Happy Hours

And so it continues...

2007-01-29T19:17:00.000Z

I can now share with you the biscornu I made for Heather, as she received it a couple of days ago. I stitched this one on 14ct Aida using Caron Wildflowers threads. I used four different colours, Carnival, Parfait, Celadon and Confetti. The design is yet another one of my own. I'm really happy with the result and I'm so glad that Heather is happy with it too.

I've been working on Watermelon Eater from Misty Dreams (find the link later! lol) this week and am really pleased with the results so far. I haven't actually got any progress pics yet. I also need to start working on the layouts for our RRs which I'm organising on my Yahoo! Group - Ryan is working on his at the moment, designing the borders on his computer. He's choosing colours to go with the fabric he's already chosen - DMC Aida, colour 3747. His theme is garden birds. My theme is fruit and I chose the designs available free from Charles Craft Inc. I haven't got a clue what fabric I'll be using, suppose it all depends on what I've already got that will fit the designs. There are only four of us taking part (we only have 8 members so far anyway lol).

I hope everyone is having a good week so far! Happy stitching!

Biscornu Fever

2007-01-23T04:13:00.000Z

I know they said these things were addictive, but did I believe them? Not for a minute. Except that here's proof that they are just that! These two are mine (peach) and Ryan's ones for the EMS Biscornu Exchange that I organised. I can show the pictures now because they have been received by our partners - both in France. So far, the exchange is going quite well. I only have a couple of members causing me concerns mainly due to their lack of communication, but I'm hoping this will be a minor glitch. I've never organised anything like it before and I just want it to run smoothly. I hope that's not too much to ask for.

Both sides of the biscornus are the same design, but just used the two colours the other way around. I designed both of these on my computer and I always love to see how my own designs stitch up. I'm quite pleased with our efforts on these. I had to do the finishing as Ryan thought it was a bit tricky for him. Here you can see how I chose to finish mine - with beads in the seams. I'm really happy with this way of finishing them and have since made another one which is for the EMS Dutch Valentine Biscornu Exchange. And it's another one of my own designs.

I've had a lot of fun working these designs. This is the first one that I've actually put a ribbon on though. It's also the biggest one I've made at 9cm diameter. I have plans for a much bigger one, and now all I have to do is find the time to stitch it. I have a lot of other things on the go at the moment. I really wanted to finish some of the larger projects I've got on the go, especially Little Friends, a Permin kit of a Teddy Bear with a Kitten asleep on its lap, both in a wicker chair; it's a gorgeous design and I'm not quite halfway through it at the moment. I've had it for about 4 years now - a must-finish!

Here you can see a couple of other items I've stitched recently. The little golden bear is 24K gold plated and was a gift from a friend in America. I used Anchor multicolours cotton perlé and half cross stitch to work the stitches and Ryan was so happy when I gave it to him. The needleroll is my smallest one ever - it's just 6cm in length. It's worked on 32ct over 1 with a thread I dyed myself and a pattern I designed myself. It was originally meant to be for another EMS exchange, but I liked it so much I've decided to keep (and use) it. I'm going to do another one for the exchange.

I just love this design. I bought it from DSL about 18 months ago as a kit, but had never got around to stitching it. This month, the exact same design is featured in Cross Stitcher magazine and it just spurred me on to look it out and stitch it. It only took me about 3 evenings and I just love the way it's turned out. I don't know how I'm going to finish it yet, but have the idea that it would make a great little mattress (pincushion that looks like a mattress!) I'll probably have a go at making it up once the exchange is out of the way. Didn't realise how much paperwork they create!

I have stitched one more piece since this one, although I can't show it yet because I'm still waiting for Heather's address! Another one of my own designs and very colourful is all I'm going to say! I did do a bit of stitching this morning on Misty Dreamz's Watermelon Eater. It's looking good so far, but I haven't got any photos of it yet. I'm working it on 28ct Monaco fabric and it's lovely to do. Lots of detail, but not too many areas of confetti stitching. I'm looking forward to seeing how this one turns out. I did think about having a rotation, but I need to stitch on whatever 'speaks' to me at the time.

I did have a little catch-up with a few blogs earlier and it's good to see you all coping with the awful weather that's been lashing the country. I only have a broken fence post, but waiting for the housing association to come and fix it could take a while. It only backs onto a 60 mph road so it won't do any damage if it blows over will it?...

