from 2 different designers that gave me a lot of grief trying to work out what I was doing wrong, when all the time it was the charts that had errors. (These weren't freebies, but real fair dinkum, all paid for charts, as I don't expect freebies to be error proof but do expect paid charts to be model stitched by someone and the pic on the front of one chart didn't have the errors showing and the other wasn't model stitched)...

4/ taken pics of my work and downloaded them from the camera...

5/ felt like posting them with some commentary which meant doing some digging about the details...'

So, I guess you can say that I'm all caught up, gotten over, moved on, let go, snapped pics, and feeling very chatty today!

Whilst I have been stitching, I've also been quilting, which is lovely to do in this freezing cold weather (bring on Spring and stop this rain, wind and cold temps!) Here's what I've been up to-

Moda Beach House fabric in the big ole quilt I made for a lounge (and it sure is warm and snuggly underneath it, when I'm having a little bit of a snooze during the day)

Made from Moda Beach House plus Sandy's Solids, a table runner for our coffee table (it's rolled up, I'm not sure why I rolled it before taking the pic)

My first stitched Easter piece ever! Freebie from Plum Street Samplers

A gift for my fabulous friend (it's a hexagonal bowl which is very difficult to photograph) Quaker Basket from Needleprint with some modifications to the assembly instructions.

And another of My favorite kitten pinkeep from primitivebettys and a small hexagon quilted 'thingy'.

That's the highlights of 6 month's stitching. Of course with a focus on quilting comes a focus on fabric buying. I won't be showing the fabric I've bought (just in case ~~Steve~~ someone's reading that doesn't need to know just exactly what I've been doing while I'm home all day long).

Happy Stitching!

And the winner is...

2010-02-10T18:56:00.000+10:30

Okay, so I know you can't read it! It says 'Ukka',so Ukka, please email me, my email is in my profile.

Thanks to all who entered!

Drop by for another giveaway!

2010-02-03T11:36:00.000+10:30

It's my 15th wedding annivesary tomorrow, so I'm having a giveaway to celebrate!

I've had a quick look through Jill Oxton's Cross Stitch & Bead Weaving magazine but the design I like the most is way too hard for me to stitch- I know my limits! So I'm giving issue 79 away. I think I bought it in November last year. It has some 'beading' designs that can be cross stitched instead, as well as a gorgeous Hardanger chart for a biscornu, scissor fob, needle book and thread bag.

And here's the Hardanger pic, I just love it, but it's way out of my league!!

Now, how to enter- just because you're here, post a comment and you'll be entered.
If you're a follower or become a follower, post a second comment.

Then if you post about my giveaway on your blog, come back and post a third comment.

I might actually attempt to use that random picker thingy this time cos it might be easier than writing all the entries down and then getting Nicholas to pick one out of a bowl. Entries close on Tuesday 9th February around 6pm (Australian time), so post your comment(s) by Monday 8th February evening, cos' you're probably behind me timewise.

Good Luck and Happy Stitching!

And the winner is...

2010-01-12T13:18:00.000+10:30

Thanks to everyone who entered, I wish I could give everyone a prize, especially Becky, who I read the other day had a taser (well I thought it said that, turned out it was a 'teaser').

The winner of My Favorite Kitten pinkeep and the charts of Heartstrings, My pink bag & fabric & Childproof is

Congratulations Blu, email me your details & I'll get your goodies off to you (just click on my 'about me' and it'll take you to my email addy). My Favorite Kitten has been stitched and just needs to be made into the pinkeep.

Lynda, Deb and Silverlotus- could you email me your details too please, I'd like to stitch 'My Favorite Kitten' pinkeep for you too.

Happy Stitching!

You know it's time to shave your legs...

2010-01-07T06:57:00.000+10:30

when your husband tells you that the hairs on the back of your thighs are longer than the hairs on his chest!

My very 1st Blogoversary Giveaway and 2010 New Year's Resolutions

2010-01-03T13:38:00.000+10:30

Well, 12 months came around quickly, and I didn't post as often as I had hoped. Towards the end of 2009 I truly was in 'A Stitching Frenzy' trying to finish off my Christmas gifts in time to post overseas. Two of my finishes I forgot to photograph I was in such a hurry to mail them, but later this month I'll post the 4 that I did remember to take pics of.

My very first post was about my New Year's resolutions for 2009 and they were-

1/To be more frugal with my time, and cut down on 'wasted' time, really spent doing nothing worthwhile. Hmm, not too successful there.

2/ Work toward acheiving my goals - well I tried and did achieve finishing my 'gift' stitching. Started walking more often and read a heap of books for relaxation.

3/ To concentrate on the positive aspects of life. Maybe I had a premonition that 2009 would be a year of outside-my-home negative influences, it took until June to rid our family of this person, and the next 6 months trying to deal with the after affects of her actions. However, within our home, my marriage and committment to Steve remains strong- 15 years of marriage this year, and my love and nuturing of Nicholas into tween-hood continues and my dear friends remain so.

4/To keep my stitching on task, and not be frantically stitching, trying to finish off gifts, at the last minute. Hmm, birthday gift stitching went okay, but Christmas stitching was waaaaay off track.

5/ To reduce waste and our carbon footprint. Well,I had a good bash at this. I've planned meals better & reduced food wastage. I've recycled the usual cans, paper, green waste etc, but also given away books to the local library, clothes to friends with younger boys and stopped buying so much unnecessary clutter. I've bought a little shopping trolley and walked to the supermarket, and walked home from school with Nicholas instead of driving.

My 2010 resolutions, funnily enough, after reading through 2009's, are much the same. Stay on track, keep focus on my family and myself and my true friends and reduce wastage. I hope to be even more successful at achieving them than I was at achieving some of them last year.

