Adventures and Halloween Smalls

It may be the last hoorah today.  The temperature was 80.  Tomorrow rainy and a high of 58.  After church, breakfast and errands that didn't get done yesterday, Bob and I went to A&W for Chili Cheese Dogs and Root Beer.  It could close any time now and it was a good thing to do today since it really was a summery day before it gets blustery.  

Too bad you can't really see the color of the fabric for these.  It is on Tobacco colored linen, a medium mustardy orange I had in my stash.  These are the companion pieces to the L*K Mystery sampler.  I'll get these done in no time.  I'm on number two and only have one to go.  

 With no color changes, it goes very fast.  You can see the little bat on the one below.  The word on this is Haunted.  The third is Scary.  I'll just finish them off as pin cushion pillow for a basket.

Yesterday, I had quite the adventure.  I was thinking about taking my son Ed out for lunch.  That involves about an 85-90 mile trip.  Really, no big deal.  When I talked to him on Thursday, it sounded like he had plans for the weekend so, I never mentioned it to him.  I then got a phone call from him on Friday, asking if I wouldn't help him out.  He locked his car keys in his car and didn't have a spare.  Of course, no problem, he added, "Then mom we can go out for lunch and I'll do what ever you want to do."   Oh boy, I got him now.

I was about 10 miles from home when the Low tire pressure went on.  It is a pretty desolate trip to NMU.  I stopped at a gas station called my husband to see if I should try filling the tires with air.  They didn't look bad.  He thought it was just the sensor going off.  He suggested when I got to town, to stop at the Ford dealer and have them check it out.  It was a very stressful ride the rest of the way.  I stopped at the dealer and they checked the tire pressure.  The left rear tire was about 10# too low.  He checked it out, found a nail and fixed the hole in about 20 minutes.  I was very appreciative and on my way.

After lunch,  I had Ed walk around Ben Franklin looking for fabric to finish projects. He did say he would do anything.   As we walked around he explained fantasy football to me.    Even though it sounded Chinese to me, it was fun to be with him.  Made it home without the light going back on.

Hope you have a great week.  Welcome new members.  Glad you all take a peek at whats going on.  Keep on Stitching
Monica

YOU ARE GOING TO WANT TO SEE THIS and get in on it!

***WARNING*** make sure you read this entire blog post!

 Hooray! Hooray! Hooray!  I finished the Lizzie*Kate Mystery Sampler and it turned out very cute.  Now I just have to find a frame.  I am hoping I have one.  I may but, it may be the wrong size.  It would be great if it is the right size because it is black.  I wanted to get this post done first.  

I have been messing around with floss for the last two hours.  I needed to see what was in my stash before I ordered floss that I'm lacking from 123-stitch.  They are very speedy with their orders.  I usually order floss and fabric from them because I have it within a few days.

I still love that goofy pumpkin headed cat.  I have special plans for him on another project.

So now that you have seen the finished project; here's where it gets really exciting....or at least I think it is really exciting.
I have decided to have a drawing for this L*K Mystery Sampler Pattern and thread.  This has been one of the hot patterns of the season.  I have ordered some new skeins that there wasn't enough left after completing the project so there will be enough for the winner to stitch the pattern.  I am also including the beads.  You will need to provide the fabric,  the two black star buttons and a key and star charm.  I used those.

TO ENTER:
1.  You need to be a member of this blog.  If you have been lurking around, afraid to join, now is your chance.  I told you a couple of posts ago I was going to do something to entice you.
2.  You need to leave a comment after THIS POST.  Make sure you mention your name.
3.  You have until September 20th... to get your entry in.  There will be only one winner.

If you're interested don't waste time.
Thanks for stopping by.  
Keep on stitching
Monica

Satin Stitches and a Laying Tool

I'm working on the satin stitches around the border of the L*K Mystery Sampler.  Usually I railroad.  I usually railroad my cross stitches just because I think they look better.  Since I'm doing so many I thought I would break out my laying tool.  

I think I got this one at a needlework show.  I bought it because it was pretty.  It has a little bow and a bee on the dangly thing at the top.  You can't see it great.  Sorry, my camera only works so good close up.

I bought this one at a stitching retreat I went to with my stitching buddy Arttie, years ago.  It was sponsored by Garden of Stitches in Appleton,WI, which has since closed. The retreat was at a Lutheran Retreat House in Green Lake, WI.  It was a blast!  I digress.  I really haven't an opportunity to truly use it.  Now, I do.   

It is really laying the thread nice and flat with the satin stitches.  Like a said in the previous post satin stitches aren't my favorite.  I think out of the speciality stitches I like the way the Queen stitch looks it just takes so stinking long to do.  

Now this picture actually turned out pretty cool, if I must say.  You can see how the laying tool just slides on the thumb.  It really is easy to use.  Best satin stitches I've ever done.

Thanks for stopping.  Welcome new member and welcome back everyone else.  I love to hear the comments from everyone and sometimes I even answer back.  

Keep on Stitching and have a great tomorrow

Monica

I do Love a Fall Stitch

Welcome new members!  I'm glad you've joined me.  Welcome to everyone who is already a member and those who visit but, don't join.  Maybe someday I will be able to entice you to join.

 I have been working diligently on L*K Mystery Sampler.  It seems like this last section is taking forever but, I think it is my favorite one yet.  I may have done the candy corn at the bottom in a different order of colors however, I decided to leave it be.  I find the pumpkin-headed cat is very amusing.

 The cadet blue and bullfrog thread beneath the house was suppose to be satin stitched.  In the instructions it says you can do what you feel like.  I felt like doing regular cross stitch because it just lays better, especially where there is longer areas.  I will do the satin stitch around the border where it is called for.  I think this would be good as an individual piece.

