A gift...

Well the PET scan went well....now we just wait till next Wednesday to hear the results. 

 I finished up the shirts for John and the 3 other guys he's working with on the engineering final.  They are making a machine that mixes drinks for you at a touch of a button.  The name of it is "Drink Wizard" and this is the design they picked out for their shirts.

This is really the first time I've machine embroidered on knit fabric so there was some hesitation but after many trials and errors, I learned the secret.  They have a product out that is a stabilizer that disappears when wet.  I used the normal paper stabilizer on the bottom and the water disappearing one on top and got perfect results.  I do hope the 4 guys do well on this.  I took the shirts over last nite and they were still working on it.....having a little trouble about when it's suppose to pour.  

Now that Vickie has shown it on her blog I can show you what I made her.  She's been working very hard on a project and I've been her cheering squad and this was her prize for finishing.

I made her a padded project bag in pink and brown because I know she likes this combination.  I added roses to the bag because she's always showing such beautiful flowers on her blog and I get so envious.  In the little case are a pair of scissors and so other doodads for sewing that I thought she might use.  I'm happy she likes it.

Well that's about it.  I'm finishing up a freebie from The Primitive Hare and then I'm going to have a contest.  You'll hear more about that in the next post I do.

Blessings, Barbara

Why is it that when you want time to fly by it's as slow as a snail?  But then you look back on your life and it seems to have gone by in the blink of an eye.  It's very confusing.

I finished another little pillow.  This one is called "My Treasures" by Threadwork Primitives.  I filled this one with corn cob because of it's size.....corn cob is cheaper than crushed walnuts.  I'm liking how it turned out but I feel it's missing something.  

Maybe a trim or a stick pin?  I don't know but maybe some time it will come to me.

I'm debating on what to stitch next.  I want to stitch Gigi from Mirabilia to go with Ana but I've started it twice only to have to frog everything because of mistakes.  I don't think the Cross Stitching Gods want me to stitch her for some reason.  I have everything to do The Raven Queen but she's for next years large project.  

What I really should be working on is the sweater for the new great grand baby, John Elijah.  Peyton and John picked out this pattern:

and I'm knitting it in a royal blue (they don't want the traditional baby colors) and it's a wonderful Cascade Sateen Worsted.  I purchased it online from Craftsy and the link to it is here.  It's wonderfully soft and great to work with and you can't beat the price.  Let me knit a little bit more on it and I'll post a picture.

So whatever I start on next hopefully will keep my mind busy so it doesn't keep coming up with dreadful results of the PET scan this Thursday.

Blessings upon you,

Barbara

First off, I want to thank everyone for your prayers and good wishes.  I took the suggestion and called the doctors office on Thursday and would you believe they had forgotten to order the PET scan.  I was so mad but kept it to myself.  Within an hour of my call, I was notified by Florida Hospital and the appoint is for July 30th at 9:30 am.  Don't get me started on the health care system in this country because I could talk for hours on that subject.

I've been busy with some orders for the little bags I make and some project bags and I thought I'd share them with you.

For Linda:

For Judy:

For Christina:

and last but not least...for Rhonda:

I received a very nice surprise in the mail today from Rhonda.  She knows a lady that use to have her own ceramic shop but because of health reasons, had to give it up.  Now she just keeps herself busy at home making little things and this is what she made Vallie.

It's to keep her treats in.  Is that not the cutest thing!!!!  Vallie already knows that if she stares at this jar long enough, Mom just might give in and give her one.  I have it sitting on our coffee table in the living room so it's handy in case of an emergency.  LOL

Peyton and John were over yesterday but just for a short time.  They were out searching for pallets for a project that John needs to finish before he graduates from UCF on August 8th.   He will then be a full fledged Engineer.....now to find a job and I pray it's in this area.  If they move, I'll miss them dreadfully but you must go where the jobs are.

I hope each and every one of you have a Blessed weekend and have time to get lots of stitches in to your projects.  I'm still working on "My Treasures" by Threadwork Primitives and I just can't decide how I'm going to finish it....frame?.....pillow?....I just can't decide.

Blessed Be, Barbara

My patience is growing thin....

Would you believe we still haven't heard from the hospital about when the PET  scan will be!  I'm giving them until friday and then I guess I'll have to start calling people.  Don't they realize how nerve wracking this is?  I am just about at my end.

I'm keeping busy and I have another small finish to show you.  This one is called "Blackie" and it's by Homespun Elegance.  He was fun to stitch especially with those nice Belle Soie silks I was lucky enough to receive.  I stitched him on a fabric I don't use too much anymore and I can't for the life of me remember why I don't.  It's a joy to stitch on and that's Jobelan.  This one was 32ct. Sandstone.

