Work In Progress

Lily of the Valley

2007-04-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

Could it be last summer I worked on this!? It is almost summer again and I picked it up. Yay.
It looks better in person.

Lily of the Valley by Drawn Thread - soon to be displayed as finished.

I put a card on the back of my framed work that gives the name of the work with the date for the record.

Jasmine & Evan

2007-04-03T10:45:00.000-07:00

Jasmine in front - Evan in back at 3.5 months old. Weighing 3 lbs.

I'm Finally Back

2007-04-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

I was in a fog for awhile and now I feel great. It took some adjustment with my meds to get to the "right" place mentally. You just don't know how bad off you've become until you try to recover what you've lost. But it was well worth it.

I have a good relationship with my daughters now and talk to them on the cell phone as they are long distance. I had to get a cell phone first - now I am part of the "that" world.

With the cell phone - I got in touch with my long lost sister and am talking to her after 50 years. She was adopted out 50 years ago and now I am slowly getting to know her!

I am "friends" with my exhusband. More for my daughters - not me.

I got two new kittens - persian. Named Jasmine and Evan. They are so affectionate!! They look alike so I am including one photo.

I haven't been stitching much lately but promise to post when I do.

I'm Back

2006-10-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

You probably thought I wasn't coming back!

So this is what "normal" feels like!! Once you stop hitting your head against the wall - it feels so good. I realize I haven't felt like this for a long time. It's kind of like your eyesight. It can slowly deteriorate and you adjust to the changes and don't notice how bad it has become until until you have your eyesight checked.

One point for anyone having to interact with someone depressed. They are using a lot of energy just holding it together. They may say or do things that appear out of character and aggressive or testy. It is just the depression speaking from an overloaded stressed person. Take it with a huge serving of patience.

I have decided to take up my beloved cross stitch again. Now you KNOW things are back to normal for me! I'll work on the project I left off with. The Christmas Crystal Chatelaine.

Getting Better

2006-09-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all those generous hearts who have encouraged me through this time. It strengthens my belief that there are good souls in the world. I have taken my antidepressant pills for 2 days now. I know it's still early but I can feel a difference. My counselor says it's because I am actively doing something about my life to make it better. Just taking action can improve things dramatically. The pills I am on are calming. Makes me wish I had taken them earlier rather than tough it out. It's like those who don't take a painkiller and try to tough it out. You heal faster when you're not expending energy to fight pain, physical or psychological. I just hope my boss can lay off harrassing me enough to give it time to work. He took the day off yesterday to go the the state fair. It was a blessing.

In a couple days, Seattle will be displaying the Dead Sea Scrolls! I can hardly wait. They will be here until Jan 7 so I plan to read up on it before hand.

Things are getting better

2006-09-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

I have been seeing my counselor once a week. Have any of you experienced an emotional drain after seeing a counselor? I know this is supposed to be good for me but after I have seen my counselor, that evening I feel so sad and drained. This last time I felt I couldn't return to work and wanted to withdraw - hide some place and comfort myself. But I forced myself to go back to work and that was a mistake. I was so drained that the next day I was exhausted. Someone stopped me in my condo parking lot while I was walking to the bus stop in the morning. This woman in a car stopped and asked me if I was alright. She said I looked so tired. She wanted to give me a ride to where ever I was going. When I told her where I worked, she backed down and said she wasn't going THAT far. My girl friend at work wanted me to come over Saturday, I had to beg off, I was too tired. This morning, I called into work and said that I wasn't coming in today. I wasn't asked a reason. Tomorrow I go to see the doctor who will put me on antidepressants. All these appts away from work is probably making my boss mad but it has to be done.

Such good friends

2006-09-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

My, there are such good friends on the blogs!! Such encouragement and good cheer! Thank you - all of you for the birthday greetings.

My girl friend and her mother took me out for lunch from work. They also gave me a bouquet of roses! It made the day special for me.

My daughters did not acknowledge my birthday. All those special parties I made for them as they grew up! I made sure their birthday was special for them.

Thank You

2006-09-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

It is so wonderful that there are people out there that care and said very kind encouraging words. Thank you very much. I appreciate it. My doctor asked me if I could paint a picture of my depression what it feels like.

I told her it is like being in the bottom of a dark well and looking at a small circle of light so far away. Feeling totally helpless to help yourself in this dark small world and cut off from all who love you.

It is my birthday on Friday. Last year I felt hopeful as one of my twin daughters had asked me out for dinner for my birthday. After I waited a half hour past the time she was supposed to come to my place, she called me to tell me that she couldn't make it because she had to take back a pair of shoes and couldn't do that and take me out in the same night as it would be too late to get back to the kids. Since they ignored me at Christmas and Mother's Day since then, I don't expect anything is going to happen this year.

First Day

2006-09-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

I realized when I couldn't cross stitch, that I was depressed. I have found that you can't fight depression. You can only hide from the world what you are feeling. You paste a smile on your face and hope that the people around you think you're okay. When the stress of a falling out with loved ones or an unhappy situation at the workplace takes place, you find that you can't "keep all your ducks in a row" or for those unfamiliar with that saying; you find you can't keep your world stable. You find that getting out of bed each morning is a HUGE effort and going through the same routine is so boring without any sunshine. You lose your taste for life. I can see how some depressed individuals stop eating and crawl in a hole. So I went to a therapist! She told me that I was clinically depressed and that I need to keep working so that I don't withdraw. She is right. My friends at work force me to smile and relate to them. I'm going to see a movie tomorrow with my best friend. I haven't told her that I am depressed but she knows that something is not right with me. Next week I am going to see a doctor to get medically assessed for antidepressants. Yes, I know some people don't think pills are the answer, but they help you while your body using serotonin properly. I know it is an inherited syndrome and my brother, sister and father suffer from depression off and on. The way the doctors explain it is - it is like a low immunity system and you get a fever when exposed to viruses. When you body has a low function serotonin system, you get depressed when exposed to emotionally stressful events. Hey, why not, I have a low insulin system. So another system goes on the brink.

I'm coasting...

2006-08-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

Not much to report. I haven't worked on my cross stitch lately. When I get home from work, I'm too drained to do anything but vegetate. I think I'm on the edge of depression and I'm trying to fight it. Depression won't get me anywhere at this point. I'm really really scared about my next step. I'm sure my management at work is waiting for me to type up my resignation. Until then everyone is pretending that things are normal - not friendly but polite. I'm waiting for my birthday. It makes a difference to my social security. I asked the company that handles my pension about my retirement funds and they said it doesn't matter after I'm vested with the company how I leave. It's based on how much I earned when I left. My my.