First post

2007-01-09T23:19:00.000Z

of the new year! Happy New Year to everyone out there in Cyberspace. I hope it is good for you.

I know I've been slacking in the posting department again, and it's been ages since I looked at all my friends' blogs, so please accept my apologies. I've been laid up with a bad back which I pulled out at the end of last year. My own silly fault, but nevertheless a darned inconvenience.

My son had his birthday last week as well, can't believe he's 11 years old already! Where does the time go? I know, most of mine is spent stitching! In fact, I've been doing quite a bit as it's pretty much the only thing I've been able to do whilst laid on my back! Here are the tree ornaments I made before Christmas. I'm quite pleased with the way they came out. Dragon Dreams fans will recognise most of them as the Christmyth series. They were fun to make and they were well received too. I backed them with some lovely cream Christmassy fabric and a couple of them are edged with beads. I was impressed with the way the beading really finished the designs off and I'm thankful that I already have a lot of different colours of beads and found the ideal ones to match the threads I used.

I'm trying to finish a few designs this year, but it's going to be tricky since I have also committed myself to a RR on my group, and so far at least one exchange at EMS. There's also a lot of stitching for babies going on but I can't say too much about that just now. I've just challenged my sister to a SAL as well, since she has never stitched anything for me in the 14 years since I showed her how to cross stitch! It's about time I think! No idea what design we will be stitching yet, I thought I'd leave the choice to her as she isn't like me - I'll stitch anything that takes my fancy, she usually sticks to huge designs! We'll have to wait and see.

Anyway, I hope you all had a good Christmas and that this New Year brings you all you could wish for.

Thank you, also, to everyone who wished Ryan a happy birthday, it really made his day!

A new finish....

2006-12-15T19:41:00.000Z

Wow, twice in one week, maybe my computer luck is changing slightly. And not just my computer luck either. I've been doing some stitching too! I put my latest free design up on my Yahoo! Group yesterday and my friend challenged me to stitch it over 1 - I have just finished it! Here's the Festive Tree of Love. I actually designed it to be stitched in several different shades of green, graduating from light to dark, top to bottom. But when I came to stitch it, I realised that I didn't have the colours I'd charted so I used DMC Colour Variations 4030 instead. I really like the effect of this thread. Each heart was stitched individually although in places it looks like it was done in rows! That's what I like most about variegated threads - their total unpredictability. I also charted gold thread for the heart on top and the little stitches in between the green hearts, but ended up using Kreinik 001HL with the threads removed (I just used the really shiny bit). The fabric is 28ct cream Monaco and it's really nice to work over 1 on. The tree stands a whopping 6.7 cm (2 5/8") tall. It's likely to end up as a tree ornament or maybe a card, I'm not sure yet. I'm just happy to have managed to finish something!

Long time, no see!

2006-12-14T19:38:00.000Z

I can't believe how quickly time is passing at the moment. I'd forgotten how much time I spent on the internet, visiting my friends' sites and blogging to my own. I've been very sadly lacking in that department since I started having problems with my ISP and then the computer. Neither of which are solved yet. I'm just snatching a bit of time while things are working properly.

Well, my stitching goals went completely out of the window. All of the things I was going to get finished for Christmas are now on the back-burner and will probably now end up as birthday presents next year! I just couldn't seem to get 'into' them and time just ran away without me, I'm afraid. I've just got time to stitch a couple of little ornaments for people who aren't expecting to receive anything from me. I've come to the conclusion that I much rather like giving to people who don't expect it. Those that do expect gifts are usually not as happy as I would like them to be with their gifts. Whereas those who don't expect anything are far more surprised and pleased with what they receive. I'm happier giving to people like that.

Anyway, I'm hoping to be around a bit more soon, but I don't think Santa will be bringing me the new computer I so desperately need now.

SBQ

2006-11-17T18:22:00.000Z

This week's question is about Christmas. Since it's looming large on the horizon now I guess I ought to start thinking about finalizing a few projects!

Do you stitch Christmas ornaments? If so, how many do you stitch each year and for whom? If not, why not?

