Traveling Pattern PIF

Summer Splendor was such a fun, quick stitch!  I mostly stitched it during my lunch hour at work.  I took some "creative liberties" with color changes and am thrilled with how it turned out. 

If you're interested in stitching this chart -and- passing it forward, comment on this post.  I will randomly draw a name to pass the chart to on September 7th.  There are a few rules:

1.  You must have an active blog.

2.  You agree to stitch it promptly (ASAP).

3.  Please pass it along to a fellow stitcher via a drawing on your blog.

4.  Post your finish and the history (which is the coolest part!) of where the chart has traveled.

Just look at all the places this chart has been:

•  Kathy at Kathy's Sit and Stitch; Ontario, Canada - Completed March 2012
•  Carol at Stitching Dreams; Pennsylvania, USA - Completed May 2012
•  Lisa at Lisa V's Lounge; Perth, Australia - Completed August 2012
•  Ellen at Stitch Passion; Singapore - Completed August 2012
•  Theresa at Giraffe Crossing; Taiwan - Completed December 2012
•  Tatyana at Girl with Hoop; Russia - Completed May 2013
•  Vicky at Nutmegger's Stitching Works; Connecticut, USA - Completed July 2013
•  Meari at Meari's Musings; Illinois, USA - Completed August 2013

Summer Splendor - LHNPC-36

Designer:  Little House Needleworks

Fabric:  28ct Dusty Rose Charles Craft Evenweave

Fibers:  DMC

Until next time,

Marvelous Monday Update 3/14/2010

SCHOOL
Checked my transcript today and my grade for Corporate Finance was posted. Got an A. :) Yay! I ended up getting a B on my term paper, and I've emailed the instructor 3 times asking for feedback on what he took points off on. Not surprising, I haven't received an answer back!



COOKING
One of the ladies on one of my stitching groups posted a link for a St. Patrick's Day meal from the Cuisine At Home website. Since I had beef brisket in the freezer, I thought I'd try it out. It's a pretty easy crock pot recipe called Marmalade Glazed Corned Beef with Carrots and Potatoes, recipe HERE.

A couple of notes:
• The site is correct: The beef was salty, even after rising it. It made the carrots *really* salty. The potatoes weren't, so I'd suggest putting the potatoes in and then layer the carrots on top.

• I substituted wine for the lager, and red wine vinegar for the white.

• I didn't carmelize the marinade in the oven, just heated it up on the stove and poured it over the beef. The marinade was really good over the beef.

• I did cut the extra fat off the beef. Don't do like I did, and slice your pinky finger. I bled like a stuck pig! Luckily, no blood on the beef.


STITCHY STUFF
I haven't done any stitching since around March 7th, so no JG update. My plan is to get it out tonight and do some stitching on it (right after I clean Charley's cage -- the silly girl laid 4 eggs last week!). Here's the progress I did on Blossom Splendor:


I would also like to thank several of you who emailed me with your enabling temptations by informing me of the new chart packs from Joan Elliott. Luckily, I already have both of them, hee hee.




I bought the Blue Geisha kit last year when I went on the ILCS retreat to St. Charles.










Summer Geisha was actually featured in one of the UK magazines last fall. Guess what? It was called Blossom Splendor. It's one of my current WIPs.





PIF WINNERS!

As promised, I chose the recipients of my PIF. They are as follows:

Bette of Reflections of a Desert Rat

Mel of Epic Stitching

Kay of Kay's Corner

Congratulations, ladies! Please email me with your snail mail addresses.


Again, here are the rules:

1. Send no less than 5 stitching related items per person within the next 365 days.

2. Items can be DMC, other threads, stitching needles, straight pins, buttons, scissors, ribbons, etc. - a combination of items such as 3 threads, 1 pack of straight pins and 1 pack of stitching needles or just 5 threads.

3. The items must be new and not used.

4. If you win, you must be willing to post this PIF on your blog and do the same for at least 2 people. This PIF is very simple and easy to do, so I hope you will join me.

Pay It Forward!

PIF (Pay It Forward)
A while back, I signed up for a PIF on Carol's Stitching and Stuff blog. She sents the cutest and tiniest pair of stork scissors and I just love the emery board. A girl can never have enough of those! I really loved everything she sent:

Thank you, Carol!

Now it's my turn to Pay It Forward. If you would like to participate, leave a comment on this post no later than March 12th.


