Mom! HELP! Somethings Up with the OVEN!!!!

You always hope that when the element in the oven is ready to go it is NOT when the Thanksgiving turkey is in it---or---when the New Years Day Cornish Game Hens  are in.  It was just a chicken.  The chicken was pretty much done and just waiting for the potatoes and veggies when the bottom element was doing something funky.  Ed hollering from the kitchen, "Mom!  Dad!  Come quick!"  Bob goes running and stands there looking at the element arc-ing.  I calmly turn off the oven.  We left the power going to it long enough until the potatoes, veggies and gravy were done.  Fortunately, there is a replacement parts place close by.  Hopefully they have an element AND are open tomorrow.  Bob has the day off and can go and get a new one...keep your fingers crossed.  If not, make sure there is enough gas for the grill and we will just grill them.  I could cook risotto in the slow cooker I suppose. 

Finished the Notforgotten Farm S. Claus.  

I do have really perfect fabric to finish it off with.  I would show you but, the camera battery died.  Another day.  

 I want to do one more Christmas ornament from the JCS 2012 issue; The Primitive Hare.  I want to use the thread I got from Victorian Motto Sampler giveaway.  The red is really gorgeous.  Then I can do some finishing work on New Years Day morning and maybe, just maybe blog it.

Welcome new members!  I'm so glad you have joined my little blog.  Thanks to everyone who stops by and comments.  Your comments are most welcomed!  Hope everyone had a great weekend and got in lots of stitching time.  Alas, I could have used more.

Keep on Stitching!
Monica

I Can Divulge...Katy's Box

Now that it is after Christmas, I can divulge the box I made Katy.  It is another winning design from Blackbird Design A Stitcher's Journey.  I had made my sister a box from the same book.  I think this maybe my favorite design book of all time.  It is the Prairie House Sewing Case.  I had to do her initial over one since the space really wasn't large enough for over two.  

 I just love this pattern.  It is mounted on a wooden cigar box I ordered from S&S Crafts.  They have several types of wooden boxes.  They were less expensive than the same box on JoAnn Fabric website.

 I had hand dyed the chenile with tan Rit dye.  I painted the box and then used the dark brown Briwax.  I have to say yet again:  I LOVE THIS STUFF.  It is kind of stinky but, it doesn't bother me.

 Now, all I have to do is to start making some accessories to fill the inside of the box.  She absolutely loves the box.  She said she was going to leave it at home rather than taking it to school and possibly getting it ruined.  It was a lot of fun to stitch and put together.  It gives me an opportunity to use my glue gun.  I really enjoy my glue gun.

 Ryan, Katy's BF loves his socks.  He has them pulled up a little too much.  One is inside out...lol.  I think he really likes them and since they are alpaca, they are extra toasty warm.  I was glad to be done with them.

I will be able to post next week the Christmas gifts for the stitching group.  I can't wait to show you those.  I took the pictures tonight and got them ready to post.  I have to finish two small pieces and then the project is complete.

Thanks for stopping by.  Thanks for the great comments.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Hope you have a great weekend.  I am hoping mine is incredibly uneventful.
Keep on Stitching
Monica

"It's the Time of Year...."

Early Merry Christmas Every One!

My sister always comes home for Christmas.  She lives in Florida.  But, how one person can totally affect travel is beyond me.  Ha Ha.  I think every year her travel plans go nuts.  This year she didn't want to fly on December 21st, just in case.... It probably was a good thing since the day before, this part of the  Midwest was in a major snowstorm/blizzard.

 Let me describe a few of her trips.  The first year Bob and I were married and still living in Nashville.  We didn't go home that year.  We got a phone call at 11 pm.  She had been going home and got stranded in Nashville.  Her flight was really late getting in and she missed her connection to Florida.  Bob went to the airport to pick her up.  I stayed home to get things ready.  I guess she was pretty pitiful.  Then there was the year, we were living in Cedarburg, when we had an ice storm before we were driving north.  She had flown in the night before.  She nearly had a nervous breakdown over that one.  We have driven through some humdinger snow storms to pick them up at airports.  The last few years they have flown into Milwaukee, rented cars, seen my younger sister and her family and driven in bad weather.  It has nothing to do with the time of year...