Now, my blogoversary giveaway!!!

First - the prize!

One of these cute little pinkeeps 'My favorite kitten' pinkeep by primitivebettys to be stitched by me, just like this one.

As well as

the chart and fabric for 'The Pink Bag' by Dutch Treat Designs

and

'Heartstrings' by The Cat's Whiskers

and

'Child Proof' by Glory Bee.

Now, how to enter- just because you're here, post a comment and you'll be entered.

If you're a follower or become a follower, post another comment.

Then if you post about my giveaway on your blog, come back and post another comment.

I'll get my delightful tween to pick an entry on Tuesday 12th January around lunchtime, so post your comment(s) by Monday 11th January lunchtime in the States as we're ahead of you timewise.

Good Luck and Happy Stitching!

Happy New Year to you, Happy Blogoversary to me!

2010-01-02T17:28:00.001+10:30

Hope you have a safe, happy and healthy 2010!

And guess what? Yes, it's my 1 year blogoversary (did the title give it away?)

I'm rummaging through my stash for my 1st giveaway, so keep watching!

TUSAL and a finish!

2009-11-24T11:34:00.000+10:30

I've missed posting my TUSAL so many times, that I am embarrassed. Totally Useless SAL is such a fun stitch-a-long, and easy to participate, so don't let my laziness put you off joining!

Here's November's contribution- I've been frogging a lot lately!

And here's my finish. I have been frantically stitching this piece for Terry Lousie (Tazzy on 123), in between my Christmas stitching. It's by Jill Oxton, and is a Waratah, which is New South Wales's state floral emblem. This will go into a quilt that Terry Louise is making for the survivors of the Victorian Bushfires earlier this year (I think its going in a fundraising quilt- but my memory evades me). As pretty as it is, I hated stitching it because the chart is one of her earlier hand drawn ones, and lots of the symbols looked the same. Even though I highlighted the chart as I worked it, I still kept finding myself out of count at different parts. Similar symbols and similar colours- not my favourite!

Blogger, what's with the Picasa album now? Talk about 'confuse me'! (Sorry for any spelling mistakes, I can't find spell check in draft mode- my spelling is okay, but my typing is not so good)

Happy Stitching everyone!

I am scared of finishing my stitching but I still buy stash!

2009-11-12T09:57:00.003+10:30

I love stitching- don't get me wrong. But what is it about finishing off a piece that makes me drag my feet? I procrastinate every time. I leave it to the very last moment to turn my stitching into a finished piece.

It could be the thought of ruining a piece that I've enjoyed stitching, maybe cutting the excess fabric away to much (hence my bulky seams). Could be the thought that my vision of the finished piece and it's reality will be completely different.

Now that I think about it (seeing something written helps me sort things out) I'm thinking it's my fear of cutting away too much of the fabric.

Take my Victorian Bushfire ornament finishes for example. They were due last Tuesday. Last Tuesday I hadn't even started finishing them off, well, I had finished Daffcat's reindeers but not the others. I had to rush through making them into ornaments and increased the chance of making a mistake! I mailed them Wednesday, so hopefully Nise received them Friday, but more likely on Monday. Only a week late, the shame, the shame.

Here they are anyway!

Daffycat's cute freebie

I stitched also some non-Christmas ornaments for those who don't celebrate Christmas.

Circle of love by Lizzie*Kate

Home is wherever my family gathers by Moi

And here is my beautiful son standing in front of Tira and Michael's family and friends, reading the poem they had chosen. I was so proud of him, he spoke clearly and confidently!

Some stash arrived too-sorry about the pic, it's too hot outsdie so had to take it inside in the dark with the curtains drawn

It's A TimeTo Reap by Plum Pudding NeedleArt. I love this design because it's a creative way to make something out of needlework, the design goes all the way around in sections, and it comes with the stem, wool and leaves to finish it off (now how did THAT get through customs?)

I also bought PS Blackwork Angels, but I'm gonna stitch them in pink! I won't blind your eyes by posting the pic I took of that chart lol!

Does the making part of finishing scare you? If it does, what part makes you procrastinate? If it doesn't, what is your secret to not worrying about 'spoiling' a piece (apart from having it professionally finished!)?

Have you seen these freebies?

2009-10-27T19:05:00.000+10:30

Head over to The Stitcherhood's blog to see a couple of sweet Halloween freebies!

Finally, some finishes and some stash buying!

2009-10-22T14:50:00.001+10:30

Goodness, I have been stitching my little fingers to the bone!

I've finished Alison's 50th birthday present, just need to get a little chart, floss and fabric to go in her new needlework folder.

The back of it tied up.

The front, with some counting needles, complete with Swarovski crystals.

The inside, with a floss tag, new scsissors and scissor's keeper, counting needles and new needles.

I've also finished Tira's wedding gift. She helped me pick out the frame (without knowing which chart I ended up stitching), but I realised I didn't really need her, as the moulding she chose, I would have chosen too, for her. It's cherry wood, and will match her furniture.

Gosh I can't centre this pic for some reason. It's LHN Always and Forever.

Tira has asked Nicholas to read a poem at her ceremony and I am just tickled pink that she has. I know he will do a great job as he has a loud clear speaking voice, which he uses at school assembly, and he is always practising his 'loud' voice at home- no wait, that's his 'shouting' voice at home. Well, anyway, he's confident at speaking in public and is easy to understand. I am sooo excited, Tira gets married on 31st October, about 9 sleeps away!

Now, onto stash.

Rare Treasures by Tree of Life Samplings. See Jan's blog Here. She has another blog, but I can't remember the name of that one. Anyway, I love her designs! She's got a couple of freebies on the Tree of Life blog too, so just click on the link above!