Well, I do make at least a couple of ornaments each year, depending on how many exchanges I've entered into. So far this year it's only been one. I don't know if any more will be made this year as I have chosen (rather too late) to stitch every family member's presents. No easy task when they're not satisfied with small things! Maybe next year I'll be a bit more organised.

I did make a lot of ornaments for the Christmas of 2002. With my Mum's help in finishing them we made 43 altogether. They went to all the children in my son's class at the time, plus all the teachers and helpers in the whole school! I have to say they were incredibly well received and worth all the effort we put into them. I also know that all the ornaments I have made for people in the past are still being put on trees each festive season. There's no greater joy than knowing your hard work is appreciated.

Great day!

2006-11-16T23:46:00.000Z

Well, it's been a happy mail day both here and in Finland today! The mini biscornus must have crossed in the post as they both arrived at their new homes this morning. That's what I call perfect timing!

This is my little treasure from Outi. Isn't it beautiful? You can read some information about it on her blog. Ironically, it has turned out to be exactly the same size as the one I sent her! There is definitely some sort of affinity between us - strange coincidences etc.

And this is one side of the little biscornu that I made. I am really happy with this as I'm never quite sure how one of my own designs is going to look once it's stitched up. I designed both sides of this and am really happy with the way it's turned out. I'm also happy to say that Outi is rather pleased with it as well!

I'm ashamed to say that I can't remember the name of the fabric colour, it's a Polstitches hand-dyed 28ct evenweave, a sort of lilac colour. The thread is DMC 333. I made the tassel using a tiny wooden cotton reel which I wound with the
same thread and the beads are a metallic mauve. There are little glass beads on the bottom and in the centre of the biscornu. I thought I'd photograph it with my scissors so you can get an idea of how big the biscornu actually is - it's a whole 4cm x 4cm!

I'm surprised that this was actually quite easy to make up. I had been dreading it, but despite having crossed eyes by the time I finished sewing it up and barely had room to stuff it, the end result is lovely. And now I'll stop crowing on my own behalf! :D

Great timing!

2006-11-15T17:26:00.000Z

I think I might have solved the problem of what to do for my sister for Christmas. I've just heard that I've got a cheque coming in the post that will make things a bit easier all round. It will mean that instead of trying to find something suitable to stitch for her, I can buy her something to stitch for herself. I have the perfect kit in mind - Sheila Hudson's Poppies, or maybe the Iris - you can see them here. They are all stunning! I would like to make them all for myself, but I doubt if I'll ever be able to afford them all. I love stitching Sheila's designs though, they are a real joy. Fantastic attention to detail and usually very little backstitch. She is a wonderful lady who really enjoys creating designs for people like me - I know that because she told me! :D

Doing this will help with trying to find the time to stitch something complicated for her with the small amount of time I have available in between all the other things I'm working on at the moment. It also looks like our Happy Hours RR will be a bit delayed since one of our members is away from home and won't be able to manage the original first mail-out date.

Biscornu Update: the dear little treasure and some fabrics are on their way to Finland. I posted them yesterday so it will be interesting to see how long they take to get 'home'. I can't wait to post pictures, but I have to as it wouldn't be fair for anyone else to see them first. Outi has also suggested making a smaller one than this - a 3cm x 3cm one. Hmm.... not too sure about that, but I am working on trying to make one a slightly different shape! That's all I'm saying for now!

I had a lovely surprise today too. One of my friends, also a member of my Yahoo! Group has stitched one of the designs I am currently offering free on the site. It looks brilliant and it's great that she has been so enthusiastic about stitching it. I'm encouraged to continue trying to create nice designs now. Thanks Barb!

Last night I stitched quite a bit on the Mouse Baby design I'm doing for my niece. I've made some good progress despite a couple of brief visits from the frog! The green I've substituted for the original pink is looking good too, I'm quite pleased with that. It's going to end up as a cushion, I think!

I have a new design that I'm itching to get started on, but I suspect it'll be next year before I can find a window in my schedule. It's Watermelon Eater from Misty Dreamz - a cute little dragon munching on, yes, watermelon. It's a gorgeous design and Tamara's service is second to none. Brilliant. Must stay away from her site though - otherwise I'll end up with a heap of designs in my to-do pile. That's big enough as it is. Time to go and reduce it a bit I think! :D

Christmas is coming...