I baked some cookies yesterday.  I didn't go too crazy because of all the recent dietary restrictions in my house.  Bob needs to watch his carbs and Katy is Gluten intolerant.  These are the Peanut Butter Blossoms.  I just use the regular cookie recipes, use Gluten free flour and add 1 to 1 1/2 tsp. of Xantum Gum.  They turned out great.  I don't think you can tell.  Just don't taste the uncooked dough.  It really tastes funky until it is baked.  I also made Buck Eye Balls.  No flour in them and Toffee Squares which aren't gluten-free.

 I have been working mostly on the socks to get them finished.  I should be knitting instead of blogging.  I only have about an inch to go before I start on the the toe.  I'm so ready to be done with those socks.  I did do a little on S. Claus.

 Katy thinks he's kind of creepy.  He will get the thumbs up, I'm sure when he's finished.

Hope you all have a joyful Christmas!  Thanks for stopping
Keep on Stitching
Monica

Snowstorm and the Wind is Kicking Up

We have somewhere around six inches of snow so far...maybe more.  Its getting windy which means the snow will be blowing.  A little south of here, it is probably now considered blizzard conditions.  I'm glad I don't work on Thursdays.  It was a good day to be home watching it snow like crazy.  

 I always use the bushes as a gauge for the amount of snow.  That is a raised bed a good twelve inches or more above the lawn.

 The bottom of the tree is 12-18 inches above the grass.  Hope you are getting an idea of how much snow we've gotten and it hasn't stopped yet.  Granted some of the depth is from drifting.  Guess we will have a white Christmas.  There is several feet of snow at the bottom of the driveway from where the plows have gone through.  Non four-wheeled drive cars are having a hard time getting up the hill.

 Up date on S. Claus by Notforgotten Farms.  His beard is done and I'm working on his torso.  It is looking very cute.

 You can see it a little better close up.

 Better yet on an angle.  Oh!  Pooh!  should have hid the needle on the back side of the work.  Duh!

Finally, one sock down, one to go.  These are a Christmas present for my daughter's boyfriend.  My MIL is worried I won't finish.  I just finished the ribbing last night...started it on Tuesday night.  I think I am making good progress.  I really should have been baking cookies but, not really in the mood to do that.  I will probably get to it this weekend.

Thanks for stopping and leaving all the wonderful comments.  It makes blogging more fun!
Keep on Stitching!
Monica

Santa-s and Cinnamon Bun Cake

Welcome new members!  I'm so glad you have joined me.  Got the Christmas cards written.  I just need some stamps so I can send them out.  I convinced my husband to put up more lights outside.  Ed helped otherwise I don't think it would have happened.  I got the Santa's and Snowmen out.  We just need to put up the tree but, won't be doing that until Tuesday.  Katy was not happy last year when we did it without her.  She'll be home on Tuesday and she then will be able to help.  

I stitched this Prairie Schooler last year but, didn't frame it.  I used overdyes instead of DMC.   I'm always a little off kilter.  I had some frame parts but they didn't look right with the picture.  I had this prefabricated frame. It was blue and plastic.  I decided I could paint it but, the paint would come off so I had to use some clear spray paint.  

 I didn't turn out too bad.

I baked a cake today for dinner.  It was a recent recipe from Mennonite Girsl Can Cook Blog called Cinnamon Bun Cake.  I thought it looked pretty good and worth a try.  You put a little glaze on it.  We had to sample it and it got two thumbs up from everyone.  You can find the recipe here:
http://www.mennonitegirlscancook.ca/2012/12/cinnamon-bun-cake.html


I have been working on Notforgotten Farms S. Claus.  I will be a door pocket.  It is rather primative but, very cute.  It was sent as a kit with 30 count hand dyed fabric.  It is very cute.  The colors are rather muted so it doesn't really stand out too much.