I have alot of the chenille trim that Blackbird Design's uses so this one I dyed green with food coloring and I'm very pleased with how it turned out.

My next project is "My Treasures" by Threadwork Primitives but as usual I'm changing everything.  I'm going to stitch this one also in the Belle Soie and the pattern calls for a light colored fabric but I'm going the opposite.  I don't have a name for this one (somehow tags just disappear) but it is a 32ct hand dyed cocoa brown.

Again, I want to thank all of you for your kind emails and prayers sent our way.  What would the world be like without people who care?....I wouldn't want to know.

Blessings Upon All, Barbara

Just trying to stay busy

I'm trying my level best to stay busy and my mind occupied and I've finished two smalls.

The first one was a freebie at Cross Eyed Cricket and it's a really cute ice cream cone.  Well I love ice cream and my hips show every bite I've eaten over the years but I don't care.  I did something a little different with the finishing....it's a frig magnet.

I stitched it on 32ct. antique white Belfast linen using Au Ver A Soie 100/3 silks.  I love Cross Eyed Cricket designs and this one was a fun stitch.

I made another ornament for our Christmas tree this year and this one is by Little House Needleworks.  It was suppose to say "milk, vanilla, sugar, chocolate" but my husband and I have a recipe for hot chocolate that we both love.  We take vanilla syrup and put about 2 tablespoons of it in a cup of milk and heat that in the microwave.  Then we add the Ghirardelli chocolate powder and it's to die for.  So on this one I changed sugar to syrup.  It's been stitched to dark brown wool felt and then pinked around the edges.  The pattern is now in my store if you're interested.

Then Debbie at Needle Orts has decided to sell my little accessory bags and this is one I made for a customer.  On the back I either do the stitcher's name or her monogram to make it even more personal.  It has 6 pockets that go around the outside and as you can see, it's closed by a drawstring.  If you are interested in having one made in your favorite colors, just drop me an email and I'd be more than happy to make you one.  The price is $15.00 plus $2.50 shipping within the U.S..

That's about all I've gotten done so far this weekend.  Tomorrow I have to finish up a project bag and I hope to get some stitches in to Cherry Hollow Farm.

I want to thank all of you who are praying for a good outcome of my hubby's PET scan.  The emails that I've received and the comments are just heart warming and I appreciate every one.

Blessings to you and yours,

Barbara

I'm asking for prayers please..

About 8 months ago the doctors noticed a spot on my dh right lung.  He has been having a ct scan every two months with no change as far as the doctor could see.  Today was suppose to be his last appointment with the doctor giving him the all clear.  Well things don't always happen the way you wish.  The doctor is concerned because what he thought was scar tissue, is now denser than what it was 2 months ago.  We are waiting for the hospital to call to set up a time for dh to have a pet scan to see if it is cancerous.  I don't know how much longer this man can take bad news like this.  He's going to have to undergo open heart surgery in the near future and now this.  Please help me in praying that it's not cancer and just scar tissue that the doctor is hoping for.  We have to wait 3 weeks to see the doctor to hear the news and that's not going to be an easy wait.

Thank you and Bless you,

Barbara

A day at the salon can do wonders for a girls ego.....

....and now she can see where she's going.  I love how she smells when she comes from there....so sweet.  If you're not familiar with the breed Maltese, they have very little or no body odor at all except for when they are wet.  She'd rather be someplace else but at least once a month she puts up with it.....and me.

I have a new finish and if you are looking for a very quick Halloween ornament, this one by The Drawn Thread is one of them.  The finishing I tried a little different because I wanted somewhat of a primitive look to it.  If you look closely around the edge, you'll see tiny stitches that I used to stitch front and back together with the rick rack in between. 

I've started the new freebie from Cross Eyed Cricket and it's turning out so cute.  I love ice cream so it's going to find it's way into my kitchen.  I was going to put the link for it here but I take notice they already have a new freebie up.  It's a mermaid and she's called "The Swim Instructor".....very cute design.  I'm stitching my ice cream cone on 32ct. Antique White Belfast using Au Ver A Soie 100/3 silks and loving it.

Wishing you all a Blessed Week,

Barbara

Some new project bags

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend and was able to get in some quality stitches.  I decided to do some machine embroidery and if you have one of these wonderful machines, there's a website you MUST visit.  It's called "Kreations by Kara" and she has some of the most imaginative designs I've ever seen. It's hard for me to chose from her hundreds of designs and I always end up getting into trouble.  Here are 4 that I did this weekend.