Here's my 2nd purchase-

It Takes A Village by Homespun Elegance (cos I really believe it does) and Sampler 1764 by Permin (cos I wanted to stitch something that was created 200 years before I was born).

And my annual Homespun Elegance purchase of 2009 Snowman Ornament, Snow Much Joy. I've started collecting them, but haven't actually got around to stitching any (does this surprise you? If you saw my stash pile, it wouldn't!) I got these from Nancy at Liberty Primitives and Needlework. They were carefully packaged- tied with ribbon- and she sent freebies as well with my purchase, as well as the pretty bookmark in the pic above. Nancy has some freebies on her website as well.

I've also been busy sewing dance costumes and have finished the dog blanket. Jack loves his new blanket and has stopped jumping on the lounge to lay on ours, although if ours has made it's way onto the floor, he doesn't care which one he lays on. I guess they're both big, warm, soft and cuddly and he can't tell the difference in colour!

I still have to finish making the Victorian Bushfire Ornaments, but now that I have Alison's and Tira's gifts out they way, they're next and I have already bought the fabric to finish them. I've started ny Christmas ornaments- my lovely friend Jeannette sent me this year's JCS Christmas Issue (she sends it every year- isn't she a darling?!) and I've kitted up this year's lot that I want to stitch. Of course, I haven't finished all the ones from last year that I bought all the bits for, but there's still time to get them stitched for this Christmas!

Happy Stitching, about time I visited your blogs! I've got a couple more charts coming, will post pics when they arrive!

9/11

2009-09-11T09:15:00.002+09:30

Remembering all those who lost their lives September 11, 2001, and all those who lost their lives before and since, in acts of terrorism.

I believe the world lost it's innocence that fateful day.

We should never forget.

Stash, glorious stash, I can't wait to show you! And my WIPs too!

2009-08-21T10:11:00.000+09:30

A while ago I posted that I received gift vouchers from my dear american friend for my birthday, and posted the Vikki Clayton silks that I bought using the HDF gift voucher. The other gift voucher was for Needle in a Haystack, so here's the stash I bought-

13th Colony Bay Part 1, 2 & 3

By The Bay Neddleart

Home of a Needle Worker (Too!) by Little House Needlworks,

Reward of Merit by Blackbird Designs

Yesterday-Today by The Sunflower Seed

Sampler & Antique Needlework magazine

Kelmscott Designs Thread Rings

Remember Me Stitching Pocket by MIdsummer Night Designs

My Favorite Kitten Pinkeep by primitivebettys

JCS Ornament Preview Issues from 2007 & 2008

Thank you Jeannette, I had such fun shopping for these goodies! Quite a bit there to keep me going for a loooong time. Ireally don't know which one to do first, but the Kitten pinkeep is kinda calling to me.

I've also been supporting the economy by pitching in and doing a little shopping too. Here's some things I've bought recently-

Angel in my pocket by Midsummer Night Designs

For my friend by Sheepish Designs

Blooms for Annabelle by Bloom Creek

Objects of Desire by Moda fabric

Nigella by Amy Butler

Amy Butler Sophia Carry- all

Strips 'n Bits by Bloom Creek

Beach House by Blackbird Designs from Moda fabrics

And now for my WIPs. I have managed to knit quite a bit of the dog's rug, so soon he'll have no reason to be jumping onto the lounge to sit on mine. I have had to put my Mary Wigham aside as I have two project due soon, plus I haven't even started my Christmas stitching - yikes!

SALexandre for Alison's birthday in November

And my friend who is getting married at the end of October chose LHN Always and Forever as one of her favourites. I purchased the silks that the model was stitched with but they are way darker than I expected so I chose some Vikki Clayton HDF from my stash instead. I also purchaesd some 30ct Weeks Dye Works, but the weave is too open for my liking for this project so I substituted with some 28ct cream evenweave. I'm modifying the design to include their names at the top.

Well, it's good to be back online, after a gazillion updates when we got back online - yes, Acer did a factory restore- so there went all the programmes loaded, updates downloaded and settings changed. Still, Steve saved my pics, docs and pdfs, so he was able to transfer them from an external hard drive, and somehow he managed to save all my website favourites, but lost his...quietly snickering as its usually my stuff that disappears

And Blogger, you are driving me crazy! I can only load pics using draft.blogger.com First my followers disappear and then reappear. Now this. I wonder what wordpress is like...

Happy Stitching!

Finally, we are back online!

2009-08-17T08:13:00.002+09:30

I didn't realise how much I use my computer to connect to other stitchers.

Not having one for so many weeks made me realise how much I rely on the Internet to stay in touch with other people. Most of whom I haven't ever met in person, but amazingly, feel connected to, via the Internet.

The Internet, I now see, keeps me from becoming lonely.

Thank you Internet and all my lovely Internet friends!

Progress pics

2009-07-22T15:41:00.002+09:30

Here's Mary Wigham so far! I'm really enjoying stitching her, as I can move onto another part if I need a break from the part I'm stitching.

Now, here's my work on Alison's present- I think I lost something in the translation, cos, as you can see from this pic, it's not really large enough to hold a pair of scissors. I thought it was stitched over 1, but maybe not.

So, I've started again, stitching over 2. This looks much better, as I'll be able to store all the goodies inside, like needles, scissors, floss tag, and maybe some counting needles and other stitchy stuff.

I know its TUSAL time, but I haven't taken my pic yet.