 I think overall it will be a quick stitch.

I am still working on super secret projects.  Still can't show you until after Christmas.

Thanks for stopping.

Please keep the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School victims in your prayers.
Monica

Last Tusal of the Year

I thought that since it is the final TUSAL of the year, I would do a before and after picture.  

Brand, spankin' clean candle jar.  This worked really well.  I opted for collecting orts from the time I started (which was late because it took me a while to figure out what TUSAL meant.)

 To now!  I wonder if I can tell what I was working on by the striations of thread?

Thanks for stopping and all the wonderful comments!
Keep on stitching.

Just Had to Have Homemade Cookies

I just had to have some homemade cookies yesterday.  It has been two months since I've had homemade cookies and needed to bake some.  I got the recipe from Cherry Republic website a couple of years ago after having one in the Leelanau Pennisula downstate.  I have altered the recipe a little since dried cherries are sometimes scarce and always expensive.  These are great cookies and I highly recommend them.  

 Here is the recipe:
Oatmeal/Cherry Chip Cookies
1 c. butter or margarine softened                             1 1/2 c. flour
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar                               2 cups uncooked oatmeal
1/2 c. white sugar                                                    1 1/4 c. dried cherries or craisins
1 tsp. vanilla                                                            1 c. chocolate chips or white chips or some of
2 eggs                                                                         both (I prefer half and half)
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Preheat oven to 350
Cream the butter and sugars with electric mixer.  Add the vanilla and eggs and blend well.  Add the baking powder, salt and flour and mix well.  (I do it all with the mixer).  Add the oatmeal, dried fruit and chips (I hand mix those in).
Spoon the dough onto cookie sheet.  I don't make super huge cookies, probably the size of a walnut or so.    Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.  Makes about 4 dozen.

Update on Plum Street Sampler Ornament.  I am using the floss called for but, I don't think there is enough contrast between the colors. They are all blending in together.  I would have done the house color in something else but, I'm not going to rip it out now.  Maybe I will go over the green of the wreath.

Tried a different position.  

I picked up this little trencher when I stopped at the Ranger Station in Goodman, WI.  It is a little curiosity shop.  I don't know if it wood or not.  I think it is.  I figured I could make a very cute center piece out of it.  I picked up some cinnamon scented pine cones and ornaments at Michael's a few weeks ago.  I had the candle lantern for some time from Pier One.  I think it looks kind of cute.  

 Different angle with the flash

 With out the flash.  Amazing what a difference in color the flash makes.

 One more time.  My mom made the table runner for me a few years ago.  I have matching place mats.

It has been snowing like nuts all afternoon.  I have been busy with chores and projects.  Now I have to pick out buttons for Christmas project. I got the machine work done this afternoon. Can't show it yet.  Won't be able to until after the holidays.

Hope you have had a good weekend.  I love the comments.  I'm glad I'm not the only one who wishes to stay awake long enough in the evening to stitch. Thanks for stopping

Keep on Stitching!

I Don't Have Enough

Oh, does this sound terrible!  I took down the Autumn and Thanksgiving stitched pieces and put up the Christmas Stitching.  I don't have enough Christmas pieces.  I have a pile more Fall things:  Autumnal, Halloween and Thanksgiving.  I think what happens at Christmas is I give it all away.  I make Christmas gifts for people, working on them all year round.   I get so caught up in that, I haven't done anything Christmas-y for a while.  I have a bunch of Prairie Schooler December and Santas but, I haven't worked on them yet.  I have a tendency to work on things at that time of the year.  I'm so busy with other Christmas activities and decorating that time just simply gets away from me.  