 A recap of the other sections.

 I do like the little toothy pumpkin in the top section.  The acorns would make a lovely border in the future.

 As a sneak peek....my ornament stitched up for the exchange.  It isn't stuffed or embellished yet in this picture.  It is all done and I'm ready to box everything up to go.  I won't send it on until the end of the month.  I don't want it to get there too soon.  I changed the DMC to Crescent Colors.

Since I am nearly done with the Mystery Sampler, I am just wondering what to do with the pattern....
Thanks for stopping and all the lovely comments.
Keep on Stitching
Monica

Mystery Sampler Working on Part Three

Welcome everyone!  Thanks for stopping and thanks for the great comments.  I truly appreciate them.

What a beautiful day!  The heat and the humidity finally broke yesterday.  I actually felt like working around the house today.  I was just going to sit on my fanny but, one thing led to another.  It started with I figured I needed to vacuum...well a little later the whole house has been cleaned.  I even picked up Katy's room, threw some stuff out, got a bag ready for St. Vinny's and but school stuff from last year away.  Now, I don't have to do this on Saturday and can have some fun.  It is great to get this stuff done when everyone is out of the house.

Been working on Part 3 of the L*K Mystery Sampler.  Sorry about the wrinkles.

 I just love how it is turning out.  Its fun to do it in bits and pieces.

 It really is a quick fun stitch.  I finished filling in the house and adding on the sunflowers to the stalk since I took the pictures.  I'll post again soon since I am making such great headway.  I think I'm going to do the smalls on some tobacco colored fabric I have in the stash.  It is an orange color and the stitching is done in Kohl.

There is a great breeze blowing in the house.  I am glad to turn of the AC.  Glad we have it, but, always glad to not have to use it.

Thanks again for stopping.  Keep on Stitching!
Monica

Stash and Contests

There are two really great contests that I found while looking at the Wicked Stitcher Blog.  The first is from the Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe.  I really love the colors of the supplies.  So check it out Here.  The other one is from Samplers, Silks and Linens.  It is a La-Di-Da pattern and supplies.  Check out this one here too.  I hope my links work.

I went to the Crosse Stitchery and Mainstreet Framing on Saturday.  I saw a jar like this with the crushed walnuts shells in ti.  Since I have a rather large bag of the stuff to use, I found a jar just like it and now have a somewhat more secure container.  There is still some in the bag but, it is more secure too.

 I made a big mistake that Katy is hopefully going to fix for me.  I saw the sampler of Margaret Cottam Sampler.  I really loved it in person and had been toying with the idea of getting it.  I picked it up but, made the mistake of buying two part ones.  I left one with Katy to exchange for me.

 I love finishing things with chenille and picked up three 2.5 yards of each of these colors:  cinnamon, nautical blue and Christmas wreath.

 I loved the colors of this Little House Needleworks Christmas Ornament.  Got the floss for the project.  I'm sure I have some fabric in my stash for it.

 I had used up nearly all my Crescent Colors Falling Leaves and since I really like this color, I replaced it.  The name Wisconsin Woods was all I needed to buy the other color.  It's a purpley-grey that will probably be just good to have on hand for something.

 You know I can't resist the Prairie Schooler and thought these little mittens were awfully cute.

 I believe I have posted about how cute sheep are stitched up.  I found two new sheep to add to the collection.  These guys maybe good to do in the spring.  You know, there really aren't that many spring/summer patterns that really trip my trigger.

 I just love stitching Autumn and Halloween patterns.  I think it is the colors.  I'm so attracted to the rich oranges, reds, browns and dark greens.  I think that's why I was so drawn to the contests mentioned earlier.

 A blurry close up.  These colors are so wonderful.  This is done in DMC thread.

 Finally, a Little House.  The attraction here was the black bear.  He is so handsome.

Just what I needed...more stash.
Thanks for stopping and the wonderful comments.  Hope you have a restful Labor Day.
Keep on Stitching.
Monica

My Poor Top Hat Jack

I was very excited about my Top Hat Jack from Notforgotten Farms.  And it really wasn't a "quick" stitch, especially on perforated paper.  He did turn out very charming I think.  

 I finished him as a candle cover.  Attached the sides with antique buttons from the saved MIL's button collection.

 Let me tell you cutting out the moon and the stars was very difficult.  I tried a matt knife but, had to switch to a small scissors and it still was  a little ragged.

 As I have posted earlier, our internet has been tenative at best.  We have made several phone calls to tech support.  At first it was our wireless router....so we bought another one.  Then they said it was our modem so we bought another one of those too.  Then they said it wasn't up to date enough.  So, we return the first one to Walmart who really didn't want to take it back, "They are telling you that so you get their modem."  We got a more up to date one.  We still had problems.  I went back to the cable office and told them we had done everything we could.  They needed to send a technician.  The technician came out friday and replaced all the connections.  Needless to say, when I tried to send pictures to Notforgotten Farms, it must have not really been sent through.  She didn't get it so, it isn't up for a vote.  It really is okay because, I think there are ones finished much better off.

We had a very busy weekend taking Katy back to college.  I did get to the Crosse Stitchery in La Crosse and will post my treasures tomorrow.  I was happy to see Crafty Cat's stash.  My husband was much more understanding and relieved I only had a small bag.

Can't wait to sit in my Lazy Boy and stitch part 3 of L*K tonight.  I finished my pumpkin orni.
Thanks for stopping, the great comments and welcome new members!
Keep on Stitching.
Monica