Sadly, our computer is going off to the manufacturer for warranty work- the DVD thing is dodgy. I don't use it, but apparently it is useful and so Steve wants it replaced. I'm really scared that all my stuff is going to go 'poof' as the manufacturer has been insisting we do a restore back to factory settings before they'll do anything. Steve has resisted, knowing that all the stuff like favourites will disappear and they take ages to find again. In the meantime, I'm transferring all my freebies, family pics etc to our external hard drive. Acer have told Steve that they might lose all our stuff when they replace the optical reader- I interpret this as being -they'll do a factory restore to start with and go from there.

I wanted to buy some fabric online, guess I'll have to go to the library to do so. And I need to email anyone who might be expecting to contact me by email in the next 2 weeks or so... Oh, how I hate computers when they don't work.

July's Goals

2009-07-01T13:39:00.003+09:30

I have been inspired by Silver Lotus to set some goals for this month. Here's what I'd like to achieve

1/ Continue on Mary Wigham
2/ Keep working on Alison's present
3/ Order chart & froufrou for T's wedding sampler
4/ Keep knitting Jack's,(the Jack Russell)rug, knit up at least half the wool I have
5/ Sew the messenger bag I just bought the fabric for
6/ Finish the chair pad
7/ Walk every 2nd day
8/ Start (and finish) Nicholas's quilt
9/ Start my pansy quilt (finally found the right pattern!)

Not much, hey! However, the school holidays start Friday, for 2 weeks. I suppose that will cut down my freebie searching time on the computer as Nicholas does like to play the hidden object games style games we have, so I might just get some of these done!

Happy Stitching!

TUSAL Update Time!

2009-06-23T09:41:00.004+09:30

Well, I've been stitching more this month, but it doesn't seem to be showing in my bowl. Maybe it's because the bowl is so large that once a small amount goes in, it needs to have a really large amount to make any obvious difference.

It could also be that I'm stitching with Vikki Clayton silks, so I'm being very frugal with my orts. Anyway, if you want to join in the TUSAL click here. Yoyo is giving a small gift to the 100th sign-up, it's at 96 now.

Sorry about the quality of the pic, it's grey and gloomy today.

Well, I'm off to look at everyone else's update, and see who our new members are.

My Mary Wigham progress

2009-06-20T10:44:00.006+09:30

My Mary Wigham is coming along slowly. I'm feeling a little overwhelmed at how much there is to stitch each week, when here we are in week 3, about to get week 4, and I haven't finished week two, or even week one.

Memo to self: Must devote more time to stitching and less time reading blogs and finding freebies. Been downloading quilting freebies lately. I have so many freebies to stitch and quilt, that in future years, some one will look at this computer and say 'what was she thinking? One hundred people could never have got through all those freebies, let alone all the stuff she bought'. Oh well, just call me Super Boob, the wishful freebie collecter.

So here's Mary Wigham

I got tired on stitching the big motif in the top left hand corner, so I moved onto another part.

I've also started on Alison's 50th birthday present.

It's a freebie from Tempus Fugit's SALexandre and will eventually be a needlework thingie that I'll fill with needles, floss holders, a floss tag, and scissors, with some slight variations to the original design. The finished photos look stunning, so hopefully mine will be a fitting present for a fellow cross stitcher!

Last weekend, my stitchy friend announced her engagement, with a small wedding to be held later this year. As her only cross stitching friend it will be my self-appointed duty to stitch a wedding sampler for her! I'm going to get her to choose two or three designs she likes and I'll pick one of them to stitch for her wedding (gotta be some surprise in it, but I don't want to stitch something she doesn't like).

Well the boys are out for the day, so for the first time in ages, i have a Saturday all to myself! Yippee, Mary Wighman here I come!

Stash delivery!

2009-06-15T11:54:00.005+09:30

My dear friend in the USA gave me gift cards for my birthday.

One was for Vikki Clayton Silks so I ordered the silks I didn't have for Mary Wigham, plus lots of others (added some of my own money towards it!)

I bought up big with the other gift card and will post once all those goodies arrive.

In the meantime, another gift arrived from her. I first saw this chart on Bronny's blog and later she had a competition to give it away. Of course I didn't win it, but lo and behold, it has arrived with all the Cresecent Colours and DMC, plus the fabric! (Bronny, I can't get into your blog anymore:( along with a few other blogs. I'm wandering if it's a widget that's upsetting Internet Explorer...) Anyway, here's what my dear american friend sent too.

Isn't she just the best! Off to fondle those silks now!

Hair-larious Day

2009-06-12T12:01:00.006+09:30

It's Hair-larious Day today in South Australia, which raises money for the Childhood Cancer Association. Wear a funny wig or colour your hair!

Here's Nicholas, hair styled by Pauline

Hair by Pauline, look of Edward Cullen (Twilight) by Nicholas

Where's Mary Wigham?

2009-06-03T09:50:00.002+09:30

Well, she's going to be here in Adelaide, South Australia. Thanks to the generosity of Jacqueline of Needleprint Mary Wigham will be seen all over the world. It's a nine part SAL, free, but a donation to the Ackworth School would be appreciated, and the first part is now available.

I've chosen my fabric, converted DMC to Vikki Clayton silks (just need to order a few I'm missing), downloaded the chart and made my donation!

I'm set to go! Who else is stitching Mary Wigham?

Tusal update, a finish and some competition links

2009-05-26T11:07:00.011+09:30

Here's my Totally Useless SAL update for this month. Hmmm, not much of an increase, just some floss, some knitting wool (black and orangey) and some linen from fringing my ornaments. BTW, if you are reading the Twilight series, don't read past the competition details, there's a spoiler depending on how far you are into the series.