"A Witch is never without her Ghoulfriends"

"If the broom fits.....ride it"

"Mask"

"Cirque du soleil"

I guess you noticed the Halloween theme.....I love these designs.  I have sewn these in a way that the front zipper is somewhat hidden so that if you don't want to use them as a project bag, stuff them full of polyfil and you have a nice Halloween pillow.  These are all fully lined and padded with Warm and Natural Cotton Batting.

Everyone have a Blessed week,

Barbara

A Fall Finish...

right out of the new Halloween issue.  This was a sweet stitch and I highly recommend stitching it in the colors it calls for.  I did use a darker fabric....Thunderstorm....and I'm so happy I did.  I think the pumpkin would of disappeared on the other fabric they chose.  Also, I happen to like dark fabrics, especially for fall and halloween projects.

I added something to mine.  I had an old looking bell and I just attached it with a rusty safety pin.  It just gives it a little more primitive look.  On 32ct. it turned out about 3.5 x 4.5 inches and I stuffed it with crushed corn cob filler.

Next I have to show you my shaggy dog.  Vallie needs a clipping so bad and she will be getting one next week but I just had to show you her.

Doesn't she look like she just woke up and forgot to brush her hair?  LOL  My sweet girl will be at the beauty salon next week to have her hair and nails done.  I spoil her terribly but I can't help it.

Well it's off to start a new project....isn't that the best feeling in the world!!!!!

Blessings, Barbara

Minding my own business.....

and I still get into trouble.  Remember me saying that my LNS had gotten in some new fabrics, well I was sitting here finishing up a little cushion and I received an email from Debbie saying she was open until 3 and that she had gotten in the new Halloween ornament issue.  Well that's all it took and off I went.  Here's what I came home with:

First off the magazine and I'm going to do two different designs from the issue:

 The first one is the owl that's on the front cover but as usual I'm changing it.  They have it stitched on black and that's just not me.  We have a gal locally that dies the most beautiful fabrics and I chose one of hers to do him on.  It's a 32ct. opalescent Belfast calls "Clouds and Flamingos".  It's different shades of grey with just a touch of pink to it.  

Next is "Crow on a pumpkin" by Samplers Not Forgotten.  He'll be stitched on 32ct. Thunderstorm with Sampler Threads.

Then there's the JBW Witch and I'm going to stitch her in purple Silk Lame Braid on a hand painted fabric called "Autumn Fairies" by Fabric Flair.

And last but not least are the fabrics I purchased.  They are from top to bottom:

WDW - Gun Metal

WDW - Sea Foam

PTP - Dawn

PTP - Storm

PTP - Echo

PTP - Pansy

PTP - Haunted

I thought that one of these was from R&R but I was wrong.  They are all Picture This Plus and Weeks Dye Works

I was also able to finish the little Homespun Elegance pincushion "Star Light Sampler Pincushion".  I decided not to put any kind of edging around it and leave it plain.  I did add the little brass key charm to it like the pattern called for.  I filled it with ground corncob to give it that primitive touch.  The pattern is in my store if you're interested in stitching it.

Well I had lots and lots of fun today and now to decide what to start first.  I think it's going to be the little Crow on a pumpkin pincushion/ornament.  I do like those colors.

I hope everyone is having a really good 4th of July but from the looks of the sky outside our windows, we're about to have a rainy one.  Just so it stops before the race tonite in Daytona.

Blessings to all, Barbara

LNS Woes

I was such a bad girl today I can't even begin to explain.  First off I went up to Needle Orts to pick up some linen and to show Debbie the project bags that I make.  She's been wanting to sell something like them in her store and it looks like I'll be making some for her.  While there, she received her mail and that was the beginning of my woes.  First off, she got in some new designs by Barbara Ana and there's one I just loved.  As I get older, I swear I love Halloween designs more and more and this is the one I bought today.

The name is "A Wicked Plant".  I'm even going to try and stitch it on 40ct fabric.  I don't know if I'll get if finished for this Halloween because of the shakes, but I'm determined to try.  Also while there she received a large collection of new colors of linens from R&R, Silkweaver and WDW.....she's holding a fat eighth of each one for my next visit.  Ho hum.....

My new start is going to be a Homespun Elegance Design "Starlight Pincushion".  Thanks to Robin, I have the Belle Soie silks that the design calls for and I'm stitching it on 30ct. Mink from WDW.

I've had this pattern for awhile so it's about time I stitched it.

My finish for this week is the primitive style of the Little House Needleworks freebie.  I plan on making it into a small quilt to hang on the back of my grandmother's rocking chair.  As it turns out, the fabric I used for the seat of her chair matches the color in the design so it works out perfectly.

Not to sound bad but I like my version better.  LOL

Well that was my Wednesday so far.  I think I did enough damage to my budget so now it's time to sit down and stitch.  I so love being retired.......

Blessings to all,

Barbara