Here are the rules:

1. I'll send no less than 5 stitching related items per person within the next 365 days.

2. Items can be DMC, other threads, stitching needles, straight pins, buttons, scissors, ribbons, etc. - a combination of items such as 3 threads, 1 pack of straight pins and 1 pack of stitching needles or just 5 threads.

3. The items must be new and not used.

4. If you win, you must be willing to post this PIF on your blog and do the same for at least 2 people. This PIF is very simple and easy to do, so I hope you will join me.

I will "Pass It Forward" to 3 people who comment on this blog entry by the deadline. If you are interested in participating and love surprises; please consider signing up. I will announce the names on March 14th - on my usual MM blog update.

Marvelous Mid-Week Update

Mel has FINALLY received the ornament I stitched for her in our private exchange. (I was worried those sled dogs were on strike!) Here's what I stitched for her:

Design: Joy
Designer: Little House Needleworks
Fabric: 28ct Hand-dyed Linen (don't know what kind)
Fibers: Six Strand Sweets, DMC, Kreinik Blending Filament
Embellishments: 1/4" ribbon

I know a couple of you asked how I did the edging. It's called Ruched (Runched) Ribbon. I didn't take the time to sew the ribbon on by hand. I glued it on instead and held it in place with straight pins until it dried.


PIF-FY MAIL!
A while back, I signed up for a PIF on CJ's blog (Tea & Stitches). Just in time for Christmas, it arrived in today's mail! I absolutely loved everything she sent me.

... a handmade card from Italy! I'm always in awe the time and talent these ladies put into making cards. Colored head pins -- Great for embellishing pinkeeps and ornaments. Cute little lady bug charm. Six Strand Sweets Floss (Wintergreen) in an adorable handmade pouch envelope. 32ct Evergreen Opalescent Luguna fabric -- I've already cut a piece off this for an ornament I want to do :) A pair of 3" Wescott scissors. They are so cute!


But wait... there's more! Don't you just love handmade gifts? I know I do

Baked Potato Bag -- I can't wait to try this. CJ says it works really well. Beaded Bookmark by Lady Sophie. A crocheted dishcloth. I have a couple of these from my sister. They work wonderfully.

Thank you, CJ. Your PIF is really appreciated.

Marvelous Monday Update 12/7/09

PIF's
My final two PIF's have gone out into the mail to Sharmila and Mary. Mary has already contacted me that she received hers. Sharmila lives in India so she should be receiving it shortly. This wraps up my PIF obligations. :)




STITCHY STUFF
With all the "chaos" going on in my life lately, I didn't get a chance to sign up for any ornament exchanges on my groups. I was really bummed about it, as I have always done at least one each year since joining the online stitching community. Mel was kind enough to do a private exchange with me. It worked out perfectly. I can't show the entire thing since I want it to be a surprise for Mel, but here's a teaser pic:


I received my Humbug package from Monique in the Netherlands. She sent me *two* humbugs -- a small one and a large one! One was Quaker themed with really pretty colors, and the other was Christmas themed. She included other goodies as well.

Thank you, Monique!

Lisa in Canada finally received the Advent Exchange I sent last week. Just in time... on December 1st! Coincidentally, my package from Cyndi in CA arrived on December 1st, too. :)


GIVEAWAY
Jennifer of Feathers in the Nest is hosting an awesome giveaway. Click on over to her blog to check it out.


TIS THE SEASON!
I set up one of my little Christmas trees, and hung all my stitched ornaments on it. Then I put all my Advent Exchange presents underneath. I think it looks great!



I've sent out two batches of Christmas cards last week, and am working on a third one. I've gone through my planner... sent to family/friends, sent to those in a card exchange I'm involved with, and went through my Yahoo address book to send to online friends whom I have addresses for. I'd like to express my gratitude for the friendships I've made with each of you!

Marvelous Monday Update 11/9/09

ABSENCE
The past two weeks have left me emotionally exhausted, and I’ve been trying to think clearly and put together a plan of action. To those of you who have emailed me personally, and taken time to talk to me on the phone – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s nice to know that you care what happens to me and I really appreciate your friendships. Big ((hugs)) to you.


PIFs
Heads up, lucky PIF recipients! Robin and Debbie Jo, your packages are going out in today’s mail. Mel, yours will be going out soon. Sharmila and Mary, I'm still working on putting yours together. Most of these ladies have done their part and posted the PIF on their blogs. If you'd like a chance at PIF'ing, check out their sites. :) (PIF'ing is fun, I tell you!)


LITERACY TUTORING
Last year, I went through 14 hours of mandatory training to become a Literacy Tutor. Then due to cuts in state funding, summer sessions were discontinued. By the end of summer, the Adult Ed department received word that funding would continue (even though they haven’t received payment yet), but even with funding some parts of the program have been suspended... such as student transportation. A couple months ago, I got a call asking if I’d be willing to come back as a volunteer tutor. This time, I chose to be an ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor. I have two regular students – a young woman from Columbia and an older gentleman from Laos. Intermittently, I have students from Mexico. I have to say it’s very rewarding to see the look on the students’ faces when the “lightbulb” goes off in their head.


STITCHY STUFF
I haven’t done much stitching over the past two weeks. Actually, I have but I decided to scrap my original idea and start over. What am I talking about? I’m participating in a Humbug exchange (my first one). I started stitching some roses, but the thing was HUGE and I kept having problems with frogging – two reasons for scrapping it. Instead I decided on a different them that is much smaller. I’m not sure if I’m always up for trying new finishes, but I don’t know if I’ll do a Humbug again. (LOL, I said that about biscornus, too.) I finished the Humbug this past weekend. Sorry, no pics as it’s a “secret” exchange.


WEATHER
We had absolutely gorgeous weather for the past 3-4 days. Temps in the 70’s… unusual for this time of year. I opened my windows to let in the fresh air. I took advantage of it by finishing up my fall yard work – pulling dead stuff out of planters and putting the planters away for the year, pulling dead stuff out of the flower beds. I also hung laundry out on the line to dry. Mmmm... love the smell of that!


GIVEAWAYS
Incidentally, Robin is celebrating her 3 years of blogging bliss! She's hosting a giveaway. So, if you're interested click on over to HERE.



Nina of Between Crosses with Nina is hosting a Christmas giveaway on her blog until November 30th. Some beautiful stuff there!




EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER
A while back, we had an EHM in my county. I found out that the show is airing this Sunday, November 15th. Photos of the house can be seen HERE.


CONCERN
Several months ago, I received a personal email from someone regarding a situation I posted on my blog. I responded back and left it open in that if this person needed my support, to contact me. Last week, a comment was left on my blog (which I have not published) which has caused me to be concerned. I no longer have your email address, so if you could PLEASE email me – do so. I have been very worried about you.

PIF Winners Announced

On Oct 6th, I was given a chance to Pay It Forward. The thought behind a PIF is to make someone's day a bit better/brighter/happier. I have some good news! Instead of offering a PIF to three people, I decided to give to FIVE lucky ladies. :) I always use highly technical means of choosing names -- little slips of paper in a bowl!


Without further adieu, the recipients of this PIF are:

Mel the Epic Stitcher
Robin the Stitch Witch
Debbie Jo in GA
Sharmila of Stiching My Way
Mary of Mary in the Morning

Ladies, please email me with your address so I can start getting these PIF-fy surprises out to you.

Also, remember... Now it's your turn to PIF. The rules are as follows:

1. Send no less than 5 stitching related items per person within the next 365 days.
2. Items can be DMC, other threads, stitching needles, straight pins, buttons, scissors, ribbons, etc. - a combination of items such as 3 threads, 1 pack of straight pins and 1 pack of stitching needles or just 5 threads.
3. The items must be new and not used. (Send things you'd be happy to receive.)
4. If you win, you must be willing to post this PIF on your blog and do the same for at least 2 people.

Have You Ever...

...done something nice for someone without expectation of something in return from that person? Or, have had someone done something for you? Did it not just make your day?



That's the concept of Pay It Forward (PIF). If you've never seen the movie (or read the book) by the same name, I highly encourage you to do so. It's very good!


In the spirit of PIF'ing, CJ of Tea and Stitches offered to Pay It Forward. I thought it sounded like fun, so I signed up. So now it's my turn to Pay It Foward!

This is so easy. No sewing involved, and you get 365 days to send out your PIF's :) The "rules" are as follows:

1. I'll send no less than 5 stitching related items per person within the next 365 days.
2. Items can be DMC, other threads, stitching needles, straight pins, buttons, scissors, ribbons, etc. - a combination of items such as 3 threads, 1 pack of straight pins and 1 pack of stitching needles or just 5 threads.
3. The items must be new and not used. (Send things you'd be happy to receive.)
4. If you win, you must be willing to post this PIF on your blog and do the same for at least 2 people.

If you are interested in Paying It Forward, please comment on this post with your email address so that I can contact you. I will PIF three readers. If there are more than three comments, the names will go into a drawing to determine the lucky ones :) Good luck! I'll announce the PIF receipients on the 15th.

a PIF from CJ

Back in July, I signed up for a PIF on CJ's blog. I was so excited when I opened the box!

I've been admiring CJ's baskets ever since I saw
them on her blog. They are so beautiful and she
is so talented!! To top it off, she makes cards, too.

Another view of the basket :)

As if that weren't enough, there was a pretty handmade little box, and a bag of Ghiradelli chocolates. CJ said the chocolate was from her son. What a sweet little guy!

I wonder what's in the box????

The cutest little flatfold I ever did see! I love it!!


CJ is such a dear lady for taking time to create such beautiful things. Big thanks to her (and her little one) for the PIF gifts. I had a stressful night, and this definitely brightened my day and put a smile on my face! :D

PIF #3

I found out my third and final PIF was received. I completed my obligation and it didn't even take me a year.... Woo Hoo!

What's a PIF? How does it work? Check it out HERE.

I did something a little bit different for Beth:

Handmade beaded scissor fob with glass beads.
PIF #1 - Rene
PIF #2 - Lynn in TX

PIF #2

I received word that my second PIF was received. What's a PIF? How does it work? Check it out HERE.

I actually finished it on 8/28/08. For Lynn in TX:


Snow Poem Tree by Erynne
Time: 15.75 hrs to stitch, 2 hrs to finish
Fabric: 18ct white aida
Fibers: Anchor 1345, DMC 964
Embellishments: Handmade cording
(DMC Pearle 518), 1/8" ribbon, eyelets
Lynn really liked it! "I went to the mail box just now and there was a gift from Meari! It's that SNOWFLAKE POEM I posted this morning. There it was, all stitched up in ready to go on my wall. It is gorgeous! Meari's stitching is perfect, puts mine to shame. Every stitch perfectly placed. You can't appreciate the work until you hold it. I OWN AN ORIGINAL MEARI! Thank you, thank you. ~Lynn, smiling so broadly"

PIF #1 - Rene

PIF #1

I finally received word that my first PIF was received yesterday. For Rene in NV ~~~ From this:

Notice the intials - Hers and Mine :)
To This:

Design: Needlebook in Lilac by Ancsa
(converted to a biscornu)
Time: 11.75 hrs to stitch, 2 hrs to finish
Fabric: 14ct opalescent aida
Fibers: DMC 209 & 3802
Embellishments: 1/4" flower buttons

Coming To A Doorstep Soon

Who's will it be? What will it be? Shhhhh! Is it a secret? You could say that... It's a... PIF! 1-2-3, Who will it be? Which of the lucky gals will be the first recipient of the PIF I offered: Rene, Beth, or Lynn? Stay tuned! As soon as the lucky duck receives it, I'll be posting my Finish pic.


Meantime, look at this eye candy:


I've been drooling over this kit for a long time. The Stitchery had it on sale for for over 40% off! I hopped off my stash wagon briefly to snag it up. Just couldn't pass on a deal like that.

PIF Winners Announced!

I went through a *very* scientific process of determining the three winners of my PIF. I put all the names in a cup and chose three. LOL Here are the winners:


Rene, Beth, and Lynn in TX, please email me your addresses so that when I get the PIF's ready, I can mail them to you. Remember, you have to Pass It Foward :)

It's a PIF!

I signed up for a PIF on CJ's blog, so now it's my turn to offer it on my blog!

*** This is how it works ***

If you would like to receive something made by me within the next 365 days, please comment on this post to say that you are interested.

I will take the first 3 people...or if there are more than 3, then I will do a drawing. In return, you must offer to do the same :)

I will be taking sign ups until Saturday, July 12th. Thanks for signing up!


What's a PIF? It stands for Pass It Forward or Pay It Forward, meaning pass forward a bit of kindness to make the world a better place. My guess is its origins come from the movie of the same name, starring Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt, and Haley Joel Osment. Great movie, btw!