What got me anxious is: I thought I had a nice place to go to when I retire. My stepmother said I could move in and I could afford that. But now I don't know. She isn't taking care of the place and this week she told me that the place is infested with fleas from her dog and cat. She has an attention span of 5 minutes and can't remember how to rid the place of the fleas. I'm all up in arms about that. Plus I would have to get rid of about 90% of my belongings to fit in her house. I've thought of buying a mobile home. The thought of packing moving and preparing my condo for sale. Going through the sale just crushes me.

Work is impossible

2006-08-11T18:44:00.000-07:00

I have come to the point where I can say that I can't deal with the manager at my work. He did a performance review today that covered 1/2005 to 6/2006 - He had recorded every error he could find with my work right down to the wrong date on a letter and errors that my coworker had done was blamed on me. He rated my work lower than last year!! I told him that he was trying to push me out the door and that he had succeeded because I wasn't going to take his harrassment anymore. He told me to put it in writing. I told him when I was good and ready! I told him what I thought of him, how he had given me a bad time from day one and that after twenty years with the company, it was odd that someone would suddenly find I wasn't doing my job!! I have lost all interest in working there. I've put two decades of loyalty into that job and am treated like low life. It was a weight off my shoulders to finally say I wasn't sticking around. I should have quit 3 years ago when he took over my manager's job when she retired! This means a lot of changes in my life. I will have to cut back on the ISP I currently have. (Internet Service Provider) I will have to cancel alot of luxuries I have become used to. One has to do what one has to do. I don't care if my work can read this. What are they going to do - fire me??

New blog Header

2006-07-29T00:46:00.000-07:00

I wanted a change so I put Mt. Rainier as my blog header. With the violence in Seattle today, I'm not in the mood for much. I was really scared. One minute I was on a bus and the next minute the driver said he wasn't going any further. I started listening to my radio with TV stations and found out that just ahead a sniper was shooting people. Five women shot and one dead. FBI, fire engines, police with assault rifles everywhere. I'm try to sneak through the mess without getting shot so I can go where the bus has been rerouted to get home. I didn't get home until 7pm. Such a sad day in Seattle.

All Cross Stitch

2006-07-20T16:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend, the temperature is supposed to get up in the 90s. I don't like that kind of weather. I've read some people like it hot, but I'm not one of them. I will be spending my whole weekend indoors working on cross stitch. It will be all about cross stitch this weekend. Maybe-- I can post some finishes?!! I'm working on the Angels on my Christmas Crystals. I love this design. I think I will hang it up for all year round. I like angel pictures and sparkleys. I just have one more band on Lily of the Valley. I noticed someone has that design for sale on Ebay. I put a "watch" on it to see how much it sells for.

Christmas Crystals

2006-07-17T11:56:00.000-07:00

I have to admit that I am so addicted to Christmas Crystals. I am as far as the blue ribbons. I am working on the darker blue of the ribbons. I have already been visited by the frog. I had to remove
half of one ribbon. It's hard to keep track of the stitches with the dark blue on black and HALF stitches. I could do without the half stitches!!

Von: I have washed my LOTV and will be posting a photo soon.
I'm down to the last quarter of the sampler. When I'm done, I will start in on Patricia Ann's Secret Garden.

Lily of the Valley

2006-07-12T13:29:00.000-07:00

It's cooled down considerably here. Phew! I even saw a few raindrops coming into work this morning. I am such a fickle person when it comes to cross stitch. I was plugging away on my Lily of the Valley sampler and was close to finishing when I started Martina Weber's Christmas Crystals for work breaks. I have fallen in love with the sparkle and stitches. It has rice stitch in the center border and Rhodes stitch in various places. But the crystals and metallic thread is goregous! I just can't leave it at work! I'm just about ready to stitch the angels. My favorite color is blue and I can hardly wait for the blue ribbons.

I didn't want to post a photo of my Lily of the Valley because I got a couple marks on my material from my clamp on magnifier. So I have to remove the marks before I take a photo.

My car work cost a lot! But it was worth it for all the work they did. I want to get my car in good order for when I retire soon.

Hot in Seattle

2006-07-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

I brought my car into the shop for a tune-up and to gets some parts replaced. So I am without transportation until tomorrow. I worked on my Lily of the Valley with the fan blowing hot air around. Envy you Von. Ahhh AC!! I watched some old movies of Judy Garland. Now I will be haunted by her songs for awhile.

Almost done with Lily of the Valley

2006-07-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I have just a couple bands left to the Lily of the Valley Sampler and then I am done! I will post a photo as soon as I am done. It has been fun stitching those pretty flowers.

I've already started Martina Weber's Chatelaine - Christmas Crystals. I wanted something small and what better time to work on snow flakes than on these hot days. I can pretend it's cooler. Here's a photo - it doesn't really do it justice. I started at work for my break times. It helps me settle down and find a comfort zone at work.

Ahhh, the quiet

2006-06-22T16:00:00.000-07:00

It was one year ago this month (June 2005) that I was being blasted by my neighbor. It took one year but now they are gone. They have moved on to bug other people and left me peace and quiet. Those huge speakers, amplifiers and surround sound are gone!! My friends say, "What if the new neighbor is noisey?" I tell them that there couldn't be another neighbor as obnoxious as them. I think I know what did it. They were fighting a lot before they moved. I think they split up (unmarried).

I have been working on my new project: Lily of the Valley by Drawn Thread.

Finished my Perennial Border

2006-06-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

I finished! Time for a happy dance. It was such fun! I love working with WDW thread. The colors are stunning. On to my next project!

Cross Stitching is my saving grace

2006-06-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

I'm still here -- are you still there? I can't help but wonder if anyone is interested in reading my blog after being away for so long. I just couldn't post for awhile what with all that was happening in my life. Then things got pretty hectic at work. I almost walked out twice in the past month. Ever been put in a situation in your life where you know that you're heading in a particular direction and you're not ready for it? You keep wishing you could put the brakes on. It's more like being in an elevator that's crashing and there aren't any brakes. What with work and my mother and my living arrangements. I didn't want to move because I didn't want to put my aging cat through it and look what happened! I didn't want to sell my condo with a noisey neighbor next door and guess what? My neighbor has unexpectedly moved out!! Now my mother is getting worse and my job is hell. I am being pushed into a new life and I'm not ready to move on.

But my saving grace has been my cross stitch! Isn't that what saves us all?!!! You have the world falling apart around you but you have this oasis of peace and serenity in an easy chair and a good lamp. I have almost finished Perennial Border. I will post a picture as soon as I am done.

For all those who have stuck by me THANK YOU!

