Thanks A Bunch!

WOW! I am truly touched with all the comments that were left on my last post :o) So much support and so many well wishes. Thank you! I am still sifting through comments and meeting new Stalkers so please bear with me. I'm almost caught up with my emails but my Blog reading is behind...again. I know, I know, what else is new?

Tomorrow DH and I are off to the IWK for another appointment. This one should just be routine. It's kind of wearing thin driving to Halifax every two weeks but at least I know I'm getting good care. I thank my doctor for that because I was a complete basket case when she first met me but she got me back on track.

Yes, I was just a 'tad' overwhelmed when we found out I was pregnant. I can't tell you how many times I looked at that pee stick, then back at the instructions. Looked at the pee stick again, then back at the instructions. Hoping somewhere along the line, I read the instructions wrong ;o) I even asked DH to double check that I was reading things right. Of course my family doctor's office must think I'm right out to lunch because I called them up first thing and wanted to know how accurate a pregnancy test was. Needless to say, there was just laughter on the other end of the phone.

I always knew there was a lot to being pregnant but it's definitely not the fairy tale that my mother and my friend K make it out to be! No one told me about the consistent peeing, being oh SO tired all the time, the pulling and stretching of your sides as things grow and best of all, the bowel distension and constipation! Oh what fun! LOL! In the end, at least I'm going to have someone to blame for the 2 am and 4 am wake up snack calls ;o)

In the past little while, I've been lucky enough to win a couple of giveaways :o) The first was one from Lizzie Kate! I won one of the lime green calculators but she also included a free chart in the package -

I thought that was so sweet. Thank you so much :o)

Not too long ago, I was a winner on Andie's Blog and this is what arrived last week -

I know! That red, sparkly fabric is just yummy but I'm having fun with it all ;o) Thank you Andie!

I still have some stitching to show you so stay tuned for more...

Long Overdue Post

I have been sitting on this post for awhile now. Not because I wanted to but because I was waiting for Canada Post to get their act together and deliver the mail that I was waiting for >:o(

I truly have some wonderful friends and Nia is one of them :o) This little guy arrived ages ago and I feel bad that it took me this long to show him off -

I was one of the lucky recipients of her bunny sachets. Nia filled them with lavender and they smell oh-so-heavenly! I just adore the card that she sent with it.

Nia also spoiled me on my birthday and sent me 'the most' perfect bunny bag -

She not only stitched the bunny but she sewed the bag up for me too and I have to say that she is a perfectionist! Nia's work is amazing. She also included the scissors that were on my wish list. My collection is growing by leaps and bounds!

Denise also sent me something off my wish list and it arrived just in time for my birthday -

Another sampler to add to my sampler collection. LOL! Awesome :o)

One day I picked up a huge box from the post office and was shocked at all the wonderful goodies inside! Donna (no Blog) sent me this amazing assortment -

I had to take the picture twice because I had already used the water bottle and forgot to put it in the picture ;o) I have no idea where she found the Pumpkin Patch sign but it couldn't be more perfect! She also found some pink ribbon stickers and I've been looking out for these for the longest time.

Karen got creative and did her shopping on Etsy -

What could be more perfect for my birthday than a necklace with my name and birthstone? :o) I love it!

I also had a birthday order come from Needlecraft Corner but everything was put away by this time so unfortunately you don't get to see my stash :o( I can tell you that Lady Alex arrived with fabric and the rest of the beads I need to stitch her though.

Finally, I have wanted this pattern for a LONG time now and was lucky enough to buy it off of Heather -

Thank you Heather! It's always a pleasure buying from you. LOL!

I want to thank all my super friends for your thoughtfulness and kindness. I am truly lucky to know you all and I appreciate all that you do :o)

Jackpot!

I know I've been MIA again... Once my parents left, I tried to catch up with my Blog reading and emails but I just couldn't Blog myself. It's been wet and cold here so very depressing and hard to get excited about too much :o(

I did hit the jackpot last week though! My friend K and I went out and had a girl's day out :o) Much needed, let me tell you. Anyway, she wanted to go to this craft place because she'd never been there before. I knew the place well because I had scored some cross stitch magazines there last year so I was all for it.