Since I finished my cross stitch gifts last month, I haven't been stitching much. I tend to stitch more closer to a deadline, and the next major deadline is not until November. I have been knitting though, as soon as the temperature drops I want to get my knitting needles out. I made a blanket for Jack cos he keeps jumping on the lounge or dragging it off to snuggle up on mine which is made of eyelash wool and is really warm and cuddly. I only had 4 balls of eyelash leftover, so it's about 24" square, but Jack doesn't like it. He wont willingly lay on it, and shakes it off if I put it on his bed. So, I've bought 29 balls of eyelash to make him a big one like ours- that dog is spoilt!

I've made 3 little ornaments for the survivors of the Victorian bushfires earlier this year. I haven't quite finished the tops off, I'm going to just somehow put a little gold Kreinik cord on the top. I must finish off the other two I posted a while ago.

It's a freebie by DaffyCat and a quick stitch. Rather cute, I think!

Now, there's a couple of competitions around at the moment, so I thought I'd post the links in case you've missed them. Of course, I want to win them, so I don't really know why I'm letting you know about them lol.

Bronny is giving away I chart I want,

Cindy is giving away 10 charts and

Carolyn is giving away a lovely assortment of stitchy things.

Just editing to add another giveaway- here's Kim's details for a pretty TW chart!

Editing again to add anoth competition- here's BrokenFairy's giveaway!

Next on my list of things to do is to stitch a Twilight bookmark for Nicholas. We're on the 2nd book now, I'm enjoying the reminders of first love and Nicholas likes the scary parts when they happen, and I hope he's getting an understanding about teenage relationships. We both had tears (me trying not to sob) when Edward leaves Bella.

And I'm going to start my gift for Alison in the UK, who doesn't know about my blog yet, otherwise she'll see what I am stitching for her 50th birthday, and just need to order all the floss so it's the same colour. BTW, I went into Spotlight to buy some DMC 500 at $1.29 (yikes) and that 500 is a different colour to my 500 I have at home (2 skeins bought at different times). My 500 is more Christmas green, this was more jade green, and the colours either side are more jade green. Interesting.

Well, of to look at TUSAL updates now!

Update- I'm trying to post to some blogs, but some blogs keep crashing when I open them, so if I haven't commented on your blog lately and I usually do, then your blog could be one that I'm having trouble with. I'm running Vista, and the message keeps saying the IE can't open the site. I send the details off to Microsoft. Anyone else having this problem?

Are you a freebie-oholic?

2009-05-21T10:08:00.004+09:30

What are ten warning signs of freebie addiction?

Here are freebie-oholism signs that are listed in no special order:

1. Looking at freebies alone online
2. Making excuses or finding excuses to find freebies online
3. Daily or frequent freebie finding needed to function
4. Inability to reduce or stop freebie accumulation
5. Angry episodes associated with not finding freebies online such as discovering the freebie is not there anymore and getting angry that you didn't save it beforehand
6. Finding freebies secretly and not sharing
7. Becoming angry when confronted about the number of freebies stored on computer
8. Poor eating habits- too busy to eat while finding freebies
9. Failure to care for physical appearance- noone sees your hair while you're online
10. Trembling in the morning thinking about finding that first freebie for the day

Additional freebie-oholism signs can include inability to remember some of the events of the previous evening whilst online freebie surfing or feeling anxious in a social situation where there is no freebie sharing.

If the above ten warning signs of feeebie-oholism create an interest in exploring possible freebie addiction, consider contacting your physician, counselor or other qualified professional such as the local cross stitch store owner.

Another time-tested source of help would be contacting Freebie-oholics Anonymous. FA has local groups that meet regularly throughout the USA and many other countries around the world.

No matter how many freebie-oholism signs may exist, it is never too late to begin recovery from freebie addiction. Whether it is one, two or more of the ten warning signs of freebie-oholism - help is available. Obviously, the sooner one begins the recovery process, the better. The first step is acknowledging you have a problem. Then, you need to give up all your freebies.

I CAN give up whenever I want, I just don't want to right now. But I did scare myself the other day when I saw that I had over 1,000 freebies stored... I know I'll never stitch them all, but I never save a freebie that I don't like- I am selective in my freebie addiction- not just any freeebie will do.

How about you? Are you addicted to collecting freebies?

A boy and his dog

2009-05-15T09:56:00.005+09:30

I was going to post about my craft corner, but when I saw the pics I took, the reality of how untidy it was hit home, so I won't be posting until I've had a bit of a tidy up!

So, here's my sweet 11 yo Nicholas with Jack, aka Jackie Chan cos he prances around on his back legs so much. Notice so I don't say anything nice about Jack. I caught him with my TUSAL floss in his mouth, must have dropped some onto the floor. Why is it such a big deal? Cos I haven't got much to contribute so far this month....

I guess I'll be watching patiently to ensure that the floss to make it's way out- thankfully it wasn't much!

15 Years is not enough...

2009-05-10T14:56:00.003+09:30

Last week I turned 45 (yikes- where did that time go?) and I started thinking. I realised that if I live to the same age that my dad did, I only have 15 years left.

The thought of only being here for another 15 years with Nicholas, breaks my heart, as he would only be 26 if I die then. Steve would survive, even though I imagine he would be upset, but he would remarry and move on. But a boy needs his mother, just like girls do. Then I realised that if I lived as long as my mum did, it would mean only 19 years.

So, my commitment to myself, is to stop carrying this extra weight and start exercising.

Because I don't want to die early from heart disease, or breast cancer.

Because 15 years is not long enough.

Just call me Super-Boob!

2009-05-07T12:17:00.003+09:30

Late last year, I bought two new bras. Same style, different colours. Smooth, lightly padded plain front so that a clean line is obtained under t-shirts. You know what I mean- no nips showing (I hate mine showing).

