StashTag Archives

Tap Tap Tap

**tap tap tap** Is this thing still on?

Sorry for the long delay since my last update. During the five weeks that have passed, I’ve been out of town for a week, worked like a mad woman for a couple of weeks, and have been training for my upcoming half marathon. I can’t believe I’m already in week 6 of my training!! With everything that’s been going on, I just didn’t have the “oomph” to update my blogs, too.

I have definitely been on a bit of a stitching slump since the start of the year, but I’m gradually getting back into the swing of things. Of course, part of that is due to some new stash acquisition. Some of it I purchased myself thanks to the birthday discount from Drema at Needlecraft Corner, and some I received as birthday gifts from stitchy friends.

Given that I haven’t really updated my blog this year, this will be quite a list. As always, you can click any of the images to see a larger version. Here goes:

Left: Garden of Eerie by Plum Street Samplers
Right: A Quaker Halloween Sampler by Cherished Stitches

Tour Eiffel by Jardin Privé (DMC purchased)

Spot Sampler by Margaret Bendig

Left: Snowy Pines by Little House Needleworks (fabric & beads purchased)
Right: Flying Monkeys by Glory Bee

Lazy Alphabet by La-D-Da (NPI purchased)

Snow Garden by Blackbird Designs
Fabric: 30-count Creme Brulee by R&R Reproductions
Fibers: GAST & WDW

I have one last picture that I’ve been meaning to share for a while, but since I haven’t updated my blog, it never happened. A while back I was the fortunate winner of a beautiful fob in a drawing on Anne’s blog. She sent me this beauty. Thank you so much, Anne!!

Well, that’s it for now. I’ll try not to go so long until the next updated.

Oh, before I go though, I should give an update about the winner of my donation incentive drawing. The winner was Darla who graciously told me to take the $50 and apply it toward my fundraising in lieu of giving her a gift card. Thanks so much, Darla!!

I also want to thank all of you who have made donations. I really appreciate it so much! With your help, I’ve already raised nearly $1500!! If you haven’t donated yet and would like to, please visit my fundraising page.

Until next time …

9 March 2010

Cross Stitch, Misc.

13 comments

Birthday, Stash, Team in Training

New Year – New Theme – New Goals

Happy New Year! Can you believe we’re already a new decade in this century?! It seems like all the Y2K commotion was just a couple of years ago. It’s amazing to realize it’s been 10 years already. Where does the time go?!

As you can tell, the new year has also brought a new theme for my blog. After years of blogging, I finally found what I believe to be the perfect theme for my blog. This is so “me” that it’s unbelievable. What you think?

As I’ve been reading everyone’s blogs over the past couple of days, I’ve been seeing lots of people posting a recap of their 2009 goals and setting new goals for 2010. This left me wondering if I actually set any goals for 2009. It’s probably not a good sign that I didn’t even actually remember, eh?

As it turns out, it looks like I only set one stitching-related goal for 2009 which is a little surprising. Unfortunately, I didn’t even meet the one. Oops! The goal was to keep my WIP list down to 15 or less, but it’s currently sitting at 19. Maybe this year.

2009 Recap:

	WIPs on 1/1/09:	14
	New Starts:	29
	Finishes:	19
	Moved to UFO*:	5
	WIPs on 12/31/09:	19

*As far as projects moved to UFO, I borrowed a concept from Annette. If I haven’t worked on a project in the preceding 12 months, I’m no longer considering it a WIP (work in progress), and will move it to UFO (unfinished object) status instead. This doesn’t mean that I won’t eventually finish it, but if I haven’t worked on it in over a year, I just can’t justify in my head calling it a WIP any longer.

Here is a list of all the finishes I had during 2009:

Snowman’s Quaker Christmas (Midnight Stitching) – Completed 1 Feb 2009
NEEDLE heART (Margaret Bendig) – Stitching cruise piece – Completed 8 Feb 2009
Christmas Joy (Little by Little Design Co.) – Completed 25 April 2009
Rosemarkie (Long Dog Samplers) – Completed 29 April 2009
Rudolph (The Stitcherhood) – Completed 2 May 2009
Boo (The Stitcherhood) – Completed 3 May 2009
Letters from Nora – ~~Madeline~~ Melissa (Nora Corbett) – Completed 27 May 2009
Ink Circles May 2007 freebie – Completed 7 June 2009
Spooky Treats (Part 1 of 6 of Lizzie Kate’s Boo Club) – Completed 11 June 2009
Anonymous RAK – Completed 25 June 2009
Patriotic Quaker Heart – Completed 27 July 2009
Multiplicity – Completed 14 August 2009
Hagatha’s Slipper (part 1) – Completed 11 September 2009
Boo to You House (Fair & Square exchange) – Completed 10 October 2009
West Coast (Sea to Shining Sea series) – Completed 19 October 2009
Moon Witch – Completed 4 November 2009
Noel Naturally – Completed 5 November 2009
Joyful Night- Completed 14 November 2009
Indian Summer – Completed 25 November 2009

2010 Goals:

1. StRIP (Stash Reduction Implementation Plan)

This is the year that I really want to get my WIP list under some semblance of control. I know that I give this goal a bit of lip service every year, but I’ve never really followed through on it. This year is going to be different!

