Halloween Stitches and More

Back in 1994, I would do a lot of Round Robins, the World was different then, less Internet, more Magazines.  I joined this group through a Magazine.  I am the top Right - this visited Texas, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and California before it came back to me in NY.  This picture does not due it justice, but it is one of my most treasured pieces. 

This has to be the first "larger" Halloween Stitch I completed.  I love black cats and witches.  I know this was in a Magazine - I can't seem to find it now to give credit to the designer but it was a very fun project and the colors were wonderful

He's Finished.  Just in time - well the Stitching is finished - Not sure how if he will be finished, finished by Christmas, you would think I have plenty of time, but I am a terrible finisher.  This is from the Leisure Arts Publication The Stockings Were Hung.

This is Fall Hangup - and so I did a try a little something different - and yes the bottom is uneven, because I did not count correctly on the way down, so it is uneven.  I can't think of anything I hate doing more than Frogging, and I am perfectly happy with things not being perfect.  So there it is.  sortof.  

 

Stay tuned tomorrow for the unveiling of my 2012/2013 Fat Guys and Snow Belles SAL fabric and threads.  Until then I am going to be updating my Crazy Crossstitch 2013 challenge Choices, (CC2013CC) for the 115th time.

I am blessed

Sandy did not leave with even a memory as she blew through my portion of Central New York.  Several areas close by to the South and West were hit much harder.  But we only had a little rain, and a strong wind.  No loss of Power.  I didn't need those D Batteries I looked all over for.  But one more time I must say, I am so very thankful and blessed we were not hard hit, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been. 

But for some strange reason I had a backyard full of crows this morning... My dog was loving it. 

Tomorrow is Halloween, and I, of course, have taken the day off from my other job - so I may prepare, for Trick or Treaters, and other Spooky Neighborhood Events.  We will be cold, and a little rainy.

Fat Men and Snow Belles Weather Warning

I have recently joined Denise's Fat Men and Snow Belles SAL.  November 1 is the kickoff day to share our fabric and threads.  I am ready to go - but if for some reason there is no post from me - well Sandy will have come to visit and left with a memory...  I live in Syracuse - as you can see the black line, the path of Sandy is very close.  We will see.  The City has started announcing its closings for tomorrow and this afternoon.  We are a Snow City and very use to blizzards and way over 100 inches of snow a year...but the wind????

Benv Gent Update

                

Stocking Santa - 10_23_2012                   
 

Update of my  current focus project.  I am so close to being finished now.  I have all the snow (it is sparkly thread) and the backstitching - which is really not a lot, and the little bit of x's down by Santa's sleeve.

This is a project I started about 4 years ago.  As you know I have been on a mission.

Have spent too much time thinking of my goals for 2013, I have found so, so many charts I want to stitch, in my search for 2013.  I am trying hard to get a good variety, so I do not get too bored.  Also ones I already have the fabric and floss for - to also try to clear out some of my very old stash.

Thought for the Day

 

 

"Excellence is...Caring more than others think is wise;

Risking more than others think is safe;

Dreaming more than others think is practical.

Expecting more than others think is possible."

-Winston Churchill

 

 

 

Having a need within myself to lean a little bit closer to excellence, if this is the true meaning.... Here's praying it is.

 

 

 

Thank you Melody

Beach Cottage Stitchers.

A little bit ago Melody posted about Beach Cottage Stitchers.  OH MY GOODNESS.  She was so right on with her review.  The customer service was excellent.  I had several questions about their Automatic Mailings, and after several emails back and forth, I called Cynthia and she was wonderful.

I could not resist two of their automatic mailings - the first one I joined was Country Cottage Needleworks Cottage of the Month.  You can join these anytime and she starts you right out with January, and it ends when you end...  I can't imagine the time and energy Cynthia must spend, making this work for everyone.  I received my Chart already.  Cynthia ordered a new piece of linen, just for me - so she will use the same piece for each month - so they will all match perfectly.  She also will track my special threads - so if the next cottage uses the same floss, she will not have to send another one.... That is service that is so ALL ABOUT ME..

I could not help it, I had to join SamSarah Design Studio Witch's Pantry.  This is scheduled to start two weeks from now - so I will have a couple of weeks to stitch my little cottage.

Now I know I have so many Monthly Mailings, and no posted WIPS.. Well, I was so intent on finishing those Fall WIPS, I did nothing else for about a month.  But you see, this is one of those reasons rotations never work for me.  I am too spur of the moment, switchy. 

Do expect to see some progress in my Around the World in 80 Stitches, and of course, I have not even mentioned my Polar Express Mandala - Chatelaine Designs - the class started in October, I am a little behind.. I am so lucky my stitching never over stresses me. Each chart, in its own time.

Anyway... If you are looking for a new and different Online Needlework Place - please try Beach Cottage Stitchers. 

 

Enter if you Dare, Finished.  I hope it looks a brigher orange on your monitor, I really love this, it was so much fun.  The fabric, was R&R 30ct Carrot and it was a wonderful fabric    

Also Finished my Fall Hangup - I made my goal deadline and I do not even have to stay up all night stitching.  It is a good day.

 

I am thinking I can now finish another very old WIP, My Santa Stocking - Benevolent Gent from Leisure Arts.  This is another guy I have had around for a very long time.  I spent a lot of time this past week organizing my projects for last year.  I did join the Facebook Group for the Crazy Crossstitch Challenge - Thank You SoCal Debbie, am trying to figure out my new starts.  I am really picking charts I have wanted to do for a very long time - years - and regardless if they are smalls, or BAPs, I will be stitching totally for me in 2013.  I just can't seem to make my mind up.  So many, many charts I want to stitch.  

 

This has been a great fall weekend, with apple picking with the family, and volunteering at the Hunters Hope Walk, too bad the Yankees lost twice, SU lost too, but so happy my Cleveland Browns finally put up a Win.  Tomorrow I am taking a much needed vacation day.  Life is good.

 

Small Enter if You Dare Update

Had to post my progress on this project -- this is 30ct fabric, I have never worked on before, but it is going very fast.  I am so new to linen, but this has been easy HOWEVER, starting in the center, not so smart - I did not start in the total center I started in center of page 2, but page 1 has way more stitches than page 2.  so was afraid I would run out of room at the top, but I measured and counted and measured and counted and I will make it - I may have to figure out a different way to finish, but I just was too afraid to ruin the fabric by the frogging and the threads too.  Now this looks too orange, and the purple is not a true color, I think I need better lightening when I take the picture.  But here it is  Enter if you Dare_1.

Special Thanks to Dani BlackBelt Stitching Wizard to count the fabric threads and not the holes, makes it so much easier