Last month, I felt this sharp pain under my left boob, and discovered that somehow, the underwire had broken in two and a sharp end was poking out about two thirds of the way around the cup. Now, I don't know about you, but usually the underwire starts peeking out the end of the middle or the underarm side of the bra and usually is in one piece. So, this was a new experience to have it in two pieces, but I figured that even though I use a lingerie bag, somehow it must have got snagged in the washing machine. So, out went the bra sadly, with just the black version remaining.

So, last night, I'm watching Nicholas swim and I drop floss on the floor. I bend over to pick it up and 'snap' - there goes the underwire under my left boob. Broken again, in two. Same side.

I'm confused. The underwire is made of, well, wire. It's not plastic. So, the only conclusion I can come to, is that my left boob must be really strong. It's broken wire in two!

Now, we no longer need to use a saw or cutters to cut wire in half, I can just pop it under my left boob, and presto- cut in two. If I worked in a hardware store, I could get extra er, tips, for my wire cutting skills. And just imagine if I can get my right boob to perform something too...

A light-hearted look at swine flu

2009-05-05T09:23:00.003+09:30

Firstly, I apologise for any distress this might cause those who have lost loved ones from influenza, swine or otherwise.

These little guys are life size sculptures in Rundle Mall, in the main city business district here in Adelaide. They usually command attention as they look so life-like at first glance.

Rundle Mall is close to Adelaide University, and rumour has it that this is the work of uni students with too much time on their hands.

What I found quite amusing about this picture, is the little boy in the background having a peek under the pig's mask! Not sure what he was expecting to find...

My TUSAL update by the lazy blogger

2009-04-25T13:58:00.007+09:30

Well, the procrastinator in me had to work really quickly this month, in order to complete the finishing for my dear friend's birthday. I finally got her parcel away yesterday, her birthday is next week so I hope it arrives in time via airmail.

So, here's what I sent her,

I ended up making a pinkeep, using Swarovski crystals as finding pretty pins is quite difficult here. It's by Agnes Delage-Calvet and can be found here- crossing fingers- Creative Poppy

and the back of it is here. I stitched it on some evenweave from a grab bag from Joanne at 123Stitch using the suggested DMC floss.

Next is the floss tag, and I have to say that it was easier than I thought to make, and I now have the 'floss tag' bug!

And finally The Cat's Whiskers 'Heart Strings'. It ended up smaller than I originally had pictured in my mind (rattling around there with not much else!) but I remembered a quilt hanger that I had purchased some 5 years ago (see, I KNEW I would use it one day) and I thought it would look good with the stitching.

Can you see the sun making shadows in the photos? Well, we last saw the sun on Wednesday and since then, WE'VE HAD RAIN! It's been more than 12 months since we've had so much rain in 2 days, over 1 inch! That may not sound much to those who have too much rain, but we've been in an official drought situation for the last 3 years, with restricted water use. So the rain is such a beautiful sight. If it wasn't so cold outside, I would go out and stand in it. Instead, I just drove the car through any big puddles!

And, guess what?! It's TUSAL time, yes, time to show my 'Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long' progress, and time for another link! If you're interested in joining this highly satisfying SAL, then you can find the details on Yoyo's site Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long

It doesn't seem like I've contributed much this month, but I have been stitching. There's a bit of blue froggin' stuff, and another empty needle packet. Still, it's coming along okay. I showed great restraint a few weeks ago. A friend came over to stitch and I was just itching to snaffle her orts, but she binned them before I could even broach the subject of saving them for my SAL (with acknowledgement to her, of course!). Have to invite her over again soon...

What do you think? In my 'floss tag bug' induced frenzy, I started stitching a floss tag for myself. Now that I've finished the front, I'm kinda thinkin' it might be a tiny bit too BIG for a floss tag. So, what else can I make it into? In my hurry to make one, I failed to consider the placement on the fabby, so there's a lack of fabric on one side (or maybe two sides). It measures about 4" wide by 5.5" high (too big for a floss tag?)

Any ideas on what I can turn it into? BTW, it's a freebie by Berthi Smith-Sanders , I thought I downloaded from theworkbasket.net, but the site is down at the moment so I can't check.

Thank you for the help in making links, I think I've mastered the basics!

Finally, It's ANZAC Day here in Australia. Here's a good site with info about itANZAC Day

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Thank you to all those who lost their lives fighting at war. Lest we forget.

Pinkeeps and their use...

2009-03-30T11:13:00.005+10:30

I've started stitching 'Agnes Delage-Calvet - Lace pinkeep' which is available from http://www.creativepoppypatterns.com as a gift for a friend's birthday.

But, I'm a practical kind of girl and I struggle to see the use of a pinkeep for a cross stitcher. I'ts not like you can actually use one, cos you'll mess up all that beautiful finishing on the edges.

Does this type of pinkeep only have decorative use? http://www.creativepoppypatterns.com/lacelike-pinkeep-cross-stitch-pattern-xml-203_204-1233.html

I'm thinking about turning it into as needle keep as I can see the use of that. What do you think?

And Yoyo, I'm still having trouble inserting links. I've tried using the 'insert link' when I add a post making sure http: etc is included, but when I preview or view my blog, the link is missing entirely. Help!

Totally Useless SAL TUSAL and Earth Hour

2009-03-29T10:44:00.006+10:30

Well, here's my month's collection of orts in a reaaaallly big container. I've got high expectations for this SAL so I reckon I can half fill it by the end. In there is a DMC label and a needle along with DMC floss and Vikki Clayton's Hand Dyed Fibers.

It's gonna look real pretty by the time we're finished. Now don't tell anyone if I ask you to send your orts to me! We'll keep it just between the two of us...

Feel like joining in? You can find the Totally Useless Stitch-A-Long details here

dragonmyneedle.blogspot.com/2009/01/progress-and-new-sal.html

you'll need to cut and paste as I'm technologically challenged when it comes to making links.

Oh, btw, we celebrated Earth Hour last night. We did so last year too, but this year we were out until 8.45pm, so we came home into a dark house. Jack, our funny Jack Russell wasn't too happy coming inside to a dark house and having to go to the laundry where he sleeps, in the dark. I really had to rattle the doggy treat jar loudly to get his attention! Nicholas had fun brushing his teeth in the dark, before heading off to bed. Personally, I'd be quite happy to spend the rest of my life going to bed at 9pm to save the planet!

I've framed one cross stitch piece already this morning, the Lizzie*Kate's Love Letters. 1 piece finished completely, only 8 more to go!

Happy Stitching

Uh-oh, what's going on?

2009-03-25T18:07:00.002+10:30

Hmmm, just logged on after a lengthy absence, only to find that all the blogs I have saved to watch have disappeared. Then when I relogged in, they were back again.

I'm so confused...and relieved!

I've finally got my sewing machine out and washed all my finishes- 9 in total. I finished 2 more very recently and found one I'd forgotten about (anyone else put finishes away and forget about them?) Some are going to be framed, but most are being wall hangings. The camera is away in Canberra with Steve, so I'll take some pics when he comes back.

No news to report on the reading of the book on puberty, and thankfully no questions. There has been a rather proud moment of displaying newly grown hair, much to the amusement of moi!

We are reading Twilight together (Nicholas's request), but I'm not sure how long Nicholas will stay interested in the love story, however I'm sure the vampire part will keep him enthralled.

By the way, I joined the Totally Useless SAL. Seeing as I usually stitch right down to the last inch or so, it has been quite a challenge to let go of my frugal habit, but I'm quite pleased with my effort and am looking forward to showing off my results.

Happy stitching, I'm off to read blogs!

Stitching, gardening and Life.

2009-02-27T10:36:00.006+10:30

I've just made a cup of coffee,so that I can sit down and relax as I type my blog. If you're easily embarassed, don't read past my tomatoes.

I've finished stitching 2 ornaments for the Victorian Bushfire Survivors. I hope that when they receive an ornament that they realise that the rest of Australia and the world feels their pain and that they are not alone.

My first one is a Lizzie*Kate called 'Family'.

It's stitched on some white linen, 28ct?, with DMC, changed to my liking!

The next one is a simple design I charted myself!!

Stitched on the same white linen, using DMC to match some fabric in my stash, that I bought cos it was pretty. I knew that I would need it one day!

I really need to get my sewing machine out now. There's no more putting it off. I've got at least 4 finishes that need finishing. And a skirt I want to make. Plus a chair pad that needs making. One would think that by the way I procrastinate, the act of getting out my machine is some complex task. However, all I need to do is get the 'stuff' off my sewing cabinet and lift up the top. It seems so simple, yet I dread doing it. I know why, I worry that I will stitch my ornaments 'some' way that ruins all that work. It's a scary task. I can do it, but I worry. Now, I think of the bushfire survivors and think my reluctance is petty. I can do it and I will do it after I finish my blog- stay tuned for my next blog to see the results.

On a lighter note, my tomatoes are growing! I have 9 tomatoes and 1 cucumber- the most I've ever had. Of course watering helps, which I have forgotten to do with previous attempts, oopsy. But, right now, 2 bushes have no tomatoes, and one bush has 6 and two bushes have 3. I'm so chuffed with this year's success (doesn't take much to inspire me, only 9 tomatoes and 1 cucumber) that I'm thinking of putting some plants in my front yard! They'll get a tad more sun, and I won't have to net them off so that Jack doesn't eat them. I know he really likes strawberries, because, even though I didn't actually catch him 'red-handed', the red around his white mouth and paws gave him away! So I didn't take any chances with my precious tomatoes- they've got bird netting over them to stop him from getting any ideas.

Nicholas is about to turn 11. I've had lots of talks with him about his body parts and how babies are made. He always asks me lots of 'those' questions and never Steve, possibly cos Steve is mostly at work in the evenings. However, he's (Nicholas) being asking me about puberty. And the books we have just don't have enough information about puberty. Of course, I know about girls' bodies, but boys' bodies are foreign to me in turns of what happens and when it happens. So, I found a companion book to 'Where did I come from?', titled 'What's happening to me?' (or something like that). One flip through the pages, seeing diagrams of bodies changing, I knew this was the right book. I had a read of it when I got home and now, thankfully, Steve has offered to read it with Nicholas. I have to say, I am very relieved about that, cos I know what's in the book! And hopefully, Nicholas will ask Steve all the questions he has, and from the content of the book I know he'll have plenty, but odds on, he'll wait til I'm trapped in the car driving somewhere and spring them on me. Just like the time when he was 7 and I was driving home and he told me he knew what a 'pagina' was. I nearly ran off the road from surprise, and had to stifle the laugh building up. So much for the school grapevine- his source got the name slightly wrong! So, once he learns about, er, the 'emissions' his body will make at night time and other 'interesting stuff', well, I can hardly wait for the comments and questions...

Stay tuned!

The devastation of bushfires

2009-02-09T09:10:00.003+10:30

It was a very sad weekend in Victoria, when bushfires destroyed vegetation, homes, and most sadly, took lives of those trying to flee, or those staying to fight the fires. The death count so far is 108, and is expected to rise, as the police search every property for bodies.

Nise, from www.peaceloveandmungbeans.blogspot.com has a great idea to show those poor people who have survived, that others care about their pain and loss. I will make some ornaments, and am thinking about stitching something with 'love and hope' in it. I may even chart something, but I'll have a look online and in my stash to see if I have something suitable. I have this vague idea that I've seen something in a JCS Ornament edition that might be suitable.

If you are interested too, go to Nise's blog, or see the post on 123 Stitch.
www.123stitch.com

It's such a sad time and I don't feel like doing much. Perhaps I'll look through those magazines...

Stash and a finish

2009-02-09T08:59:00.004+10:30

I'm posting this in a separate post, so as to not diminish the horror of the bushfires in Victoria.

I finished 'Love is in the air' last Wednesday morning, and went to my local quilt shop, which is in walking distance, 'Hetties Patch'. Here's the fabric I bought. It was difficult to find something that would go with it, but I think it'll make a pretty wallhanging.

Picked out some fabric for 'Tied in heartstrings', enough to make a cushion. One step closer to finishing it off. Woohoo.

We're having a heatwave, a blinkin' heatwave

2009-01-28T11:11:00.004+10:30

It is sooo hot. It's going to be 44c which is roughly 111f. And that's in the shade. It's soo hot, even the website for our local temperature is down, or maybe just crashed due to the amount of people trying to find out it's hot. I know how hot it is, it's blinkin' hot.

Jack found a dying bird yesterday and wanted to bring it inside. Gave him that high pitched scream, whilst having visions of him running past me through the open door, letting go of the bird inside and me trying to catch it. So I had to outrun him around the other side of the house to close the door- no mean feat either, considering how fast he runs and I don't. Although I did do Wii Fit in the morning, so maybe that helped!

I thought I'd post my current wip, which isn't on my 'to do list'. It's Debbie Draper's 'Love is in the air', stitched on the suggested 32ct 'Chablis' linen by Picture This Plus, using the suggested Carrie's Creation Threads 'Masquerade'. Fabric is a bit too un-evenweave and I'm having trouble finding the holes. Maybe it's my eyes. I haven't stitched on 32ct for a while. Anyway, it's my wedding anniversary next Wednesday, 14 years of blessed bliss, well most of the time. So, due to the heat, it's a good day to stitch.

So, before I self-combust, I bid you farewell.

Jack's favourite floss

2009-01-26T18:35:00.003+10:30

Jack, our 2yo crazy Jack Russell, gets into everything. However, because he hates the high pitched scream I make when I find him munching on things he has left my cross stitch stash alone lately.

But, this takes the cake (he does that too). And it was Nicholas that made the high pitched scream when he discovered this, because he knows that mum does not like anyone messing with her cross stitch stuff (he learnt this at a young age).

Upon hearing Nicholas's high pitched scream, this is what I discovered -

Notice the 'clumpy' bit? That's what he was chewing on. Notice the long 'stringy' bit? That's what he had stuck in his teeth. Kinda hard to pretend he's not done anything when the evidence is hanging out his mouth, Sigh.

At least he has good taste. It WAS Vikki Clayton's silk -Goldrush. It felt nice too, before all the slobber. Oh well. Perhaps I should visit Vikki's site and buy some more.

Woohoo, some finishes!

2009-01-21T09:14:00.007+10:30

I've actually managed to finish stitching two gifts well ahead of time. I'm feeling pretty chuffed about this, but the real test will be actually turning them into something to give, that's not rushed and finished so-so.

Here's my first one, The Cat's Whiskers 'Heartstrings'. I was going to frame it, but I'm thinking of turning it into a cushion (pillow) now, with some pretty floral fabric, yet to be purchased.

This next one is Blackbird Design's 'Savoir Faire', a freebie with purchase from 'The Stitching Post'

I 'visually' converted the required GAST & WDW threads to Vikki Clayton's silks,which are lovely to stitch with. I'm going to make this into a floss tag.

This one is Glory Bee's 'Childproof', the first piece I've managed to stitch for myself since 2001!

And my first beading finish for the year, a pendant for moi! Freebie pattern and supplies from Fusionbeads.com using Swarovski crystals and sterling silver findings.

The supplies arrived before Christmas and I've been procrastinating about making it. It seemed too hard to make, and it was lol, I nearly gave up part way through, cos I couldn't quite get it right. Didn't turn out too bad after all!

Happy Stitching!

These Lazy Days of Summer...

2009-01-05T14:32:00.004+10:30

I love this time of the year, mornings down at Grange beach, with Nicholas participating in VacSwim, the afternoons spent stitching and watching the tennis, and warm summery nights -with the airconditioner going full blast, so that we can brave the heat outside for short periods of time, then quickly dash back inside to cool down. Mostly, during a typical summer it's too hot to do too much outside, but at the moment it's about 30c (86f), so I have some gardening planned for later in the week...

Yikes, the frog has been visiting. Was sitting proudly looking at my stitching, thinking how quickly it was coming along, musing how 'this' part of my stitching was only 1 stitch away from the border, hang on - that bit I did before wasn't one stitch away from the border- have I made another mistake?- crikey there are 5 hearts in the wrong place!

This is the Cat's Whiskers HeartStrings, using DMC, minus 5 small hearts!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:36:00.003+10:30

Well, I didn't want the first day of the year to go by without posting a blog. Although not one to usually make themas I usually break them, this year I have decided to set myself some goals. And so, here are my New Year's Resolutions-

1/ To be more frugal with my time, and cut down on 'wasted' time, really spent doing nothing worthwhile.

2/ Work toward acheiving my goals (maybe this should be no 1).

3/ To concentrate on the positive aspects of life.

4/To keep my stitching on task, and not be frantically stitching, trying to finish off gifts, at the last minute.

5/ To reduce waste and our carbon footprint.

Hmm, that's probably enough for now. We'll see how I go.

Pauline