MMMM V

Sorry it's later than normal, but here's my last posting for the Mega Mini Month of Madness Smalls edition! The month has gone by quick quickly per usual. My birthday was yesterday so all month long I've been getting little presents from various people.

My MIL gave me money (best gift ever) so I went out and purchased some Drawn Thread kits! I got Full Moon & Haunting Halloween.

You can purchase them both here: Halloween Shop. I purchased the full kit for Full Moon, but thanks to my husband's gift card to 123stitch, I purchased the Haunting Halloween pattern over on there. Both of these patterns came with their own pieces of fabric which is super great as well (though I'm sure I could have found something in my stash).

I also got the kit (minus the pattern, bought that on 123stitch as well) for The Holly and the Ivy. I think my parents will love it. But who knows, maybe I'll want to keep it for myself? I love these kits because you get everything for less. Those silks by the skein are pretty pricey, so I think it's totally worth it to just buy the kit in this situation.

I've really have to start my ornament stitching. I have 4 "babies" whom I want to stitch for. I did already pick out which patterns for each kid, so that's a start right?!

I have almost finished the back of my swap ornament. I swear, the second you put a deadline on something, it gets regulated to the bottom of the list. I just don't want to work on it anymore... I will get it done though. I seriously only have to add the year to the back... then stitch it up!

I did pull out my Glendon Place Tiramisu again:

I really do love stitching this. Those Dinky Dyes are awesome. I'm just slow... because I have like 8 million other projects!

For those of you who are also doing MMMM how many designs did you finish? I got 3 done, 2 from the start and 1 half way done at the beginning of the month.

Until next time,
Brenda

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MMMM IV

I'm thinking that this is going to be a short post, but I can ramble when needed.

I worked on an Ink Circles design for my mini of the month. I can't show the awesome progress though because it's for a swap. I did finish the front! I just designed the back (it's really just words) so I'll stitch that up and finish it (with beads) so I can mail it out before I head on vacation in November!

Since I can't show you pictures of my mini progress, I thought I'd show my oldest UFO and the first pattern I ever bought. They are one in the same:

Can you guess what it is?

For those of you Teresa Wentzler fans, you'll know. It's the Spring Carousel Horse. I begged my mom to buy it for me back when I was about 8 before I had even ever cross stitched. I only tried to attempt it a few years back when I was in college. As you can tell it's on Aida. This was before I knew about linen. With the number of fractional stitches in all of TW's patterns, you will know what a terrible idea Aida was. This is it's unfinished state for about 10 years. I really want to do it... on linen. Eventually. After I *cough* finish my other big projects.

My first project ever was a little tiny peach unicorn which I did finish, but have since lost. My X's were going every which way. But I did finish it!

Here's the oldest finished piece that I've kept. When I was younger the majority of my stitching was given away as gifts, but for some reason this one never did. The back looks terrible, but it's the front that counts right?!

It's a checkbook cover from some magazine I had hanging around. I still think it's cute and I might try to wash it at some point. It's nice to look back and see how far I've come in my stitching. As well as seeing all the awesome pattern options out there now!

I finally received my Picture This Plus order from their Christmas in July sale:

From left to right: Heather; Mirage; Crystal Haunted; Crystal Echo. I must say that I'm rather disappointed in my choices. I know the monitor looks much different, but I'm really not pleased with the regular (non-crystal) fabric's I got (I do like the two crystal's though). I'm thinking it might go in a give away of mine come December/January (so stay tuned for that!) They are all 32 count Lugana. They were realllly difficult to photograph as well, so they only kinda look like the pictures. I was really hoping that the Mirage's "gray and purple" was going to be more... gray and purple. Oh well! I might still be able to find something to put on them.

I got my FOTM from Stephanie's Fabby's but of course I forgot to take a picture. I'll try to remember for next post. It's a lovely purple color!!

And before I forget, hop on over to Nacy's blog (Victorian Motto Sampler Threads) for 3 chances at a give away from her thread collection!  Here's her 1840 Collection and her 1795 Collection!