Back to work

2006-05-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

I came to work today, didn't want to lose my job. My boss is not very sympathetic about losing a cat, or as Meari put it my "fur baby". Yes she was my fur baby. Looking backward, I see she was saying goodbye last week. She climbed in bed with me and laid by me, something she never does. She purred so loud she kept me awake. She didn't stay all night. I feel very sad and depressed so I may not write for awhile.

Thank you for your condolences and "Happy Mother's Day to all".

My Shelly is gone

2006-05-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

This morning Shelly was looking for places to hide. She started making a weak cry, so I knew it was time. I held her for a long time and talked to her about her life and how happy she made me and she purred. I took her to the vet. Putting her to sleep wasn't as hard as I thought. I cried all the way to the vet because I felt like such a traitor. I imagine everyone feels guilty doing that. I held her while they injected her and petted her and as weak as she was she looked at me and purred as she went limp as to say thank you for the release. I have entrusted her to my departed grandmother who liked cats to take care of her on the other side. It may sound strange but I believe when you teach a pet to love that much, that love does not die. I took Shelly out to the country to my stepmother's house and we buried her in her favorite blanket under the apple tree and put lilacs on her grave.

Thank all of you who offer your solace. She will be missed.

My Shelly is leaving

2006-05-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

I have a cat named Shelly. She is 17 years old. I got her when my daughters moved out on their own. I was lonely and needed the companionship desperately. She's a
mellow loving cat. Never whines for food, always greets me at the door when I get home from work. She stopped eating a couple days ago. I would put her food in her dish and she would take a couple licks and then go sit at my feet and ask for love by sitting quietly waiting for her petting. She lost weight fast. I took her to the vet yesterday and found out that she had cancer. Two large tumors by her kidneys. As the vet examined her, she purred real loud but so limp and weak. I was offered chemotherapy. I told the vet that I couldn't put her through the misery of chemo when she doesn't have much life left. The vet gave her a shot of prednesone (steroid) that would reduce the inflamation and maybe the urge to drink and eat. She has drank very little water, maybe a few tablespoons and does not want to eat even tempting tuna. She has laid in her bed all day today. I pet her, hold her limp body sometimes and tell her how good she is. I don't know when she will die, it must be soon because her paws are getting cold and but her breathing is still strong. I won't let her suffer. If she doesn't pass away tonight in her sleep, I will take her to the vet and have her put to sleep. It is so painful to watch her go, I have gone through a box of kleenex crying.

Marjolein Bastin

2006-05-06T02:20:00.000-07:00

I been focusing in on one project. And it's a big project! It's Marjolein Bastin's Spring in the Garden. I like the print and I'm following it faithfully but I don't like all the green. If the strainer bowl that holds the flowers in the center of the picture was another color but green, I feel it would look better but I wasn't in the mood for the conversion. I'm working from the center and almost have the bowl of flowers done. I was in the mood for flowers - so here I go.

I have been feeling very sad. My daughters have cut off all contact with me. Mother's Day is coming and I know it will be no different from any other day. But my saving grace is a friend at work - who is my best friend is taking me out to dinner and a show with HER mother! She is such an angel. She is always so good to me.

I'm Still Here

2006-04-19T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is a Lily project stitched with tapestry wool and silk! Even the box is stunning!! Love it Love it Love it I got my Dimensional Embroidery book yesterday and fell in love with a couple projects. Will I ever have time to stitch them? - read on.

You maybe wonder what happened to me. What happened to my Easter project, the bunnies and carrots? I feel really bad about that. I wanted to get them done for Easter. I had all the supplies kitted up and I was excited.

But then my stepmother needed my attention and all else was put away. Sadly.

She is 86 - born in 1920. She has good health although somewhat anemic. I don't think she eats well or often enough. Skinny and cold all the time. I realized that she has an attention span of about 2 minutes and then all is forgotten.

I spent Monday and Tuesday evening going to bed early in recovery of what I did over the weekend. She wanted her carpeting shampooed. She lives out in the country and the carpet was dirty. So I brought my rug shampooer out to her place and shampooed her carpet 3 times to get it clean. Then I cleaned the two sofas' upholstry and washed a load of clothes, made lunch and dinner and took her shopping for groceries.

The poor dear. I was the only one to bring her an Easter lily and wish her happy Easter. I know because I was there. I told her that I would come again and clean her windows, do laundry and take her shopping again next month. Her sister brings her food each week but she needs to get out and about. I know that eventually here I will have to sell my condo and move in with her to take care of her. It is such a conflict.

Cross stitch on the mind

2006-04-11T21:17:00.000-07:00

Helan Pearce Dimensional Embroidery

Gary Clarke - Embroidery Illusions

When I was pregnant with my twin daughters, I was huge. I started out at 121 pounds and ended at 176 pounds. And that was with my doctor going off on me every time I had an office visit that I was gaining too much. That was in 1970. Well as my weight increased, my blood pressure rose. So I had to stay at home off my feet all day. THATS when I took up the needle and thread.

I had to stitch for my sanity. Day time tv was too boring. Game shows and soap operas just didn't hold my attention. I didn't know how to stitch so I bought kits in the beginning. During that time, crewel work was the most popular. Then cross stitch and needlepoint became very popular. I stitched every day, all day. I gave most everything I stitched away as gifts. After my daughters were born, I was too busy to stitch any longer! But I took it up again for evening work to settle me down after a hard day.

Now, 36 years later, I love to cross stitch again but now I want challenges. After seeing Elizabeth's work, I am ready to get back to my crewel work but now with silks! I think I will design some pictures. I like to paint. So I think I will thread paint. I have been considering a book called A to Z of Thread Painting. It is put out by the same company that puts out the Inspiration magazine. While I was looking at the book, I subscribed to Inspiration magazine. Expensive but worth it.

Oh and while I'm being creative, I want to try stumpwork. So I ordered some books.

Now I've heard everything...

2006-03-31T22:44:00.000-08:00

Someone has stitched the Sistine Chapel design! Incredible but true. Here is the photo:

And she has created a book of the designs. For those curious, here is her link. I'm not promoting sales here - just providing more information on this incredible story.
http://www.lulu.com/jmwroberts

Spring Cleaning

2006-03-25T14:02:00.000-08:00

Taking time off work is the best medicene a person can take. I feel much better. Having the sunshine come out helps. My spring flower bulbs have come up and are blooming. They smell fabulous. I picked some and put them on my coffee table and they scent the whole room! I have been cleaning this afternoon. I was dusting and thought I would take a photo of a stitchery I did back in around 1978. I used to do crewel work then.

I took close ups but they didn't turn out (excuse the flash spot please)

On Vacation

2006-03-23T13:01:00.000-08:00

I've been on vacation. I didn't go anywhere. I found some projects in the following magazines - had to have for my stash:
The first one is Peter Rabbit from "Cross Stitch Collection" magazine

The second one is a beautiful fuchsia bell pull from "Stitches" magazine:

The third magazine surprised me, I don't usually find anything I want to do in "The Cross Stitcher" but I found some cute Easter projects.
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And last but not least, I found several beautiful projects in "Inspirations" magazine but the best was Cherish Teddy Bear.

This is the beautiful ribbon work on his tummy:

I plan on stitching it up for my granddaughter. It will definitely be a "look not touch bear" that sits on a shelf. But what an heirloom. It looks so grand, it will be difficult giving it away. I will want to keep it for myself.

Things got worse but they will get better

2006-03-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

I had a very difficult time at work that I can't go into on the blog. If you send me your email address via mine at:
territoman@comcast.net I will tell you about it if you really want to know.

My stepmother is having difficulties that is: a social security scam and the poor thing has been paying large sums to charities and the mailings are increasing. She believes she should support them even though she is on social security! I am going over to her house tonight to help her sort out the confusion. She is confused about her bills. I'll bring dinner and sit down with her and explain how it's us working people who should supporting charities not a 85 year old woman by herself! I am taking Monday through Thursday off to get her taken care of and I'll do something nice for her. I told her I would take her to see a movie, "Shaggy Dog" and buy her popcorn. Then we can go shopping - her favorite thing. When she gets shopping, she wears me out!!!

Evenings off - I can stitch. Finally!!!

Shopped for my Easter Ornies

2006-03-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

I was shopping for the ribbon, buttons and trim for my ornaments.
I went to Michaels first. I spent a lot of time looking at their ribbon and did not see the right color or organza type ribbon. So I looked at the DMC #5 for the twisted cording and only found the orange color but not the other, so I substituted Ecru. It'll work for me in a pinch. Then I looked for the buttons. I knew that Michaels had quite a few decorative little buttons and I struck it rich. I got the inch worm, butterflies, dragonfly, little flowers I needed. They are a little bigger than the ones on the chart but I don't mind. Then I went to JoAnn Fabrics and found the ribbon. Now I'm all set for the finishing. I finished Mrs. Bunny and am working on Mr. Bunny. Soon I will be catching up with Sylvie.

Things at work have not improved, if anything they have gotten worse. But I am trying to hold it together.

I Won!

2006-03-11T18:44:00.000-08:00

On a cheerful note:
I was one of two winners of the first issue of The Gift of Stitching contest.
I won a Vicki Clayton collection of silks for the Papillon Mystery Sampler!

They came today and I am thrilled. I look forward to finding the time to stitch this one!

Sorry, it had to go...

2006-03-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

I had posted something here yesterday. I was feeling desperately sad and wrote about my life in general. I don't usually write that much about myself but I had to unburden. Most people on the blogs only write about stitching and happy cheerful things but it was either write or do something I would regret. I realized that one does not write about work. It is a dangerous thing to do (workwise). Your bosses can trace what you look at while at work. Enough said.

For those of you who read and commented; Lili and Anne, thank you for your kind comments. A BIG HUG.

For those of you who read and had nothing to say..how sad.

Weekend of movies

2006-03-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

I went with my girl friend from work to the new movie theaters by my condo. We saw "Nanny McPhee" and "Eight Below". Nanny was such a cute movie. Really enjoyed it. Eight Below was about a dog team in Anarctica. Bring kleenex with you!

I worked on Mrs. Bunny while I watched the Oscars. It wasn't too distracting, not that exciting this year.

Worked on Mrs. Bunny

2006-03-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

I worked on Mrs. B last night. I have finished the front portion and started the back. I didn't take a photo as I was up late watching "Lost" and it was already too late to start up my computer. So I will finish the back and take a photo tonight.

Sylvie, are you going to sew the twisted cord around the edge?

Life continues on...

2006-03-01T13:34:00.000-08:00

Found a cute kitty that feels like I do today.
Sleepy and cold:

If any of you were interested the Huge sampler I had displayed in my last post is called "Barocktuch". I not up to doing such complicated large design but I found it very interesting. I was amazed that someone would have enough time in their life to put into such a task! (Let alone the patience)

I visited my doctor yesterday and didn't get home until 7 p.m. A 14 hour day away from home. I have type II diabetes. My doctor ordered more blood tests. If my AC1 test is high, I will have to go on a new medication soon. Not insulin, but administered by injection twice a day and makes 40% of those tested nauseous. Sounds like fun huh? I didn't stitch last night. I watched my
Netflix movie, "Zathura" - cute movie. Then off to bed. But I will work on my bunnies tonight!

Rain in Seattle, what else is new?

2006-02-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

I was born and grew up in Seattle, so I should be used to the rain, right? Wrong. When I leave my condo and step outside, if it's raining, I moan. I have to carry my bag and hold an umbrella waiting for the bus. It's a pain. But on the brighter side, the sky is always fresh after the rain and they call it the Evergreen state for a reason.

I went to bed early last night, I have to go to the endrocrinologist after work and I'm I need more energy for that. It means that the doctor will yell at me because my blood sugar is still too high. It also means that I won't get home till 6:30.

I found a design on the web that was interesting. Can you imagine sewing this:

Oops...Mrs Bunny

2006-02-26T23:30:00.000-08:00

I was intending to work on Mr Bunny right along with Sylvie. I picked up the wrong chart and started working right along. Dah, I realized Mr. Bunny had a hat and veil. I was working on Mrs. Bunny by mistake!! By the time I realized the mistake, I was not about to frog out all that. Sorry Sylvie. Well here's my progress. I just have to do the bottom half of the dress and hat & veil.

Worked on Fairy Dreams

2006-02-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

I have an UFO that needs just a little bit of finishing, so I worked on it this weekend. I wanted to work on just cross stitches and not fancy stitches.

Beautiful Sunshine in Seattle!

2006-02-19T15:22:00.000-08:00

It is soooo nice to wake up to a sunny day. It may be cold outside, but sitting in my easy chair by a sunny window is bliss. My spring flower bulbs are budding up. They're early this year. I planted new ones I got from my best friend at work. I can hardly wait for them to bloom but I don't want to lose the flower head if it freezes! I won some more bid wars on Ebay. I am getting a taste for more complicated stitchery. Oh my. I told a friend at work about my Ebay success. She likes to cross stitch too but only works with 18 ct aida. I told her that I could get a yard of aida for much less than it they would pay for in a store. So she agreed and offered to pay me for a successful bid. I bid 5.99 for a yard and won. She will be pleasantly surprised.

Have another project up my sleeve

2006-02-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

I decided to do a SAL with Sylvie. We're doing Cricket Collection Easter Ornaments. I ordered Rabbits Garden and Rabbits' Delight on Ebay. So as soon as I get the charts and the orange fabric - we're all set! I have some peach and orange overdye fabric.

Back to VS Birth Announcement

2006-02-11T23:34:00.000-08:00

I worked on my VS after I moved my livingroom furniture around and shampooed the carpet. The sun was shining, which was unusual in itself after all the rain we've been having. (You know about that huh, Von.) I wasn't too happy about my last row of eyelets. It was making me crazy with the diagonal counting while watching tv. I will be glad when I can do a design up in plain cross stitch.

No stitchery - just tv and ebay

2006-02-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

I watched "Lost" last night and went to bed. Some evening just aren't meant for stitchery! After that commute from downtown and a full day at work, I'm so tired! I get up at 5 am and home at 5:45 pm.

I got some of my favorite designer's work on Ebay. Liz Turner Diehl "Sapphire Garden" and "Emerald Garden" circa 2005.

Is it too light?

2006-02-06T21:23:00.000-08:00

As I stitch this VS sampler, I worry that the baby pink fabric is too light for the threads. There isn't a lot of contrast. What do you think? Is it alright?
I added the silk ribbon leaves and a couple more rows. I guess time will tell

Stitched a little bit...

2006-02-02T08:59:00.000-08:00

I stitched a couple rows on the announcement and then went to bed. But first I read all my email and came across a new cross stitch magazine, "Gift of Stitching". I liked it and subscribed. You can download the first issue right away. Click on my side bar to access the web page.

The Birth Announcement for my Granddaughter

2006-01-29T21:43:00.000-08:00

I worked on the VS Birth Sampler tonight. I didn't have any white ribbon so I couldn't finish the heart. The ribbon fills in some areas around the heart. It not to easy to see the stitches in a photo. I mastered bouillon stitches! I used them around the roses. You can't see the Pearl Kreinik french knots in the photo. Sparkly. I like it though and that's what counts.

Busy Day yesterday

2006-01-29T11:08:00.000-08:00

All went well with my stepmother. I kept having to redirect her thoughts as they tended to wander. She kept finding old letters and wanted to stop and read them again. Such a dear. I will be working on the Birth Sampler for my daughter's baby girl today. It is a VS and I am finding some of the stitches a challenge.

Not Stitching...

2006-01-28T13:11:00.000-08:00

I say an interesting chart today - Long Dog Sampler "Plight of Fancy"

Today I am going to my stepmother's house and organize her bills. I'll create hanging folders and a file folder for each bill. She is getting old (85) and she has memory lose. She has invoices scattered all over the house and can't remember what she's paid. I'm going to set up automatic payment on her bills and I have to check and see if she is paying her property taxes. This will be all day.

CA Coming Along...

2006-01-24T22:10:00.000-08:00

I worked on my CA. I'm ready to rotate my wip. I think I shouldn't concentrate on one design too long. I start to make mistakes and that drives me nuts!

Seahawks to the Superbowl

2006-01-23T20:28:00.000-08:00

I'll have to show you what I got for my stash:
Rainbow Gallery Neon Rays
Waterlilies & Wildflowers
Patricia Ann Silver Frost
China Thimbles
Patricia Ann Twilight Star

I'm not really a sports fan but Seattle is celebrating their win. That's what the excitement is about tonight! I didn't sew this weekend. I was too busy celebrating my girl friend's birthday. We had a surprise party for her downtown at the Cheesecake Factory. There were about 10 friends. I told her that I was taking her out for dinner but I did that just to get her there. She was really surprised. Afterwards, we went to Gameworks and she played some video games. I spent the night at her house as I didn't feel up to driving back to my place. I had left plenty of food out for the kitties (2). But when I got home, they greeted me at the door and whined until I got their breakfast. I'm tired tonight so I'm just going to bed.

I've made progress on my CA - the hazel nuts and the blue diamonds but I'll post it later.

A Quick Photo before Bed

2006-01-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

I was trying to stitch and watch "Lost" lol. Under normal circumstances, it is difficult! I love this design.

CA Progress

2006-01-17T22:23:00.000-08:00

I worked a little on my Catherine Agnes. I am such a slow stitcher. I substituted Blue Lagoon with shades of blue and fushia for the Celadon Waterlily thread. I didn't like that look of lime green for a border. I frogged out some of the center that I didn't like. I will finish that later. All in all, I am really having fun with this one. It is so pretty. It's difficult to stitch on black at night but worth it.

Didn't Stitch

2006-01-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

I was so tired last night, I was falling asleep sitting in my easy chair! So I called it a night and went to bed early. I think my blood sugar was high and when it is, I can't stay awake. So I'll stitch tonight. I am looking forward to it.

Came across a cute kitty pic...

2006-01-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

Working on Catherine Agnes....

2006-01-15T12:53:00.000-08:00

I want to thank everyone for the comments! Love them!!

Some asked about my Stokes Fauen - the last Ebay win. This tapestry was designed by noted Pre-Raphaelite artist Marianne Stokes (1855 - 1927). The name Ehret die frauen, meaning "Honour the women", was inspired by Friedrich von Schiller's 1796 poem Wurde der frauen (Woman's worth). Woven for Morris & Co by John Martin and Gorden Berry in 1912 it shows a group of figures representing (from left to right): Courage, Caring, Love, Wisdom and Fidelity.

I've been working on my Catherine Agnes. Love that design!

Ebay and Birth Sampler

2006-01-14T12:49:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm working on Catherine Agnes this weekend AND I will post a photo of my WIP but I had to tell you about my dual project. I am working on a birth sampler for my first granddaughter. (photo on blog) Sure her mother (my daughter) is not speaking to me and ignoring me for no reason. But I still want to make a sampler for her birthday. Maybe she will remember her grandmother. I'm using Victoria Sampler and changing it around to suit my needs. It is the one on the left and I'm using 28 ct Pink Monaco. I also won a couple things in Ebay again. Cat's Meow Afghan and Marianne Stokes chart.

Started Catherine Agnes

2006-01-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

It difficult working on a black linen in the evening. I don't have one of those lap lights to make it easier. I put a lamp on the floor - and that helps. I think I'm going to LOVE this design. It is soooo striking on black. I will post progress pictures as I go this time - so expect one this weekend.

I want to thank Kali, Cathy, Christine and Von for all the nice compliments. As they said in the sixties, "a warm fuzzy" - oops dating myself. [smile]

A Happy Dance!

2006-01-11T22:48:00.000-08:00

I have finally framed my 16th Century English Knot Garden by Liz Turner Diehl! I have to admit that I am lousy at taking photo of framed work - I get a flash spot every time! And--I had the wrong date set on my camera. I forgot to change it after I changed the batteries. But the main point is that I am able to proceed now to my next project! Hurray!!

Busy on Ebay

2006-01-05T23:04:00.000-08:00

I bought some more supplies for my stash. It always cheers me up when I win a deal on ebay. I got 3 yards of needlepoint fabric 18 ct. and these cute birds - even though I'm not a bird person:

And a unusual pattern: Raspberry Parfait by Cindy Valentine - I might do it in pale blue Caron Waterlilies:

New Year

2006-01-04T18:58:00.000-08:00

Ok, it wasn't the best year last year. I didn't want to post anything for awhile because I had to get over my depression. My twin daughters completely ignored me on Christmas. I had even turned down an invitation to a friend's house thinking that I would hear from them....dah! Why did I think THAT would happen? The only time I hear from them is when I am invited to a party with present in hand. I have tried to communicate with them, don't get me wrong. The least little thing sets them off. I found out about my granddaughter being born by email. No phone call. Then my ex called me to tell me the news and he kept yawning because he was so tired from spending the night at the hospital for the big event. I have finally accepted the fact that not all children are born equal. People talk about being born with the mother instinct. Well, my twins didn't have the instinct to bond well with their mother after they grew up. It was fine when they were children. I was a stay at home mother and cherished them. But now all I have are memories.

On a brighter note: I have finished my 16th Century English Garden - I will post a photo as soon as I frame it.

Merry Christmas to All of You!

2005-12-22T15:58:00.000-08:00

I hope all of you have a very Merry Christmas!

Another photo!

2005-12-12T09:01:00.000-08:00

Lena Marie - 6 lb 5 oz - my first grand daughter - what a cutie!
Auburn hair - blue eyes.

New granddaughter!

2005-12-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

Here is a photo of my new granddaughter. I will probably get a better photo later

Snow!

2005-12-02T09:27:00.000-08:00

It snowed here and it's beautiful!

The Garden

2005-11-15T16:07:00.000-08:00

Pretty soon, I will be doing a happy dance!! I am almost through with stitching up my 16th Century Garden! I work on it a little bit each evening while I'm watching TV after dinner. When I am done, I will work full time on my Catherine Agnes! I have started it. Just the center. But I must say, I absolutely love the colors on black fabric! Of course it's much more difficult to see the fabric clearly but I put a lamp on the floor in front of where I sit and that works.

Sorry, It's been awhile...

2005-11-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

I have been involved in so many things lately. I have been devastated about my daughter's attitude about me. I talked about having a baby shower for her sister and she said that she planned to do one and I thought it understood that I would help her. But when her father's exwife (second wife) (I was the first) decided to throw one for her at her house, my daughter told her that would be fine. She put it off when I suggested it but was ready to do it when the woman that broke up our family offered. Needless to say, I'm not going.

It's raining here all week and the forcast is.....rain all next week.

My grandson's Halloween

Ready for Catherine Agnes!

2005-10-18T12:36:00.000-07:00

I got my Stitching Bits and Bobs order of Caron Waterlilies today! Now at last I can start my Catherine Agnes on black linen! I can hardly wait to work on THAT one!

Side Tracked

2005-10-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

I did not stitch this weekend! Yicks! I bought a new toy and it became the center of my attention the whole weekend. I was shopping at Costco and found a VHS to DVD recorder. I proceeded to transfer my VHS movie tapes to DVD! Now I can get rid of all those tapes that are taking up space (about 200)

Stitching Along...

2005-10-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

I have diabetes. My blood sugar has been high lately and it has made me very tired. It is like I'm running on batteries and the batteries are empty. I have been taking extra medication to try to bring it down. It's probably a combination of stress at work and a cold. But...

I have been stitching a little bit each night. Not much but I don't want to quit on myself if I can help it.

Too Tired to Do My Stitchery

2005-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

I was so tired last night. When I got home, I was watching the news on tv in my easy chair and I fell asleep until 10 pm. So I had a nap before I went to bed. I didn't get to do anything last night! That made me sad as I wanted to get so much done!

Christine: Thank you for your encouragement. I enjoy all I can get!

Gina: I frame and hang my finished projects on my walls. No one can appreciate all the work and love that goes into a project but another stitcher. It reminds me of a hooked persian rug I did one time. My daughter asked me where I was going to lay it. I told her that no one was going to walk on it after all that work and that I was going to hang it on the wall.

Julianna: I will try to post a progress pic soon. Yes, I enjoy this one! When you have so many blends, it adds unusual color dimension to the pattern. If it wasn't blended, the colors would look flat.

Fantasy Triptych

2005-10-03T09:21:00.000-07:00

I started my Fantasy Triptych by Teresa Wentzler this week end. The square and half that I stitched called for 18 colors! Each of these were blends! It takes quite a while to cover just a little ground. I have the feeling that I will be stitching on this pattern for a long time. I am not a fast stitcher anyway. I got about as far as Julianna from Cross Stitch Ramblings did. So I guess you could say that it is a SAL. I will post a photo of my little bit and a photo of my Garden progress when I can. I was too tired last night.

Night of Frogging

2005-09-30T09:19:00.000-07:00

I worked on my Garden design. I had to frog out one section of the center twice! And then when I was done restitching - it still did not look right! The trouble is: the diagram for the stitches is in four parts. I should have photocopied them and taped them together. It is almost impossible to try to line them up without doing that I have found.

I am going to start Catherine Agnes as soon as I am done with the Garden!! I contacted the lady that did the pattern in black. She told me she used the original colors except for the blue in the center. I have the pattern and ordered the Waterlilies yesterday. The order for them came to $48!! It is not for the weak of heart! But it is so sensational that I could NOT resist.

Found this online

2005-09-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Catherine Agnes by Indigo Rose

I admit it, I'm a cross stitch addict

2005-09-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

I used to be an occasional stitcher, didn't have much of a stash. Wasn't much into finishing a project either. Then I discovered Blogs. Blogs changed my world. I believe that a blog was applicable to keeping in touch with my grown twin daughters. They don't usually call me, so a blog was easier.

Then I discovered cross stitch blogs. Man o man, what a gold mine! Now there was something I could really get into! I saw some of the most beautiful cross stitch projects aka "wips". That's when I truly became inspired to start stitching!!!

I would see some a beautiful design and say, "I gotta have that!" Before I knew it I had a rotation going and buying charts and fibers on Ebay!

I want to thank all of you for truly inspiring me to stretch myself and really take cross stitching to heart. Now, while at work I can hardly wait to get home and work on my project! I am leaving some real heirlooms for my daughters when I am gone. Something they can pass down to their children. But besides that --> IT IS SO FUN!!

Ebay

2005-09-15T19:03:00.000-07:00

I don't usually talk about a particular ebay seller. But I have bought countless charts from Onesong1 on ebay. She is fast, reliable and she has LOTS of charts!! I bought some Australian Stitchery magazines from her that have my drool all over them. No seriously, they're too good for that. I have bought Just Nan, Drawn Thread, Victoria Sampler, but she has many others. Most of her charts start at 3.50 and because she has so many you usually win at that price.

Comments

2005-09-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all you really nice ladies that have made comments on my blog. Gosh, thanks!

I haven't had my blog for too long but I will improve with time.

I recently acquired Garden Spot by Samplers and Such. I still have to order the silks but I can hardly wait to dive in on the project!!

I'm almost done with my current wip!

2005-09-12T09:04:00.000-07:00

I have done 3 corners of the garden and half of the center. I will be ready to post a picture soon!! It rained this weekend in Seattle. What else is new? But it was a good thing as all the plant life got watered and Washington can stay evergreen!

So, I worked on my stitchery all day Saturday. I am such a slow stitcher. I have enough stash and at the rate I stitch to go the rest of my life. (Hope I never get tired of it)

What is your favorite cross stitch? Is it color, texture or composition? Do you like wild or subdued colors? Overdye threads or fabrics? Sparkly metalic or matte linen thread? Samplers, characters, flowers or a collection of angels or bees or dragons?

I have been collecting Just Nan Samplers, Drawn Thread, Indigo Rose, Patricia Ann, and Victoria Samplers. Won them on Ebay. Now I have what I want. I will be busy for awhile!!

The Birthday Celebration that Almost Was

2005-09-09T11:36:00.000-07:00

I have twin daughters that don't usually acknowledge my birthday but this year one sent me an email. She remembered. The other one said she was taking me out to dinner. I waited until the appointed time and ...nothing. She called me a half hour later and said that she had to cancel because she had to return a pair of shoes.

I am 57 this year. I know that because I did the math. Age doesn't bother me. I've known old young people and young old people. It's what's inside that makes the difference. My daughters can't understand why I make a big deal about missing my birthday. I tell them it's because I like being remembered in their busy lives. But you can't make that happen. They have to WANT to have me in their lives. I was a stay at home mother and did everything for them. So I don't understand why they leave me out.

Today's my birthday!

2005-09-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me.

16th Century Englist Knot Garden Progress

2005-09-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

My progress on the garden: (I love the colors!)

What the designer's photo looks like: (Viva la difference!)

I also have been working on Bear Picnic:

Liz Turner Diehl

2005-09-01T09:06:00.000-07:00

I have found that I love the gardens she has designed. I am currently working on the 16 Century English Knot Garden. It is much prettier in person than the photograph her website displays. I have finished two corners of the garden, so I just have two more corners and the center. I have decided to post a photo later. After I'm done with that, I plan to do:
17th Century Irish Garden
16th Centurn English Family Garden

Another hot day

2005-08-20T14:30:00.000-07:00

I worked on my Liz Turner Diehl garden this morning. I find it a challenge to do some of the stitches. I also confirm my belief that I hate 1/2 stitches. I know, I know, I chose a detailed pattern but I stubbornly work my through the 1/2 stitches and pat myself on the back when I get through them successfully without messing up my pattern.

I had to delete a comment. Some cheeky chap decided to post a huge comment about timber! My blog IS NOT A PLATFORM FOR POLITICS!!! It is about cross stitch and families.

What Makes a Perfect Cross Stitch Project?

2005-08-17T09:42:00.000-07:00

I have asked myself that question lately. What makes a perfect cross stitch project? When I consider the expense I have to put up with to pursue a hobby. Maybe it's more fitting to call it an art. People aren't just stitching up little clowns on scraps of aida cloth anymore. They're buying hand dyed imported linen, silk thread and metallic fibers to stitch a picture that sometimes takes almost a year and costs over $100!

So what pushes the average stitcher to purchase a particular chart? I started out with flowery charming prints because they were pretty. But I look at samplers now that take my breath away. They use silks and intricate stitches (of which I have to learn) that put together make a stitcher say to herself, "I can find the time to do that. I just have to!" If most of us were truly honest with ourselves, we would have to have several lifetimes to complete all the stash we have. Maybe I'll pick up my speed and become "Super Stitcher" the fastest stitcher in the world. Yeah, and I'll be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound too.

I have to admit that I am addicted to cross stitching though. I work through my day so that I can get home and pick up my project. At work, I look at other people's blogs to see what progress they have made on their pictures. And I have to say that some of the women are FAST stitchers! Their work is so beautiful. That's why I'm glad that we use the computer as a medium to display our work. That we have the opportunity to see so much variety and splendor!

So what makes a perfect cross stitch pattern for you? Are you collecting a particular designer? Do you only stitch one genre? (as sampler, primitive, fantasy, dragons, flower fairies, angels?) Does it have to intricate or simple? Linen or Aida?
What is it that makes it impossible for you to pass up?

Here's my WIP of Angel of Healing

2005-08-09T19:52:00.000-07:00

Her hair is not complete but at least she's not bald. And I have the face done.

The Eyes are improving

2005-08-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

I was so surprised when my eye doctor did not write a prescription after my exam! She said that my eyes have improved and are 20/20. I have one near sighted eye and the other far sighted. So each eye is helping the other. The near sighted eye was the strongest but as you age, your eyes become more far sighted. Well the far sighted one has gained more distance and helps the near sighted one. Is that as clear as mud?

I didn't work on my angel Friday as my eyes were still dilated. But I got some work done on Saturday and my angel is no longer bald. I will have to take a photo now. My rotation brings me to Nova:

Looking forward to it!!

It was a bust!

2005-08-05T09:14:00.000-07:00

I took the train last night and found that you had to go the garage and go up four flights of stairs, cross a bridge over the railroad and then down four flights of stairs to get to the bus! I did this in 90 degree heat even though this 56 year old has aching joints and found I had missed the bus! I had to stand in the hot sun and wait for another bus - my efforts to stay cool did not work. I went to bed early as I was too exhausted and did not post my photo of the angel. I have an appt. with my eye doctor after work, so we'll see if I'm tired tonight.

It's supposed to be cooler tonight - only in the 80s.

It's Sizzling!

2005-08-04T16:12:00.000-07:00

It' so hot out there! I'm definitely taking the train tonight instead of that hot bus that crawls down that freeway. It's like riding in a tin can full of people who are as hot as you with waves of heat coming off the parking lot of cars sitting on the freeway with you.

I worked on "Angel of Healing" last night and she has a face now. Her eyes look like she has two black eyes. I double checked the symbols on the chart and the floss colors several times and yup I was right.

I will post later tonight - my bald angel with black eyes. Looks like she's been in a fight instead of healing.

What's Current?

2005-07-28T14:43:00.000-07:00

First:
What is your most unique/interesting stitching quirk? (This could be something concerning the way you stitch, how you organize your stash, etc.)

I would have to say that my OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) sneaks out when I'm organizing my stash. I have ALL my stitchery projects, patterns, and kits in a notebook with the information ie; name, thread count, fabric, rotation date and if it's kitted.

I have all my DMC thread in numerical order in drawers. Doesn't everyone - AND I have all my thread in numerical order in a box while I'm working. This is something that some may not like, but when I have leftover thread after I stitch a color, I wind in back on the bobbin in the vertical direction so that I use it first when I need that color the next time.

News about my Noisy Neighbor:
The other day, I was walking across the condo parking lot and I saw him coming towards me and I thought he was going to try to pick a fight with me. But as he came closer he held his arm hand out to me. He shook my hand and APOLOGIZED for the noise!! He said that he will not make any more noise. What brought this about? $300. When the fine got up to $300!! We made an agreement that since he is home during the day that he can make all the noise he wants from 7 to 6.

My rotation:
You're probably wondering what's up with that? Well, I have been hooked on this angel and have been working on it and not rotating my WIP. But I have decided that as soon as I have done her face I would take a photo, post it and go on to my next rotation.

PS: Thanks for all your support.

Hot but peaceful

2005-07-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

I want to thank those who have commented on my peace and quiet. It is a blessing to know that there is someone rooting for me. Yes, it has been quiet. The guy is a young man about in his twenties but looks about 16 with a shaved head. He likes to play heavy metal rock with a LOT of bass.

I've been working on my Angel and will post a photo with a box of what I've done:

Angel and Heart

2005-07-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

All has been quiet - I think the girl next door had a few "words" with the boy friend about his stereo. Could it be true!!!!??
I took a break from my rotation and did "Wildberry Rhapsody" one evening just to have something different:

I have been working on my Angel of Healing. I come home after riding a bus from work for an hour in 90 degree weather and sit in my easy chair with the fan aimed at me and stitch! I will be able to post results soon.

Angel of Healing

2005-07-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

I worked on "Window Seat" as much as I could put up with. I don't like working on aida. I washed it and it's drying on a towel at the moment. Tonight, I plan on pressing it and taking a photo of it for a posting here.

On another note, I have been stitching right along on Angel of Healing. I love the colors - I'm working on the yellows in the angel's gown. I'm moving towards the blue. I enjoy this stitchery much more.

The Psycho Next Door

2005-07-02T15:41:00.000-07:00

Get this! He plays his stereo real loud with the speakers turned against my wall from 9 pm to 10 pm. Then he turns it off downstairs and goes upstairs and turns on the stereo turned against my bedroom wall and plays a tape of someone snoring on continuous loop all night long. He knows that I would call the police if it were music as he cannot play music loud after 10 pm but he would say that he was asleep and snoring if I called the police. Well I changed bedrooms and now I sleep in the bedroom that has a common wall to HIS bedroom. I make all kinds of noise getting ready for bed now and waking up. No courtsey with this psycho!

I Finished It!

2005-06-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have finished my "Window Seat" pattern. I have to wash and press it before I take a photo of it and post it.

Last night, I started on Lavender & Lace "Angel of Healing". If I need a angel of healing it's now with that neighbor harrassing me. From 8 to 9:30 pm "Boom Boom Boom" My walls vibrate from that stereo!!

Aahh the Quiet

2005-06-25T22:50:00.000-07:00

Today the sun was shining. One of those beautiful Seattle days. Not too hot. I was going to do sooo much today. I have been looking forward to the weekend all week! But what happens? I was sick to my stomach all day. I watched a little tv and fell asleep on the sofa, which is probably what I needed as I feel better now. But I feel bad that I lost a very promising day! My neighbor was quiet all day too. I think they were out enjoying the sunshine somewhere. I don't want to jinx myself but they have been quiet ever since I sent the second complaint to the homeowners association. The only noise coming from that place was when he set is car alarm off in his garage. The neighbor across the way came over and asked him what his problem was and got him to shut it off. I guess it was his creative way of making the noise he needed to make to let me know that he could still annoy me. (What a child!)

A Blast From the Present

2005-06-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm still here. I haven't been working on my cross stitch. Oh no! My new neighbor has been blasting his stereo and making it very difficult to concentrate. I have complained to the homeowners' board and he has received warning notices. Tonight, all is quiet - maybe he's not home. So I'll work on my cross stitch!

In the Window Seat WIP

2005-06-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

I worked on the Stoney Creek "In the Window Seat" all weekend. (Actually about 2 hours) I will be posting a photo soon and will do a happy dance!

Rotation

2005-06-09T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day in Seattle! The sun was/is shining this morning!! It can only get better as the day goes on.

I was supposed to work on my Chatelain this rotation but in digging through my stash, I found a UFO! It was a Stoney Creek Magazine pattern from 1986. It is 75% done, I was a very untidy stitcher back then! I would NOT want someone to see the back of that piece! I have decided to finish it, wash it and frame it. I don't like unfinished work sitting around.

New Rotation

2005-06-05T20:45:00.000-07:00

I have been working on Calendar Bears Flower of the Month. I put in my ten hours on "June" (I still have a little bit to do)

Chatelaine - Convent Garden

2005-05-26T22:11:00.000-07:00

I have ordered my first Chatelaine from European Cross Stitch! It is something to feast the eye on and challenge the most detail oriented cross stitcher!!

Here's a close up. Is that beautiful or what?

It uses 16 Caron Waterlilies, 2 skeins Marlitt, 2 Rainbow gold braid, 3 Silk N Colors and 5 Delica Bead pots.

Fairy Dreams - Work in Progress

2005-05-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

Fairy Dreams by Marilyn Leavitt-Imblum on 28 count Dusty Green Linen
I started this project in 2004 - I still have beads to add - lots of beads!