How am I going to accomplish this task you ask? My rule for 2010 is that I can’t start a new project until I complete at least three existing projects. I do have a few exceptions to this rule:

Little House Needleworks ornament of the month series
Exchanges
Class projects (probably only the Shepherd’s Bush retreat this year)
Guilt-free January (GFJ)

For those who aren’t active on stitching message boards, the concept of GFJ is that one is allowed to start as many new projects as they like, free of any guilt about existing WIPs or UFOs, during the month of January. I have decided to slightly modify GFJ and only allow myself this caveat during this first weekend of the new year. If it’s not started by 11:59pm on Sunday, January 3, then I can’t start it until after I have completed three other finishes.

The downside to this StRIP plan is that most of my current WIPs are BAPs (big ass projects), including several samplers. The upside is that now I’ll probably get some of them actually finished.

Once I have my WIPs under control, then I’ll work on coming up with a plan for the UFOs. I’m not even going to worry about them until I have my WIPs down to single digits.

2. Little House Needleworks Ornament of the Month series

I signed up with Drema for the automatics on this series a couple of months ago when Diane first announced it on the Little House Needleworks website. Since these are ornaments, they should be pretty quick stitches. My goal is to stay caught up on stitching this series throughout the year as they are released.

3. Stash Stitching

Along with trying to get my WIPs under control, I definitely want to get back to stitching from my stash again for my new starts. I have so many gorgeous pieces already, with probably about 40 already kitted even. I am always so tempted by the new pretties that come out that I end up buying more and more and then never get around to stitching them.

My goal for this year is that 80% of my new starts, excluding the LHN series and any class pieces, will come from my existing stash. Given my first goal, it’s unlikely that I’ll be able to have more than 5 or 6 new starts this year. By making the goal 80%, it does give me a little wiggle room for something that might be released that just screams at me to stitch it right away.

As you can see, I have my work cut out for me this year with my goals. Wish me luck because I know I’ll definitely need it. I’m weak!

Until next time …

1 January 2010

Misc., Stitching

10 comments

2009 recap, 2010 Goals, BAPs, Blogging, Finishes, GFJ, Stash, StRIP, UFOs, WIPs

Vacation Stash

I’m having a GREAT time on vacation. Sorry I’ve not been posting, but we’ve been having to much fun.

We made it over to Alameda today for a visit to Needle in a Haystack. Of course, you know it’s not a vacation without a bit of stash enhancement. Here are the goodies I picked up today:

I’ll close out with a few random vacation shots. I’ll try and post more pics when I get home. You can click all images to biggify.

The Tejon Pass (black & white filter)

Hyde Street – we hike up & down this hill whenever we go anywhere

Hanging out at Pier 45 with Alcatraz in the background

The Fishermans Wharf Sign

Pier 39 Christmas Tree

Union Square Christmas Tree (iPhone photo)

Union Square Macy’s (iPhone photo)

Cable Car stop outside our condo

Until next time …

15 December 2009

Misc., Photography, Stitching

4 comments

San Francisco, Stash, vacation

A Good Stitchy Day

Yep, yesterday was a good stitchy day. The morning started off on a very good note and the trend continued throughout most of the day. As I was getting ready to head out for the morning, I stopped by and picked up my mail and found a package from Corinna. She’s my partner in the Fair & Square Christmas round. Even though there is no finishing requirement for the Fair & Square exchanges, Corinna and I agreed privately to do the finishing on our exchange with one another. This way we can each enjoy them this year. Here is what she sent me:

Her finishing on this little stocking is simply exquisite! The design is “Winter Song” by Blackbird Designs. It is from the 2008 Just Cross Stitch ornament issue.

I’ve decided to take it to work and use it as my cubicle stocking this year. I figure since I spend more time at work than at home, I can enjoy it more that way. I’ll bring home to put on my little tree here when I get off on Christmas Eve. Thank you so much, Corinna!! I hope to have the finishing done on yours in the next few days and get it into the mail this week.

After that, I headed over to my LNS for the monthly all day stitch. OMG, we had sooooo much fun! Of course, the amount of fun we have is directly proportionate to a lack of actual stitching. Soooo, that means I didn’t come even remotely close to my goal of finishing my LHN ornament.

As you might expect, I sit at the troublemakers end of the table (nearest end of the table in the above photo). Of course, I’m in very good company there with Darla and Terri (right side of the table), and our non-blogging friends Karen and Dana (left side of the table). I sit in the empty chair in the middle between Dana and Terri.

The only other regular cohort we were missing today was our other non-blogging friend Lindsay. She was off on a quilting adventure instead. When you get us all together, it can definitely spell trouble with a capital T. I’m not sure some of the people at the other end of the room quite know what to think of us and some of our conversations.

Terri actually surprised me (and Darla, too!) with the chart Book of Spells from The Goode Huswife. It’s been on my wish list since I first saw it. In fact, I added it on as soon as I saw the first teaser pic before it was even officially released at market earlier this year. Not only did she give me the chart, but she also included the fabric and fibers, too! Thank you so much, Terri!!!