I think that's all folks! Tell me about your first project in the comments! Did you finish yours? What was it?

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MMMM III

Mega Mini Month Madness post 3! Mmmm makes it sound like I'm hungry or something! As a reminder this is hosted by Pull the Other Thread check out all the other cool participants too (there's 22 of us total)!

I have two finishes! I'm sure you all are just as excited about this as I am. :D I finished all the stitching on these two pumpkin designs. I think I'm about done with Halloween/Autumn stitching for now. I really need to get caught up of my swap ornament and then ornaments for family/friends for Christmas presents.

Here's the first that I showed progress on last week:

 

Heart in Hand - Pumpkins

The bottom pumpkin looks crooked, but he's really not! When I iron him again I'll stretch him right out.

Heart in Hand - Pumpkins

I mailed this little cute patterns out to a fellow Instagram follower who really liked it. I'm looking forward to seeing her stitch it up! It was a quick little pattern. My favorite kind!! And the little Just Another Button Company raven is an adorable touch!

I also started and finished a little Lizzie Kate design:

Lizzie Kate - Tingles F-143 - Jack O Lantern

Per usual I changed the colors to match what I had on hand.

Lizzie Kate - Tingles F-143 - Jack O Lantern

After taking these pictures, I realized I forgot to add the green button that the pattern came with! Off to do that and hopefully finish these into tiny wall hangings tonight! 

What is everyone else up too? Starting on Christmas yet?

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October Mini Mega Madness II

If you recall I joined a challenge for October, Mini's! While I haven't gotten much stitching done, it was on a mini! Go check everyone out on Pull the Other Thread's blog.

Here she is:

Wee One - Pumpkins - Heart in Hand

Wee One - Pumpkins - Heart in Hand

I am using the recommended threads, but it's turning out a lot darker than the model picture. I did wonder that when I was looking at the threads when they arrived in the mail. I'm not upset, just surprised. I like it. I think it will get made into a mini pillow as well when I am finished. I'm hoping to finish it up by next week.

I haven't been able to do much stitching lately because my left hand has been hurting. I think it's a combination of typing at work all day and holding a hoop. I am really considering buying a Lowery stand. Or a Needlework System 4. Or a Needle Needs frame. I think I'm leaning towards the Lowery because of the three it takes up the least amount of space. Do any of you readers use any of these? I did order some crafting compression gloves as well so I am going to try that first. Much cheaper at only $12. Fingers crossed it will solve the problem.

I did manage to stuff my Lizzie Kate finish that I showed last week:

It still needs a good pressing to get out the lumps. Next time I have the iron on I'll do that as well.

I posed it with my very own blown glass pumpkin! My husband and I took a 2 hour glass blowing glass back in 2012 and we each made 2 pumpkins (this one is actually my husbands'). I love taking them out every year and thinking about how much fun we had. My husband actually bought us a glass blown Christmas ornament making class for my birthday (which is later this month)! I can't wait to go, but I'll be waiting until December when it's offered.

While out at TJMax I found this little guy and I had to have him. I haven't found a place to keep him yet, but he is so cute!

That's all for now, hope everyone is doing well! How is everyone else coming along with their Mini stitching?!

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Halloween Madness

Hello everyone! I hope you are having a wonderful October 1st. The Halloween season is fast approaching (though I've had my Halloween decor up for a few weeks now) I did reach my goal of finishing Happy Halloween before today!

Happy Halloween - Silver Creek Samplers - JSC Halloween 2013

I finished all the stitching! I also "signed it" after I took this picture (in the bottom right corner, DNA 2014 in the same color as the N). Now I have to decide how to finish it. I was originally thinking a flat fold like the one further down in this post, but I don't know if I could do it justice. Then I was thinking about framing it, but it's 6 x 7 inches. So while I could put it in an 8 x 10 frame, I would want a mat too and I don't think that's enough room. Dilemma! Let me know what you would do in the comments!