Just look at what I brought home -

- one hardcover Leisure Arts Christmas book
- one foreign cross stitch magazine (looks like it's from France?)
- six Just Cross Stitch magazines
- one For The Love Of Cross Stitch magazine
- two Better Homes & Gardens cross stitch magazines
- one Crazy For Cross Stitch Magazine
- one The Cross Stitcher magazine

- seven Cross Country Stitching magazines
- four Cross Stitch & Country Crafts magazines
- two Stitcher's World magazines

- Stoney Creek pattern book
- Letter Snow! Letter Snow! Letter Snow! by Hillside Samplings
- Gift Of Peace by Lavender & Lace
- six patterns by Homespun Collectibles

And only for $8! Needless to say, I was one Happy Stitcher :o)

I also picked up a pattern called Green Gables Sampler by Charland Designs -

I thought it was a TIAG pattern when I picked it up. So my loss is your gain ;o) If you would like a chance at winning this chart, please leave a comment on THIS post only along with a means of getting a hold of you if you do win. That's it! Easy peasy :o)

Since I've been away for so long, I have lots to share so stay tuned for more...

A Stitcher's Dream

We had another shop close down :o( This one carried a few cross stitch supplies but not enough to consider it a LNS. During the last week it was open; I went in and inquired about a few things. One thing was the Mill Hill bead racks :o) You guessed it, I came home with two! I was so excited and just look at these pretties -

Yes, those are all my Mill Hill beads and treasures. LOL!

So far I only have one rack in use. I'm not sure if I'll use the other one or not. I just wish we had the money to fix up my craft room with all the cabinets that I've been dreaming of ;o)

Spring is finally popping up -

It's still quite cool though and now we're having a week of rain :o( Come on warmer weather!

Christmas Rules SAL Block Four

Yippee skippy...block four of Christmas Rules is done!

I truly missed stitching on this project for the remainder of March. Come to think about it, I wasn't really that smart this month either because now I have almost another four weeks before I can stitch on this again ;o) LOL! Here is what the whole thing looks like -

I wonder how Nia is coming along :o)

I've had a few people ask how I'm doing so I thought I should probably update you. I saw my doctor and as far as he's concerned, it's my Fibro that's been acting up :o( He did order a blood test for Rheumatoid Arthritis but he doesn't think I have it. He gave me a new prescription for my Tylenol 3 with Codeine because my other one was from 2008 (I think) so its kick was pretty much gone. I can honestly say that one of the new pills doesn't really do anything for the pain either :o(

Thankfully the pain has subsided but there are days, like today, when I can feel it in my knees and elbows. Not fun. I also got some new medication for my migraines and although it seems to work like a charm without knocking me out, the prescription is pretty expensive! Just to give you an idea, six pills cost us $22 and that was 'with' coverage. Oye!

I can definitely say that I am truly blessed by wonderful friends though and that has kept my spirits up during this time :o) At the first of the week, I received a package of charts and floss from one of my Stalkers -

Colleen (no Blog) is from my home province of NB and has been reading my Blog for awhile now. She did a RAK and I couldn't be more thrilled! Thank you again Colleen! You are too kind and just know this stash went to a good home. A thank you will be sent out soon ;o)

Then yesterday I picked up another parcel and this was something I wasn't expecting. When I read the return address and saw that it was from Tina, I wondered what she was up to... Imagine my surprise when I opened the box and found this -

ROFL!!!! Tina sent me a package of ECEs and Milka cream filled eggs (they even come with little tiny spoons!). Apparently she thought she could convert me... I'm sorry to say Tina but it didn't work :o( I guess I'm just an ECE girl at heart ;o) Thank you so much for the thoughtful package though. It really did put a much needed smile on my face!

Farewell February!

One day left of this rotten month! Woohoo! Can I make it? I'm ready to hunker down in my warm house and stitch so hopefully I can. Maybe I should put a bottle of wine beside me just in case ;o)

I'm sorry I'm late in posting this so I will accept the ten lashes with wet noodles. LOL! Here are some goodies that arrived in the mail last week -

I 'finally' received my Nordic Needle catalogue! I love paging through that thing. I have a magazine holder full of them and have kept every one throughout the years. Okay, so call me a hoarder. I know DH will after he reads this ;oP

The other items came from Mary Kathryn at eHandcrafts :o) She is so sweet to deal with. I had received my annual GC from my Secret Santa again this year so I was able to splurge and buy the two new patterns that I dearly wanted! When will I fit them in? I have no idea but I will, I promise!

Speaking of Secret Santas...she 'finally' revealed herself this year and I was completely surprised to find out that it was my good friend Judy! Well, not surprised that she would do something like this because she's such a generous person but because she kept her secret so well hidden ;o) I have her to thank for years of scrumptious stash and she is the reason Sabrina is in the making as we speak. Every time I work on Sabrina I think of Judy. Thank you my dear, dear friend!

I've noticed that I've gained even more Stalkers over the past few weeks. Where are you guys coming from???? LOL! I welcome you all and am very glad to see you here. Make yourselves at home :o)

Month Long Celebration Winner!!!!

WOW! There were 80 entrants in total although one of you had your name in there three times...Alberta! I guess I wasn't watching too closely ;o) Just kidding!

I put all of your names in at Random.org and the big green bag full of stash goes to...Stitchinowl!

Sorry I have the list divided into three parts but I couldn't figure out how to get the whole thing onto one and have the date and time show at the bottom.

Again, I want to thank everyone for participating and I only wish that I could give out prizes to everyone. You've really made Blogging enjoyable for me. You're all winners in my book ;o)

Month Long Celebration Week 5

Wow! It's hard to believe it's the end of January already! And it's the final day of my month long celebration :o( I've been having so much fun (and I hope you have been too) that I'm sorry to see it come to a close. But don't worry, there will be other giveaways in the future ;o)

Here is the last batch of items to be placed in the big green bag -


January 25 - a retractable tape measure. Perfect size for carrying around with you :o)

January 26 - a 3.5 x 5 inch wood frame. You know you can always find something to stitch that will fit in there! LOL!

January 27 - a complete kit by Pine Mountain Designs called August Is Cookin'. Gotta love these pre-finished projects ;o)

January 28 - two new patterns. Love Blooms by Mosey N Me and Christmas Ornaments 2 by Prairie Grove Peddler.

January 29 - a white theme...a piece of 20 x 24 inch of white Monaco and a card of white 3/8" Pull Bow Ribbon (6 yards). If you have trouble making bows, this will do the trick!

January 30 - five ceramic Mill Hill buttons. Four trees (two different styles) and one teddy bear :o)

January 31 - and finally...two pieces of hand-dyed fabric! One 9 x 13 inch 28 count Opalescent Lugana (Mystique Cafe Mocha) by Enchanted Fabrics and one 17 x 14 inch 28 count Linen (mystery color but I think it might be called Pepper) by R&R Reproductions.

You may have noticed a Just Cross Stitch magazine in the picture as well. That's because I'm going to swap the January 11 item. I did have the November/December 2010 up but I'm going to replace that with the January/February 2011 issue. I hope you don't mind. My rules anyway ;o) LOL!

I'm also going to include a little something from my province; a Nova Scotia lanyard. I find these perfect for attaching my scissors to while I'm in the car. That way you always know where they are!

There's still a bit of time left to enter so remember to comment on the first post in order to get your name thrown in the hat. PLEASE read all the rules beforehand! Tomorrow I will use Random.org to choose the winner and then post that name here. Good luck everyone :o)

Christmas Rules SAL

It has begun! Of course I procrastinated and waited until the end of the month. Nia and I are stitching this together and will be doing one block per month. The only exception is the month of January where we need to stitch the header along with the first block. I won't lie, I was worried...but last night I put the final stitches in that header and now it's DONE!

I love the colors. I splurged and went with the hand dyed fibers :o) I'm stitching mine on 32 count Light Mocha linen. This afternoon I put a good start on block one so I'm really happy and I know I can make my deadline. Phew!