I have been working on small Christmas ornaments.  This is the Plum Street Sampler one from the 2012 issue.  I have another project in the hopper.  

 I think the red and green balls add a little festivity to the montage.

I have been so busy and lately.  I don't feel like I've had much stitching time.  Last night was a complete wash.  I had all the prep work done on my tooth yesterday for the crown.  My head hurt last night after that.  Its a lot better today.  So I have gotten a few things done.

Hope your Christmas preparation is going well.  Thanks for all the great comments.  I love hearing from you all.
Keep on Stitching.

STNA: A Simple Wish

The holidays are right around the corner and gift exchanges are happening everywhere you look. If an amazingly magical Stitchmas Santa were to fly overhead and bring you one stitching wish, what would it be?

This is a good question.  What I really want that isn't a Stitchy Wish is to have my kids happy and healthy.  That is always number one on my list.  

I have multiple wishes:  a great space to keep all the stitchy stuff tidy, more silk thread, and a never ending source of linen.  But, my simple wish is just to stay awake after dinner so I CAN stitch.  

Hope everyone's wishes come true. 

 Visit all the blogs in this round of the Stitching the Night Away Stitching Blogger Blog Hop:

What to do When You Aren't Stitching

I spent the day yesterday at the local bead store The Twisted Sisters.  My daughter buys much of her beading supplies there.  I buy things for her and my self and make the occasional bracelet.  They had a show yesterday of some of their patron's works.  Katy was invited to bring her things there.  Since she is at college, I agreed to do it for her.  I didn't know when I accepted,  I would have to be there the whole time.  It wasn't that bad.  

 The sisters took much of their things down to make room for every one's wares.  These are some of her things.  I was able to use the stores necks.

 Some of her bracelets on a form.

 The store is pretty funky.  The dresses on the mannequins are made out of wrapping paper.  There were people selling soy candles, a couple other jewelry makers besides Katy, A woman and her little seven year old daughter who made headbands and other hair dodas.  Sylvee is making them to sell.  She is saving the money she makes to buy her little brother and adaptive bicycle since he has cerebral palsy.  I had buy something from her.

This was the display by me.  She made things out of silverware:  bracelets, pendants, rings, little cheese forks from bigger forks with the name of the cheese on them...very cute.

Anyway by the end of the day, I can't say it was a huge success.  I only sold $9.  That was very disappointing.  I know that craft shows would be better but. she doesn't have the inventory to do that.

Now, Merry Christmas to me....bah!  After eating breakfast this morning. it felt like I had something caught by one of my back molars.  I picked at it a little and pulled out a piece of tooth.  I guess I'm headed for a cap.  Ugh!  Fortunately, it doesn't hurt and the whole tooth isn't wrecked.  It does have a filling in it.  I'm sure that had something to do with it.

Haven't done much stitching this weekend.  I need to get to it.
Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.  Thanks for stopping and all the great comments.
Keep on Stitching
Monica

Finishing Supplies Came!

I ordered some supplies from Country Stitches, Brenda Gervais' shop.  I got the ticking for With Thy Needle and Thread House of Blues and Browns.  I got brown ticking and blue ticking.  I think the pattern calls for the blue but, I'm sure I will find uses for the brown ticking.  

 I also got some mother of pearl buttons, stars and hearts.  I think I will find multiple uses for this too.

 And, then I thought I could use the walnut ink crystals to dye fabric.  I think the House of Blues and Browns calls to dye the piece when you are done.

Since, I have started following blogs and blogging, I have been inspired by some of the fantastic finishes people are doing.  I was amazed when I went to the retreat how many of the ladies were intriqued that I finish my own pieces.  They were in awe (for lack of a better word) I knew how to sew.  My mother made me take summer school the summer between 8th grade and Freshman year to learn how to sew and type.  It was most wise of her but, at the time I thought it was most annoying.  She said, "You need to learn how to sew.  You'll always be able sew clothes or things for the house.  And, I'm not typing your term papers."  Both skills have served me well.  It is so much easier to blog since I know how to type.  It has become cheaper to buy clothes than to sew them.   I also think, I probably remember how to do a flatfeld seam.  That's the name of the seam on the side of Levis.  That would be a good trivia questions.