My super awesome friend (Kathleen, no blog) came over last night for a crafty night! She is working on a baby blanket that she is crocheting and then doing cross stitch on! It's actually super cool and I had never thought about doing that! We might make this a weekly or bi-weekly thing! Which would be super cool.  We would both be motivating each other.

I was able to get a lot done on my finishing. Keep in mind that both of these are only partially finished. The Jolly Jack needs cording around the edges to make it look neater (I'm thinking of making some in orange colors) and the pillow needs stuffing. 

Jolly Jack

Lizzie Kate - Flip It Halloween

I'm not totally pleased with the A frame flat fold, but for my first time I think it was pretty good. And I had to sew the ric-rak on by hand for the pillow and I think it turned out super well! Once I have both totally finished I'll probably share them again. They are both so cute. I'm so excited to actually finish-finish things! I don't have a big drawer filled with unfinished but totally stitched things. I do have a drawer with unfinished cross stitching though. Everyone does. Right?!

I also bought some more Weeks Dye Works thread for some additional small patterns in the Just Cross Stitch Halloween 2013 magazine. And a pattern just fell into my cart. I have no idea how that happened! The pattern called for some Just Another Button Company buttons so I bought two in case I decided to make it twice, once for myself and once for my MIL. We'll see.

123stitch.com order

Oh for my Ocober Mini Madness I think I'm going to work on those various Halloween pattersns I mentioned earlier. :) I don't know if my finishing of that Lizzie Kate counted, but yeah, I'm ready!!!

How are you coming along with your Halloween stitching (if you do any)? And what are you thoughts on finishing my Happy Halloween? Let me know in the comments!

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Mega Madness!

I joined an October "challenge" hosted over at Pull the Other Thread. The goal is to work on some mini's. Rule 1: You must post on your mini progress once a week in the month of October. It doesn't matter what day so long as you have 5 posts by the end of the month. I think I can handle that. I post on a weekly basis (Wednesdays), and this will hopefully get me caught up with some ornaments. 

The following are some options I think:

- Back to my biscornu (front is below)
- Little House Needleworks ornament(s) (options: Winter Forest, 6 Little Cardinals, Gingerbread Village,    Gingerbread Man) 
- Mill Hill Kits (I've already started two of them)

I didn't work too much on my Halloween project, I did add some more letters and started some colors:

I mostly worked on this little biscornu in the car on our drive to the other side of the state to visit some friends:

I'm using all Victorian Motto Sampler threads and they are a pleasure to work with. I think I'm going to go broke purchasing things from her. I haven't decided on a back pattern yet, but I think I'll get around to that in October and it might end up a gift to someone for Christmas. We'll see.

I also got a lovely "surprise" in the mail. Another blogger (Kate) was destashing and I requested a few Cross Stitcher issues (Oct & Nov 2011) so they came in the mail yesterday:

 

I think I'm going to make a deer in the Nov 2011 issue for a friend's child, and maybe some of the purple ones in the Dec 2011 issue.

Yesterday I was able to go to JoAnn Fabrics and pick up some backing for two of my projects plus some orange thread.

I'm hoping to have a "Finishing Friday" some day soon! I am making the Jolly Jack into a standing folder thing. It'll be my first time and I'm kinda worried about the cardboard stuff I bought. I think it's going to be too thick. I'm going to use this tutorial from the Twisted Stitcher. Does anyone have any experience with making them? If you have any hints, I'm all ears! 

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Threads and Halloween

I think this is going to be a shorter than average post (for me anyway). I got my threads in from Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe!

I cannot wait to try them out, as soon as I finish my current project (or this weekend...) I'm going to find a pattern to use some of them. The colors are so rich and the most wonderful thing about them is that they are in 20 yard skeins. There's a ton of every color. I think I'm going to need all of the colors that she makes.... Nancy also included two freebie skeins which was so nice and generous. I highly recommend her shop!

I also ordered a Halloween colored finishing pack from here:

I'm pretty excited about these! I have at least 3 things to use this on right now. I also think I'm going to get some of her other bundles. She included a bag of brown buttons for free too! She's such a sweet lady. :)

And here's my progress on the Happy Halloween by Silver Creek Samplers that I'm making:

I managed to finish the N last night. I haven't started adding in any of the colors yet, but I'm itching to put in the pumpkin jack o'lantern on top of the N though, so I might do that tonight.

I'm not sure what I'm going to go work on after this. I'm starting to get into the Christmas stitching mode, not Christmas decorating or anything. I made a list and I have 4 babies to make ornaments for and 2 sets of parents plus my cousin. AND I was planning to make a gingerbread ornament for myself like I made my husband... Anyone else stitch gifts for Christmas?

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New Start & Swap Results

I've started a new Halloween project. I think I have a problem. A friend on Instagram had the same magazine in her collection so we decided to do a mini stitch along with just the two of us. It's fun seeing the her progress as well! This is Happy Halloween by Silver Creek Samplers from JCS's 2013 Halloween edition.

Happy Halloween - Silver Creek Samplers

Happy Halloween - Silver Creek Samplers

The second picture was taken in the morning so it's a bit washed out. You can see the second "E" and part of the "N" started. I'm thinking it's going to be a pretty quick stitch. I got this all done in 3 days. Not bad. I feel like I stitch super slowly, but I think I have more time than average to stitch so it evens out.

I only have one of the called for WDW colors (pumpkin) so I'm subbing in Charcoal for the kitty, and one of the other colors. The rest are the suggested DMC. I was thinking that the E and the kitty were too close in color, but in sunlight it looks okay, so I'm not going to worry about it. 

I've also been working on a swap gift but I can't show you yet.

Speaking of swap gifts, mine made it across the pond, so I can show you what I made with the Wisper thread:

Bluebird of Christmas Happiness - JCS Ornament issue, 2008

I made it into an ornament, but I didn't get any good pictures because it was dark and I was too excited to mail it out. I love how the hat turned out, all nice and fuzzy. I'm pretty sure I'm going to make this again, I think in purple for a very special young lady who's mom loves purple. I'm fairly sure she doesn't read my blog, so it's okay. :) I had also sent my swap a bundle of DMC floss (pastel colors), a skein of Wisper, and a little kit that's got some kitties in a basket. She loved everything!

I also got my box in the mail last night and look at all these goodies!!

Awesome box decorating, all my favorite things, cats, coffee & fall

Swap goodies!

Awesome picture frames in my favorite colors, kitty erasers, coffee coasters, a fall candle, a homemade gift tag and a purple pen!

Kitties!

Coffee Coasters

The swap turned out so well! Not everyone has gotten their gifts yet, but we've all seen progress pictures and it promises to be epic. :) It you are on instagram follow me! xStitchHaven!

In non-stitching news, My husband and I went to a big beer festival on Saturday which sells out in 4 minutes! It was a fun experience, they have lots of local restaurants with tables of foods too, so I was a happy camper. On Sunday we made some new friends at a local farm for "Farm to Taco Food Truck" dinner. It was tasty!

I also ordered some hand-dyed threads from Nancy (from Victorian Motto Sampler) on eBay on Monday, so I'll have to post some pictures of that next week!

I can't be the only one with thread buying problems! Right?! Until next week peeps!

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Show Your Stash: Threads

I was reading some blogs and I came across Anna's and I decided to play along. Here's my answers:  

What thread do you usually stitch with? I'm pretty much a DMC girl because it's so easy to find around here. I really enjoy Weeks Dye Works and sub in some to a lot of my smaller projects. I have some silks for specific projects, but I can't really warrant $4 skeins most of the time. 

When you shop for threads, do you buy on impulse or do you buy only what you need? I'm a mix here. For DMC, I only buy on my list because I am only missing about 50 colors to have a full set, so chances are I will buy one I already have. For silks, list only. Classic Colorworks, Weeks, Threadworx, Sampler Threads, etc I try to buy on a list, but I also pick up things that are pretty. I have a small collection so I am pretty good at knowing what I already have. I also have a "Floss Checklist" app on my android phone to check against.  I also use Google Doc's for my DMC. I'm crazy like that (it's so I can print out the list if so desired).

How do you store your thread? DMC/Anchor/Cosmo are all on bobbins in those plastic floss keeper boxes:

Everything else is in a Floss-A-Way bag with an index card for stability, in the top box in this picture:

How do you sort it? Sorted by manufacturer then by color name (Alphabetical) and DMC/Anchor/Cosmo is by number. I love the rainbow way but then I would NEVER be able to find anything. 

What tips do you have for building a stash? Buy slowly, it's not a race and your wallet will thank you.

How much is too much? What a silly question. NEVER. 

How do you whittle your stash down when it's gotten too large? I'm still collecting. It's not too much... yet. However, I do like to give away patterns that I've completed and do not plan to stitch again. Friends are always a good place to start! 

Do you have a current favorite in your stash? I really like Weeks Dye Works Peacock and Taffeta. My two favorite colors. :) 

Come join us and leave a link to your answers in the comments either here or over on Anna's.

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Haul and Finishes

I just got a bunch of things in the mail! Happy mail dance time!

First off is my bingo winnings from Debby (from a cross stitch website I belong too), I've actually met Debby in real life when my husband & I were on vacation in Colorado. That made it even better.

This awesome owl card (I LOVE owls):

This cute booklet of snowmen designs:

Mill Hill - Frosty Friends

This awesome piece of crystal lugana (which is super difficult to photograph), I can already see some of those snowmen designs on it:

Light Blue Crystal Lugana

And my favorite, Fleur de Lys Christmas tree chart which I WILL be stitching this year. Debby said it was a pretty quick stitch and I think I already have some variegated floss for it.

Scissor Tail Designs - Fleyr de Lys Tree

I love love LOVE everything she sent over. I knew we had similar tastes!

I also received come charts from etsy that I purchased, each were $3 or less:

Lizzie Kate Winter Sampler, Winter Wishes, December Flip-it, Autumn Sampler, Spring Sampler and January Flip-it

anddddd the Leisure Arts Back-stitch alphabet (I had found #705 (More Backstitch Alphabets which I showed you in this post) at my mom's house, so I clearly needed the first set too):

Leisure Arts Leaflet 407 - 20 Backstitch Alphabets

I also got a piece of Crafty Kitten fabric in, but it's also a crystal and realllly hard to photograph. I plan to use it to make the Frosted Pumpkin Halloween Sampler at some point. I have the cosmo thread for it, which I am really excited to use! I'll try to do a floss toss in the sunlight this week.

Clearly I was busy online.... I should have my wallet taken away from me I think! The Lizzie Kates all came to $15 with shipping and the LA leaftlet was $6 with shipping, the others were gifts so I don't think I did too poorly.

While I was busy online I was also busy finishing ornaments!!!  I got my sewing machine back on Tuesday and whipped these up in the days since then.

Fronts:

Top left clockwise: Little House Needleworks (LHN) freebie Seven Pines, LHN Gingerbread Cookie, LHN Snow in Love, LHN Hot Cocoa, Freebie found online, LHN Season of Love)

And the backs:

Ornament backs (fabric from my mom's stash)

It was my first time finishing them into pillows! I had done some quilting when I was a kid, but I hadn't done anything in a long time. I'm pretty proud of them. Are they all completely square? No. But that's ok! :) Some of them are to be gifts even though I find it quite hard to part with them. I also finished another one, but it was for my swap, so once it's safely in their hands I'll post pictures!

I'm planning some finishing ideas for my Halloween projects too. I need to get some orange thread first for the Lizzie Kate one for sure. I'm still trying to come up with something for the Jolly Jack pattern. I'm open for suggestions, leave your suggestions below! :)

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