2006-11-13T18:17:00.000Z

And can't you tell! I've started yet another project with the intention of getting it finished in time for the big day! Ha ha... I can dream can't I? This time it's a largeish picture of a dream catcher for my nephew and his girlfriend. I thought it would be easier to stitch something between them than have the expense of making two separate gifts. Although if they ever split up, they'll have to fight for custody! I'm working this piece on 18ct Aida in single strand and it's coming on well so far.

I've finished the mini biscornu and it's all packed up and ready to fly tomorrow. It's going to live in Finland so hopefully it won't take too long to get to its new home.

My biggest problem now is what to do for my sister. She has recently expressed a preference for fine cross stitch works, you know, the sort that boggle your eyes if you work on them for too long at a time! So now I'm having to look for a suitably detailed chart in whole cross stitch only that will only take a couple of weeks to finish. It needs to be big enough that she won't think I'm being cheap with her gift! So far nothing I have found fits the bill, but I still have several books to go through. Shame that eats into my stitching time! Talking of which, I need to go and grab some.

This week's SBQ

2006-11-10T17:24:00.000Z

Suggested by Jan, this week's question is:

How many different brands of 'complete' embroidery floss sets do you own? How do you keep track of it? (ie spread sheet program, index cards, palm pilot etc)

Well, quite simply, I don't own any full sets of any brand. I have a vast amount of threads of all different brands though. As for keeping track of it - well, I've just bought a huge box to keep it all in so that it's in one place. I'm not really organised enough to have it all indexed. I'm happy to know that it's where I can lay hands on it easily. My sister has a business and so has stands full of DMC, Anchor and Venus so they are withing easy reach if I need anything. She's only lives a few miles away so easy access alleviates my need to have the full collection to hand.

Busy week

2006-11-10T08:18:00.000Z

It's been a busy week one way and another. I have managed to get some stitching done - the mini biscornu is finished and just waiting to be sewn together and stuffed. I've been putting it off but the mail-out date is fast approaching so I really do need to get on with it. I made a little tassel which is rather cute, but whether it ends up on the finished item is another matter. It all depends on how awkward it is to sew up!

I've almost finished the last part of the EMS staff exchange. That will be a relief when that's done and on its way to its new home. Mail-out for that one is the end of the month. Then all that's left is the heap of Christmas gift stitching and two RRs to prepare. Then I can sit back and have a rest for about five minutes!

I've spent many hours this week working on my website and it's almost up and running now, although it's nothing special. Not bad for my first attempt though!

What's in a name?

2006-11-03T01:36:00.000Z

This week's SBQ was suggested by Lee and is:

How did you decide on the title of your stitching blog? Was it random, or does it have a special meaning to you or about you?

Well, that's a good question. I chose the name Happy Hours because it's what I spend with my stitching. A few years ago, my Mum and I were going to set up a mail order craft supplies business. The name we chose was Happy Hours. We spent a long time getting contacts etc. and then Mum found out she had cancer. Before we could ever do anything to get the business off the ground, she passed away. I always think of her when I see those words that would have been our future.

I actually have three blogs, two of which are called Happy Hours. This one and a LiveJournal one. My main blog is called Stargazer's Haven and it's more about life in general. That name comes from my love of stargazing and needing somewhere to hide away from the world when I feel the urge to be antisocial!

Just showing off!

2006-11-02T00:52:00.000Z

I just don't know what's up with all this lately. Everything seems really slow to load... maybe it's just my poor old computer again. Anyway, I thought I'd have another attempt at uploading my exchange item photos. So here we go. These are going to be winging their way to Chattanooga, TN in the not too distant future. I just know their recipient is going to love them and that pleases me because I put a lot of effort into them. Having started this set three times over I'm finally happy with the colour/thread/fabric combination I chose. I used matching thread and metallic thread for theseJust as well really, as I don't think it would have been feasible to start yet again.

Now, this set is going to Ontario, Canada. I had a lot of fun with these and am pleased with the results. I used two shades of matt cotton and one shiny rayon thread in a toning colour. The longest part of stitching these was actually the making up. The little needlebook to absolutely ages, but again, I'm pleased with the end result.

I've made some good progress on the mini biscornu today although I haven't had much time to stitch. I'm looking forward to seeing this design come to life, if it looks good then I'll be encouraged to try some more of my own designs!

I forgot to mention...

2006-11-01T03:00:00.000Z

...in my last post - White Rabbits! Just something my Mum always used to say on the first day of every month. I never did find out why.

Happy Dance time!

2006-11-01T02:31:00.000Z

I'm a very happy bunny now. I've managed to get those exchange pieces finished although I have yet to actually post them. What do you think? This is my ornament for the EMS Holiday Exchange. It'll be winging its way to America later today.

I also got all the Staff Exchange pieces finished, but for some reason I can't upload the photos at the moment. It might be because I'm having trouble with my browsers - I'm not sure if it's because I'm still running Windows 98, since Microsoft have withdrawn all support for it. It's certainly been making hard work of computing ever since! Hopefully I'll be able to upload the other pics another day.

Small finish

2006-10-29T23:55:00.000Z

Well, I've actually managed to finish something. Unfortunately it wasn't on my list of things to do! Ah well, at least it's encouragement to get on with the rest. I've still got several bits to make up before Tuesday (hopefully) so that I can get them into the post.

This is my very first biscornu. It came about because I had had a few attempts at the staff exchange stitching and hadn't been too happy with the results at the time. Looking at them last night, I though they'd make a neat biscornu and today I set about making the two pieces into one. I'm really pleased with the results and was surprised how much easier this was to make up than I was expecting. It's about 3 inches in diameter so it's a decent size. I stitched it using Anchor 1315 - Flame, lovely shades of red, orange and yellow. It didn't show up too well on the red fabric though, which is why I restarted it on white. It shows up much better, but I didn't like the fabric very much, the holes are a bit too big for my liking. It's DMC fabric and all of theirs that I've seen has huge holes in the 14ct.

I also sewed it up using the same thread so even the seam changes colours as it goes around. It actually made quite a nice ornamental seam, which I am pleased with.

I'm nearly finished with all the exchange pieces now, just got one more to go and a small amount of another piece. When they're done, it's on to the Christmas presents and when they're finished it'll be on to the Round Robins. I'm also still working on the miniature biscornu which is nearly finished as well. All in all, a very busy stitching year!

Another stitchy finish

2006-10-25T21:03:00.000Z

Yay! I've managed to finish my Christmas ornament for the exchange. I haven't got photos yet because I haven't actually made it up, but I promise I'll get some soon. I've got several pieces to put together now and yesterday I did manage to get all the items I need to finish them all. I think it'll have to be a complete day of sewing one day this week.

I've also started on yet another staff exchange piece, so that will be the fifth of six pieces under way. I've been puzzling about how to make this piece up as I've never made one before so that will be a bit of a challenge. But then, I seem to be up for challenges these days.

Achievements

2006-10-23T21:54:00.000Z

I'm very happy with the amount of stitching I've managed to get done over the last few days. I've got to go into town tomorrow to get some materials to finish the exchange items and then I'll be able to post them within the week. It will be good to send them on their way. Four late and two early! Yay!

I need some fabrics for backing, some felt, braid, ribbons and buttons for all the items, plus I'm anticipating having some left over for other projects in the future. Hopefully our little LNS will have some cheap bits of quilting fabric and ribbons. Usually they have a large rack of remnants so I should be able to find something to add that special finishing touch.

I know I'm going to be in trouble next year. I've just found Misty Dreamz and their website is loaded with fantastic pictures of dragons. The charts are a very reasonable price too, just $5.50 (about £3.00). I just need to get some pennies into the bank and then I can pay by PayPal. Can't wait!

I've also added a new free pattern to my Yahoo! Group, and I'm working on some new ideas for freebies for my friends who have joined so far. It's all go and not about to stop any time soon! I don't think I've ever been so busy with the stitching and all related things such as message boards etc. And I've got to say 'I'm lovin' it!'

Relief!

2006-10-15T21:39:00.000Z

I've been very busy stitching this week. I'm happy to say that I haven't had many visits from the frog and the ones I have had have been short! I've finally finished the staff exchange items, although I still have to make them up into their final items. When I have, I'll take some photos. I've now started on the next (or rather the first) two pieces. These should have gone to their new owner at the end of July! Way behind or what! Anyway, they're under way now.

I've also got involved in a miniature biscornu scissor fob exchange with my friend online. It'll be interesting to see how it turns out, although I think the making up will be the hardest part of this one. I made up the designs myself and so far they are looking good.

I've also made a start on my Christmas ornament for the EMS Exchange so I've had quite a productive week on the stitching front. I'm in a good frame of mind at the moment! That makes a change! :)

No stitching today........

2006-10-10T21:35:00.000Z

Yet! I'm planning on getting back to the exchange project in a few minutes. So far, so good. I'm still on target for finishing it by the end of the week. I've still got to make up the two items before sending them on their merry way. I need to locate some felt for the inside of the needlebook, unless I find a different way of making it up. Just have to wait and see on that one.

As soon as they're on their way, I've got to do the first set which I have started several times already, but haven't been happy with the results. Now I've found a colour scheme that I'm happy with so it's just a case of getting to it.

Stitching etc.

2006-10-08T21:20:00.000Z

I'm quite pleased with myself just now. Yesterday and today I've managed to put in quite a lot of time on the exchange gift and it's looking like it might be able to go into the post by the end of the week. Depends on the spare cash, but of course, it's already one week late going away. I've still got the previous set to get finished and posted, they were supposed to be on their way at the end of July so I'm more than a little bit behind there. And then I've got another set to get stitched and posted for the end of November. Hopefully, that set will be on time.

My friend is keen on taking part in a Round Robin with me. The subject would be the Dragons from Dragon Dreams Inc. They're really lovely dragons and I think the Elements dragons would make a good subject for a RR. So we'll have to see how that pans out because I'm already involved in two RRs on my own Yahoo! Group. It would have to be a New Year start but something definitely worth working out.

Right, I'm back off to my stitching, the more I can get done while I'm in the mood for working on it, the better!

Deep Joy!

2006-10-06T10:14:00.000Z

I spent absolutely ages last night (well, the wee small hours of this morning actually!) fiddling with the settings and trying to manipulate the template so that I could get some lists in the sidebar. As you can see, I finally managed it, but my poor old computer wasn't happy and just locked up before I could finish what I was doing. It's done now though, although I still need to add most of the links.

I did want to add some blinkies, but somehow they came out absolutely huge. I'll try again in a little while, but right now I'm stitching with a vengeance! And yes, I am working on the dreaded exchange items. Ryan's still in bed so I thought I'd get some done while I don't have to give him my undivided attention.

Cutie Dragon

2006-10-05T23:14:00.000Z

Please welcome Electra! I've been having a lot of bother getting back into stitching on the exchange items since the frog attack. A good friend suggested I should stitch something cute and just for me, so that I could regain some enthusiasm for the other projects. I have to say, I think it's worked, although I still haven't picked up any stitching today - except to move it around on my desk!

This little cutie is from Dragon Dreams Inc. and she was a freebie. I chose my own colours to suit my mood and so Electra was 'born'. Although I don't hold with the American tradition of Trick or Treating, I just thought this design was so sweet and dragons really are one of my favourite subjects to stitch. I'm currently working on a design of two Mythical Dragons, on which I have changed the colours to suit the person they are for. I just hope he likes them. They were supposed to be his 18th Birthday present in the middle of September just gone, but I didn't get them anywhere near finished in time. So now it looks like they'll be a Christmas present instead. I really need to put more time into my stitching from now on. I've got so many presents and exchanges to work on, plus round robins which I'm organising. Good job the darker evenings are creeping up on us now, no reason to be out and about, every reason to be sitting in the warm and dry with my son, my cat and my stitching. Ah, happy days!

Frustrated

2006-10-03T22:19:00.000Z

That's what I am for sure. I wanted to add some lists to my side bar last night, but I just couldn't figure out how to do it. I looked through all the information I could find and still couldn't understand what I was meant to do. Guess I'm not quite a computer savvy as I thought I was. Oh well, never mind. Since this isn't actually my main blog, I'm not going to worry about it too much. It just bugs me when I can't work something out and end up admitting defeat.

I've only managed 14 stitches on the exchange gift today too. Actually, that's all I've managed all day so far. Not been a very productive day at all. Maybe tomorrow will be better. Just have to wait and see!

Famous last words

2006-10-02T21:03:00.000Z

Well, I thought I was doing well with the stitching. Except that last night I had a visit from the frog. And he wasn't kind to me at all. I'd almost finished about a third of the border when I realised he'd made me miscount! So instead of spending hours unpicking the parts that were in the wrong place, I found some more material and started again. It's just lucky that I've got plenty of thread in the colours I chose. I thought it would be less irritating and take less time to just start over. It just means I'm even more behind than I wanted to be. Soon I'll be able to work this pattern without using the chart!

I'm thinking that I obviously need to concentrate harder - that way the frog won't be able to sneak in and mess things up!

Busy Stitching!

2006-10-01T00:17:00.000Z

I'm happy to say I've been busy stitching lately. I'm still a bit behind with the exchange gifts, but they're coming along. I don't know how much time I will get during the day from now on as, due to problems with school, I have taken my son out of school for the rest of this year. That means I am committed to making sure he gets a full time education - 25 hours per week. I don't have to stick to the national curriculum so that's good. It means that I can incorporate stitching into his education. He's got a couple of projects lined up already. I can see some fun, quality time ahead!

I also wanted to say White Rabbits! I don't know why we say it, but it's something my Mum always used to do, and we've been doing it ever since she passed away in 2004. Apparently you're only supposed to be able to say it until Noon on the first day of each month so we've already done it. I'm off back to my stitching again now.

Happy October!

I finished!

2006-09-23T22:55:00.000Z

I'm happy that I finished the little hearts today. I sent pictures of all four to Jessica and am waiting to hear if they are alright for her. I do hope they are. I'm not sure if I can attach a picture here yet, so I'm going to try uploading them to my photobucket account first. I'm now back to working on my staff exchange items which are due for posting on the 30th. I suspect they might be a little bit late again, but they'll get there. That's the good thing with doing exchanges between the staff on the message board - we all understand that life gets in the way sometimes. I've been busy stitching replacement exchange items for people who have been let down by their original partners in previous exchanges. I love being able to help out, but of course, sometimes my own projects have to be put on the back-burner, so to speak.

I've decided the dragons I was doing are now going to be a Christmas present. I need to get some serious stitching time over the next 3 months because I've got at least 10 items to get finished for presents, plus there's cards and the Christmas Ornament Exchange which I just have to be a part of.

Well, it's getting quite late on this first day of Autumn! Now the leaves can officially fall off the trees all over my garden! lol

Stitchy fingers

2006-09-21T14:06:00.000Z

I've done it again folks! I've signed up for yet another exchange on the EMS board. This one is the Christmas Ornament exchange. Both Ryan and myself are signed up for the third year running. It looks like it will be a big group again - 75 participants. Quite glad I'm not organising that! I've got enough on my plate without that side of it as well. It's amazing how much time moderating takes up. I love doing it, but it does eat into your stitching time quite a bit. That said, I have taught myself to stitch'n'surf!

I've been quite busy stitching some little hearts for Six Strand Sweets. Jessica asked for stitchers and I volunteered to stitch four in different flavours (for those that don't know, Jessica calls her thread colours 'flavours' - they're quite mouth-watering). The only problem is that they are required by the end of the week. I'm almost finished with the third one already, so it shouldn't be a problem. Luckily, she only wants pictures of the stitching so I don't have to worry about posting them. I must say, they're looking very nice so far.

I am also in the middle of stitching several other projects. I'm very good at starting things, but it's a whole other matter actually finishing them. A lot of people I know have set up rotations to gradually whittle down their pile of WIPs, but unfortunately, I don't think that would work for me as I'm not disciplined enough. It's as much as I can do to refrain from starting one of the other designs I've got waiting in the wings! Still, the long winter evenings are looming upon us soon so since it will be too cold to go out anywhere (even if we had the money and transport - which we don't) I shall use the evenings wisely to get some presents stitched, possibly some cards as well and maybe, just maybe, get onto a couple (at least) of my WIPs.

Then again, if I spend all day blogging and surfing etc, it's all a bit doubtful! *Sigh*

And another one!

2006-09-20T08:39:00.000Z

Well, here we are again. Yet another blog. I wish I had so much going on in my life that I needed three blogs, but it seems that the only reason I keep ending up with new blogs is because I want to leave comments on my friends' blogs and I can't unless I have my own account!

So here I am, blogging about nothing in particular. It will be an experience as all the blogs I have are totally different. I know I'll have fun customising this one. I guess I must be turning into a bit of a geek!