The next part is for my family but, the rest of you can read on.  My cross stitch wish list in case anyone is looking for something for Christmas.
Plum Street Samplers:  Gobble  and  Give  the threads are listed with the patterns
Stacy Nash Primitives:  Christmas at Hollyberry Farm.  This one is brand new and a stunner!
With Thy Needle and Thread:  Francis Poole Reproduction Sampler.  This is brand new too.  There are threads to stitch with too.
A guy can always use 32 count Lambswool Linen or 40 ct. Vintage Light Examplar Linen.  or 35 count R & R Reproduction Linen - Mink.
Prairie Schooler: Prairie Stars or Pins and Needles  or Prairies Year Round 

That should give you something to ponder.

Welcome new members!  I'm so glad you joined.  I awfully glad everyone stops by for a peak.  I always enjoy the comments.

Keep on stitching.

Firsts Addendum

One more First.  I decided to post a new one rather than editing my other post from tonight.

I was awarded this from Cathy at Crafty Cat.  A super BIG THANK YOU! Cathy you are a "crafty cat"

So now I need to pick 5 blogs with under 200 followers:   I follow and pick

1.  Koehler Kreations

2.  Samplers, Silks and Linens

3.  A Work in Progress

4.  A Stitchers Ramblings

5.  Crossed Stitches

The problem is...I have more than five favorites.  All the blogs I subscribe to are my favorite blogs.
Now the Rules are:  

1. You must publically thank the person who awarded it to you.
2. Paste the Liebster Award on your blog. 
3. Pick 5 blogs with less than 200 followers, and leave them each a comment on their blogs letting them know of their honor.

I have been having such fun blogging that when my Picasa was overloaded I had no problem having to get a subscription but, I think thanks to Bev at Kainga Happenings  I think I got it figured out.   Just joined Bev.  

Now if I could figure out how to change my font......think I got it pretty close

Firsts

We have had some firsts.  

First I installed Picasa to help manage my pictures but, I found I hate it so I just uninstalled it and didn't mess up my computer (fingers crossed, I hope).

We had our first snow and it has stuck.  It has been really cold too.  I am now in my winter coat.  Buster does love the snow. He has been very pesty wanting to be in and out, in and out.  Wish we had a revolving door.

 Then I finished my First Christmas Ornament.  I want to do a few more.  I plan on doing the Plum Street Sampler and Primitive Hare for sure.  I may have to the Shepherd's Bush too, if I have time.  I have some Christmas presents to work on too.  Those are top secret so I can show those until after the fact.

I think I am still recovering from all the hub-bub of Thanksgiving.  It sure was fun having the kids home but, exhausting.  I think my bloggy brain is still foggy.

Thanks for all the lovely comments.  I'm so glad you all stop and visit.
Keep on Stitching.

The Pictures for the Previous Blog

I have the pictures downloaded.  I have used up all my free space.  Imagine that!  Used all the free space.  My smart allack (who knows how to spell it?) son says, "why don't you learn desk top publishing and create your own website."  I say,  "sure I will you betcha, not.  I'll pay the $2.49 a month."

I got a new table cloth from Williams Sonoma.  I fell in love with this pattern.  I really think I could use this all year.  It is my colors.   

 

 Here is the picture update for The Blue House ornament in the 2012 JCS.  

Well, now we should have plenty of pictures!  Hooray for that.

Thanks for stopping!
Keep on stitching
Monica

Black Friday

Here I am trying to post some pictures on my blog and the blogging gods are just against me.  It says I have to create a Picasa Web Album since my current album is full.  I tried do this and it just locks up and won't let me do anything.  OH POOH!  It is sort of a Black Friday.  

Did do a little shopping this morning.  Nothing much, I don't get into the mass chaos at the big box stores.  Instead, I went to a little local home decorating store and picked up some new garland for the fireplace mantel.  The old stuff really didn't look like pine greens other than the color.  This is very sparkly.  Once I get it decorated and figure out what to do about my photos, I'll post a picture. 

I did make a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving.  Since, Katy is gluten intolerant I had done the trial crust with the Honey Nut Chex and a pudding pie.  I worked out rather well.  The only thing I needed to do different after I had made it, was to run it through the food processor a little longer to make the crumb finer.  I did that with the cheesecake crust and it was perfect.  It was a little more crumbly but, the recipe for the crust included with the overall recipe called for no sugar.  Next time, I would add sugar, not because it needed sugar but, I think the sugar helps hold it together.  I also made some gluten free stuffing.  I made the meat, onions, celery and apples the way I always do.  The night before I had toasted some gluten-free bread in the oven.  Broke up the bread the next day for bread crumbs and mixed into the meat.  I also added some poultry seasoning and chicken broth.    It turned out ok.  The consistency is a little different than regular bread crumbs.  It tasted pretty good.  Lesson learned:  keep the bread more like croutons.  It might hold together a little better.  

We did see the new James Bond movie:  Skyfall.  It was really good.  I don't think I have seen a James Bond movie in the theater since Roger Moore was Bond.....that's a long time!

Thanks for all the really comments on the last blog entry.  I'm so glad you take the time to leave a little note.  Hope you had a Great Thanksgiving.  

Keep on Stitching

Monica

Chenille Happy

I have been very busy sewing chenille on the pin keeps to finally finish them.  It started yesterday, sewing the fabric that I bought on Thursday at the quilt store.  At last a picture that looks like the true color.  I did go with the darker brown fabric.  The green nearly matches the green in the stitching:  DMC 935.  It really does go well together.  Last night I dyed the chenille with Tan Rit Dye according to BBD directions in  A Stitcher's Journey.  That ended up pretty much matching the lighter brown in the fabric.  

Here they are together in a little Longerberger basket I have had for a long time.  It is just the right size for this sort of thing.  The sides aren't too high either.  I have tried other baskets but, they are too deep.

I also finished off this Halloween Ornament.  I used the same fabric.  I was on a roll.  I didn't look to bad with this one either.  The chenille finished of the edges nicely.  

I actually did this Homespun Elegance last year but, didn't have red chenille to finish it.  I got the chenille quite sometime ago but, never got around to it.

Then there is the crazy Shih Tzu.  Dogs seem to love pancakes.  Buster greatly enjoys them.  Bob gave him a chunk of a pancake.  It looked like he has different lips.  At one point, it made him look like he was smiling.  He carried it around for about 4 hours before he finally ate. it.  He'll take it outside with him, leave it there until he is ready to come in.  He all of the sudden will remember it, run back out the door and get it.  He'll do the same thing with his dog biscuits.  It really is very comical.  I have never seen anything like it.  We have had two big dogs and they nearly took your fingers off while you were giving them the biscuit.  

Been busy getting ready for the kids to come home.  Changed sheets yesterday, vacuumed and dusted to prepare their rooms.  Have stocked up and food.  Katy particularly has requested Honey Nut Chex and bacon.  Apparently, bacon is virtually absent from the cafeteria.  I have really stocked up on the Chex.  I want to make a pumpkin cheesecake for Thanksgiving.  Katy is Gluten intolerant.  I figure I could use the Chex to make the crumb crust.  I have tried it today to see if it will work and made a chocolate pudding pie.  It seems to have turned out and isn't falling apart.    I just made the pudding filling and put it in the refrigerator.
I don't know how much I will be posting this week with all the activity but, I'm gonna try.
Thanks for stopping and all the great comments.  Hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Keep on Stitching
Monica