I didn’t actually do much shopping today. I figure with all the stash I’ve purchased recently, I didn’t really need anything. Of course, once I got to the shop, Diana (the shop owner) was having a big sale with 20% off all cross stitch charts, counted canvas needlepoint charts, and painted needlepoint canvases. I did look around a bit, but ultimately decided not to pick up any other charts.

She also has a Victoria Sampler trunk show going on right now. In honor of the trunk show, she is giving 20% off the VS thread/accessory packs, too! Given that I purchased the Christmas Village chart during my recent stash haul, I did take advantage of the sale to pick up the thread packs for it.

While we were there, Diana gave us all the info for the 2010 stitching cruise as well. Instead of heading down to Mexico again like we did earlier this year, the 2010 cruise will be heading northbound. It will be a 4-day Pacific Coast cruise on the Coral Princess leaving Los Angeles on Thursday, May 6. There will be two full days at sea before the first port of call on Sunday in Victoria, British Columbia. The stop in Victoria also includes Afternoon Tea at the beautiful Fairmont Empress Hotel. After leaving Victoria, there is an overnight sail to Vancouver, BC which is the final debarkation for the cruise. From there, we would fly back home to Los Angeles. I’m still not sure if I’ll be able to make it or not yet, but it sure sounds fun.

So, all in all, it was a very good stitchy day. Until next time …

6 December 2009

Stitching

13 comments

Cruise, Exchanges, Fair & Square, Friends, Good Huswife, LNS, RAK, Stash, Troublemakers, Victoria Sampler

New Stash – Part 2

So the saga continues … this is part two of my new stash acquisitions of late. Given how much I now realized that I’ve picked up in the past month, I’m not sure I really saved anything while on my stash “diet”.

Design: It’s Never Too Late
Designer: Primrose Needleworks

Design: One of Those Days
Designer: Miss Crescent’s Crowne

Design: Three Blox – Noel, Joy, Fa-La-La
Designer: Lizzie Kate

Design: Eek! Limited Edition Scissor Fob
Designer: Lizzie Kate

Design: Poinsettia House
Designer: Little House Needleworks

Design: Jenny Bean Halloween Sampler
Designer: Shakespeare’s Peddle

The final photo actually includes a few new purchases. The first is a counted canvas piece called Rodeo Queen by local designer Margaret Bendig. I’m not sure if I’ll ever do the little cowboy boot scissor holder, but I *love* the little heart-shaped needlebook. I bought the kit just to get that.

Next is the “Toil & Trouble” chart from La-D-Da. It’s is a companion piece to last year’s “Something Wicked” chart that I already have.

The last chart is the “Afraid of the Dark” sampler from Belinda at Blue Ribbon Designs. I’m not sure if I’ll ever stitch the actual sampler, but I love all the little smalls options and just had to have a copy.

Finally, there are also a couple of adorable little metal Needle Nannies from Puffin & Company. One is a kitty and the other is a sheep. I don’t use needle minders much when cross-stitching, but use them constantly when working on canvas projects.

Until next time …

23 November 2009

Stitching

4 comments

BRD, Jenny Bean, La-D-Da, Lizzie Kate, Margaret Bendig, Miss Crescent's Crowne, Needle Minder, Primrose Needleworks, Stash

New Stash – Part 1

Ok, so when I started collecting the photos of the new stash I’ve gotten in the past month, I realized there was so much I needed to break it up into two posts. When I fall off the no stash buying wagon, I clearly do it in a big way.

I’ll start this first new stash post with photos of some stuff that I’ve gotten, but didn’t actually buy. I got a couple of Mirabilia charts from friends at my LNS. Next, I was thrilled to receive a couple of items by The Stitcherhood that were on my wish list as a gift from the designer! Thank you again so very much, Maria! (Be sure to check out her blog for some cute freebies, too!)

Design: Circle of Friends
Designer: Mirabilia

Design: Queen of Freedom
Designer: Mirabilia

Design: Stitchers’ Samplers
Designer: The Stitcherhood

Design: Haunted Holler
Designer: The Stitcherhood

The friend that gave me the Queen of Freedom chart also gave me a stitcher’s third [24" x 27"] cut of Wichelt Silvery Moon fabric. As soon as I saw it, I thought of the beautiful Victoria Sampler Christmas designs stitched on a similarly colored fabric. I ended up deciding on & purchasing the Christmas Village design since it doesn’t require any Hardanger.

Design: Christmas Village
Designer: Victoria Sampler

The last thing I’ll share today is a kit I picked up from Drema at Needlecraft Corner. (I also purchased the kit for the Moon Witch finish shown in my previous post from her as well.) It’s the October teacup from Just Another Button Company. If you look closely, you’ll notice it’s a little skull. How cute is that?! If you want to see what it will look like when finished, click here.

Design: October 2009 Cup of Tea
Designer: Just Another Button Company

Update: I realized that I missed posting my TUSAL update for this month. Imagine that! I think I’ve only posted it on the correct day a couple of times this year. Oops! Anyway, here is my latest TUSAL update: