Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Where Did the Week Go

Well, I don't know about everyone else, but it seems that since school has ended, one day has run into the next and before you know it a whole week has gone by! Of course, it doesn't help that besides the kids I also had DH home for the week. Makes for not getting too much done. DH is worse than the kids - I'm sure we can all relate!! LOL Anyway, both the kids are in summer programs, but the minute they get out - MOM!!! Can you take me to the mall, Blockbusters, I want to work out, I need a dress for my part in Summer Theater - oh yeah, shoes too and a leotard (not all at the same store, of course), two sets of dance auditions for next year, softball.....and I probably forgot a few things in there! It's taken me two days to do wash! OY! All I've done is run my butt off. I'd rather have stitch butt!

A week ago, the Guild I belong to (Kindred Spirits Sampler Guild) had their monthly meeting and Terri, Julie and I were the hostesses. Terri posted pictures, but I thought I'd post a couple just because I thought our table and goodies were so nice.
These miniature cheesecakes were one of my contributions. My local produce market sold the edible flowers and since Julie came up with a floral theme, I thought they fit right in.

All the food was wonderful and Terri has posted her Praline Brownie recipe on her blog. I think I grabbed one of those before we were even ready to start eating just because I had to have one (and don't tell - I think I took the biggest one - they were so good!!!!).

I'm looking forward to our next class through the Guild. Catherine Jordan is coming to teach the Great Lakes map:

I can hardly wait to get my hands on this one and start it. I think our Guild will be the first to be taught this project. Of course, where I'm going to fit it in to stitch is another matter. It should be an interesting class because all the water on this piece is painted in. It should certainly turn into a great learning experience.

Even though everyone was home and I've been running my butt off, I did manage to get some stitching in. I started Queen Bee by Shepherd's Bush (love the sparklies in her wings). I've had this kit in the stash pile for a while, and after the A&E sampler (now at the framers - Happy Dance), I wanted to do something with soft colors and with a little more interest to the stitches.

I got past the 1/2 way point in just a few days. The last picture didn't come out very well, but shows my progress. It's been a lot of fun. I used a different lettering that I found in a webshots album (http://good-times.webshots.com/album/562287066fVItwN). These can be downloaded and used if you like them. I prefer this type of lettering over what SB has been using - that wonky high/low, wide/narrow lettering. I really would have liked to finish it but I felt the end of June looming in the horizon and decided to sail back over to Shores. I haven't done enough on Shores to snap a picture though.

I was surprised to learn this week that I won a giveway on Karen's blog. I haven't won anything in my life except for a Funny Face Drinkstand (does anyone remember Funny Face - it was like Koolaid - actually probably was Koolaid under an alias). I entered a coloring contest and won a drink stand. It was profitable until one day, my brother, in his role as Kamakazi Bikerider Brother, decided to end the business of the drinkstand by barreling down the sidewalk at warp speed and crashing into it. It was only made out of heavy-duty cardboard, so it didn't take much to end the summer refreshment stand business. To this day, I can still see the glee in his eyes as he came barreling down the sidewalk and us girls running and screaming like crazy fools. Oh brothers, what would we do without them?
Anyway, I won the Friendship chart by Brightneedle. Ya Hoo! I was tickled. Then I just needed a stash fix of some little things (I really should be shot) and picked up Ark and Girl in the Red Dress. I would really like to have her, Marion the Librarian and Miss Mary Mack (and I think there is one other one - Friends Forever?) stitched for my craft room. I've seen this one done on 40 ct and would love to try it. Just haven't gotten up the nerve yet. Anyway, just another couple things to add to the ever-growing "want to do list".
I also received Sampler Sisters of the Thread chart from The Primitive Needle. I would love to just dig into this one, but I don't have any fabric that would fit the piece. It's a shame I didn't have this a little earlier, because I finally broke down and ordered a few pieces:

I ordered some 40 ct Relic on the left, 36 ct Limited Edition Reindeer and 40 ct Legacy (can't see the mottling, but it's nice) on the right. The Reindeer is the fabric I ordered for The Plantation Sampler which I'm suppose to be stitching as we speak. I joined a SAL and had all intentions of putting in a few stitches in this weekend and I never got there. Story of my life! I'm going to try this week. (Have I ever mentioned I stink at SALs?)

Last, but not least, I was wandering around my local Joanne Fabrics last week and spied these on sale for $14.99 a piece! Gingher Criss Scissors! I love, love blue and white! I had ordered the smaller ones off the Bay of Evil for a pretty good price, but not as good as $14.99. Seems that I've developed a scissors fetish (mainly due to Terri - well, I have to blame someone, don't I???). I asked the girl at the checkout (who was besides herself because she didn't know they were marked down and almost bowled me over checking me out so she could go grab some) if they did this often. She said that when a new one was scheduled to be released, they put their old stuff on sale. Well, that's great news. So if you need scissors, run to Joanne's.

Well, I think that's about it. I have to go catch up on four days worth of blogs! I have to say that I enjoyed all your comments to my last post (which seems like I made ages ago) about Costco/Sam's addiction. I didn't realize that so many people were in love with that store or had husbands that loved those stores. I got a kick out of all of them. It's nice to know that you're not alone! Hope that everyone has a great stitching week and thanks again for all the great comments. I sometimes try to reply to them, but lately I just haven't had the time to do that! I'm going to try to be better!!

31 comments:

Natasha said...

LOL I do not have any kids yet but sometime I think my DH is my fix for the time being Just kidding.

I look forward to seeing your progress on Plantation Sampler. I really want to start this one but I am now having a hard time finding the pattern I should have bought it months ago when I first saw it.

Good deal on the scissors!
Take Care

Suburban Stitcher said...

Oh, wow! Love those new Ginghers! I definitely need to head on down to JoAnn's!

Jennifer Ann Fox said...

OMG! I LOVE blue and white!!! Love the scissors! Oh I wish I lived near a Joannes fabric store. I don't even know but think Atlanta area is the nearest for me. I think I'm getting a scissor addiction.
Your stitching is lovely. So fast, you are!! LOL
I'm doing a few smaller projects before I tackle a big one again.
Well, I"m going to Atlanta in 1 week to an appointment. I wonder if they will still be on sale then??? I ordered one of the really cute small, really small Kemscott scissors that Sampler Girl is selling. I love them. I want one in every color now.

Jennifer D.

Anonymous said...

Debbie,

I enjoyed reading about your week! Those scissors are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Your cheesecake cupcakes with the edible flowers look wonderful!

I love the progress you are making on Queen Bee, it is looking so cute; are you already picturing it in the frame on the wall?

I love the fabrics that you got. I have put my first real day into PS and got a tree done and that's it. Well, I also stitched on another piece and spent more time picking out colors for PS. I will be stitching on it some more tonight.

Melissa said...

You've got the new Primitive Needle design! I haven't seen it anywhere else yet and I've been waiting for it. Lucky you!

I'm looking forward to seeing your Plantation Sampler. I have this chart but it will probably be awhile before I stitch it. Have fun!

Missy Ann said...

What beautiful pictures! Can I come over to your house and pretend to be you for an afternoon? lol

That reindeer fabric is a great color. And Relic has been a favorite of mine for a while now.

Andrea said...

Those cheesecakes look divine! What a great spread!

Your Queen Bee is looking beautiful! I need to get busy on that one!

You cracked me up when you said "I need to be shot", when talking about getting more stash, because I say the very same thing all the time to my husband! LOL! Girl, it's just a sickness, it really is, but it's a good one ;-)
The La D Da charts are all great!
And the fabrics you got are just wonderful! I enjoy your blogging so much, you're very inspiring!
xoxo

Kathy said...

I love your scissors! Anything blue and white is my favorite.
Love your new linens. The reindeer shade is new to me.
I hear you about the running around. Been there, done that.But believe me you miss it when they are grown and moved away.

karenv said...

Love your scissors! Queen Bee is looking great, the soft colours are so pretty.

You got some lovely stash too! And your cheesecakes look so yummy (and so pretty, with the edible flowers).

Siobhán said...

Don't you love being a SAHM?? Who never stays at home?? ;) I loved your food display! YUMMMM! Everything looked so good. I envy you your guild--it sounds so neat.

YGG on the new stash, and on winning the giveaway!

Great progress on the SB. I can not WAIT to see your framed A&E!

Margaret said...

Oh so much news! Lovely Ginghers -- no Joanne's closeby anymore, they all closed. Love your little flower cheescakes! How cool is that! And the Catherine Jordan class -- that's so neat! I love your SB piece too. I need to pick one of those up and stitch it. I like the alternate lettering better too. Great fabric and congrats on the Karen win! I hope you like the Plantation Sampler on the Reindeer. I think it looks nice!

Carmen said...

the chessecake look great with the flowers.
the bee queen is cute,i like it, and lovely new stash, the fabrics are beautiful,and i love the blue scissors.
in home,my hubby is the "mature" and my DD and I are the child..(poor hubby).

Chocolates4Breakfast (Terri ~ Boog) said...

What a great post, Deb! The Gingher's look great and your pic of the table is really pretty. Also, love your new stash win - how fun is that? I have to go check out that BN chart - I'm not familiar with it.

I can't wait to take the Catherine Jordan Map Class - that is going to be a FUN weekend!

See you next week for lunch!

Tanya said...

What great new stash and the fabric!!!
That food does look tasty. I would love to join the Plantation SAL, I am so tempted but I want to get my stocking finished first. Off to Joanne. Thanks for the heads up!

Jan said...

I have no idea where the time goes, it just zooms!! And when you still have kids at home and trying to meet all of their needs, sometimes it seems like you are going in circles! Hope it settles down for you soon!

I dearly love your new project, Deb! That is a gorgeous SB and you have made great progress on it.

Love your pics of the food table, you three did a magnificent job and those cheesecakes look way too good to eat!!

I need those scissors, going to have to see if my Joann's has them, although I doubt it, since they are closing the store, but the good side of this, is we are getting a brand new one in August and it promises to be HUGE!! Yay Rah!

Have a super blessed week and take good care of YOU!!

staci said...

Those cheesecakes look divine! Enjoy all your lovely new charts and beautiful ginghers!!!

Nina said...

Thank you Deb!
I sent you an email yesterday you did not recieved?? I copied your email addy from your profile...

Btw your SB is so fantastic!!
Other works are amazing :)

Nina

doris said...

Well, well, you girls really know how to throw a party! Wish I'd been there to sample the goods. Congrats on your A&E finish (she says, jealously)! Queen Bee is too cute. Great to finally catch up with what's happening in your world.

Anonymous said...

Love those scissors!! Might have to go to JoAnn's...like I need any more scissors, but they would be great to add to my collection. lol...

Cindy

JOLENE said...

Sounds like you've been a busy Mom lately! The decadent treats look really tasty right now....should I give in to temptation???? Hmmmm, what do I have in the fridge? The Great Lakes Map looks like a maze of stitching, you must be a daring stitcher. It will be fun watching your progress on that one. By the way, I am always going to the "candy" store, aka Shepherds Bush, if you ever need anything special let me know and I'll do what I can to help you out so you won't need to shop on Evil Bay. Love your blog by the way!!! Take Care.

Alice said...

Everything on that table looks so yummy!! What a pretty little Queen Bee. ; )Looks like a real fun stitch. I can see why you had to have those scissors. Very pretty indeed.
Hugs
Alice

Loraine said...

Wow, Wow, Wow, what wonderful stash, and stories! I was laughing my head off over the lemonade stand story. Brother's indeed! I have 5 I know all about there little kamakaze tricks!

I never win a dang thing either! I'm sick to death of entering every little thing, but I keep hoping one day my luck will change. I so happy you won those great patterns! Thrilling.

Great scissors! I'm going to run to JoAnn's and see if they have those where I live. I have the perfect scissor fob to match (not made yet, of course!) I love the large fabric cutting ones as well.
Great job on the cheesecakes. Wow, do they ever look too pretty to eat! I bet they were divine. I'm looking forward to seeing your map. That is a really interesting sampler.

Have a fabulous day! I do hope things slow down for you soon. Some stitching time is really needed for the summer, don't you think?

Maggie said...

I really enjoyed reading about your week :-)
Your table looks so pretty & Yummy!!
Kids in the Uk haven't broken up for the holidays yet, we don't have summer schools though which is a real shame, after six weeks off school they are really bored and ready to go back, lol

woolwoman said...

I was intrigued by the upcoming class with Catherine - I have a friend who did the painting thing with her at ASG last year and loved the effect so I bet you will too - this piece is awesome!

your little SB Queen Bee is darling -

Cool beans on getting those scissors on sale no less - I might pop into JoAnn's tomorrow whilst having lunch with DF's. Doubt they will have them but who knows.

Yeah I am searching for that Plantation Sampler - sad thing is I probably have 2 copies of it buried in my archival stash pile and don't remember that I bought it LOL.

Loved your newsy post - take care Mel

The Eveningstitcher said...

Love the scissors, Deb! I'm going to go to Joann's on the weekend and grab myself a pair. I love the blue and white. Your samplers are beautiful! I don't know how you find the time, especially with two children.

I miss going to the Kindred Spirits gatherings. I only belonged for one year, but it was a lot of fun!

Bobbie

Holly Hills Primitives said...

Hi Deb, sorry I didn't get your call, I must have run out to grab my lunch! I'll keep the hold on the tea cart for the weekend and we'll see if you can come on Tuesday or Wednesday. Tuesday morning I have an appointment, but should be there by noon or before. I see you found the edible flowers, they look beautiful! Talk to you soon, Dawn

Nancy said...

The cupcakes with the edible flowers are the prettiest things!

I will be anxious to watch your progress, and hear about it too, on your Great Lakes sampler. Is this a sampler pattern that is available to the public? I used to live down the street from Lake Erie so it would be kind of sentimental. Enjoy!

Tammy said...

I absolutely love that bee sampler-I need to be on the lookout for that one!

Deb said...

Didn't know there was a Plantation Sampler SAL...Where? I love your new scissors!! and the little fobbie. Have to go straight to JoAnn's tomorrow...:) OMGosh, Deb, that yummy table of food looks awesome. I have a small group of friends and we call ourselves "the cupcake girls," because we started out giving cupcakes for birthdays and when we were sick or whatever. Now the cupcakes are just symbols of our love and solidarity. I think they are so sweet and darling at get-to-gethers...little treasures of friendship.

Michelle said...

I love those little mini cheesecakes - sooo pretty! Great new start on your SB. I had a new start over the weekend as well. That map piece is going to be amazing - I love love love maps! And congrats on your A&E finish - it's gorgeous!