It was an awesome mail day today because I got my order from 123 Stitch -

My dear friend Karen bought me a gift certificate from there for Christmas :o) I've always wanted Lady Of The Mist by Mirabilia so it was excellent timing. Of course the beads jumped in there as well. LOL! Now I'll have to decide what color fabric to stitch her on. Don't get too excited because she won't be started anytime soon! Thank you again Karen :o)

I am SO pumped! Today was my third week of aerobics and I actually feel like I have more energy. Not to mention the fact that I AM getting more coordinated ;o) No, I won't be on Dancing With The Stars in the near future but at least my body is figuring out that my arms and legs CAN do separate things at the same time. LOL! Who would have thunk?

Month Long Celebration Week 4

Today it's sunny out, with no snow, but the wind is wild and C-O-L-D! This is the first real cold snap that we've had here. I really shouldn't complain ;o) I figure it's a good time to get some work done and post another round of goodies for you!

January 18 - a serious stitcher has to have more DMC ;o) Here's another eight new skeins of floss (Ecru, 815, 3024, 3362, 3363, 3364, 3371 and 3866).

January 19 - a stitcher has to have beads as well! I'm including one package of Mill Hill Petite Glass Beads (42027) and one package of Mill Hill Glass Seed Beads (02019).

January 20 - I can't forget that blending filament that we love so much ;o) Included are two spools of Kreinik (001 and 100).

January 21 - this poor pattern looks well used but I found it in a second hand shop and thought it might appeal to those sampler lovers out there. It's called Sampler Stocking III by Mary Beale. It's copyright 1985 so I don't know if it's OOP or not.

January 22 - buttons! Buttons are always good to have in our stash :o) This is a package of Dress It Up buttons in squares and circles. Perfect for LK, BC, HIH or snowmen patterns!

January 23 - I figure you'll need more finishing stash as well so here are two fat quarters. I love the paw prints :o)

January 24 - how can you finish something without ribbon? So here are two spools; one a brown satin and the other a blue grosgrain.

Only one more week to go! Are you getting excited? I know I am :o)

There's still time to enter so remember to comment on the first post in order to get your name thrown in the hat. PLEASE read all the rules beforehand!

I want to thank everyone for their kind, kind words on my last post. It made me feel a bit better knowing that there have been others in similar situations. I'm still expecting to see or hear Popcorn so she is still missed but I do hope that she finds the right home. I have faith that she will.

Month Long Celebration Week 3

I can't believe how time flies! We're now onto week 3. I hope you have enjoyed what you have seen so far :o) It's so fun picking out items to put up each week. Are you ready? Here you go -

January 11 - the November/December 2010 issue of Just Cross Stitch. This is new but I do see a rip on the front cover :o( That may have happened while it was piled under all my rubble...

January 12 - this isn't really stitchy related but I thought a cute puppy calendar would be nice. Hey, you can keep track of you stitching with it! The picture on the front is my favourite ;o)

January 13 - how can one stitch without floss? Included is 8 skeins of DMC (white, 371, 372, 564, 606, 725, 986 and 3756).

January 14 - another new pattern! This is called Fall Baking by Of Generations Past.

January 15 - so far there hasn't been any fabric so this will get you ready for Christmas :o) It's hard to see in the picture but it's a piece of 28 count silver/white Metallic Lugana, 18 x 13.75.

January 16 - another new pattern but this one includes the threads AND a sterling silver charm! This one is called Me And Thee by Charland Designs. Perfect for Valentine's Day :o)

January 17 - and the final item for this week is a heart tin frame by Twisted Threads. I've had this in my stash for years now and have never stitched a pattern for it. I'm passing it on in hopes that it will be used :o)

Before I forget, I want to welcome all the new Pumpkin Stalkers to the Pumpkin Patch. It's been nice to see new faces and to check out your Blogs as well :o) I hope you will enjoy future visits here. The Patch is a pretty laid back place that not only combines my love for cross stitch and photography but it does have a little sense of humour too. LOL!

Sigh...I hate to do this but I feel I must :o( For those of you who want to enter this giveaway, PLEASE read ALL the rules (and there aren't many) on this post before commenting. If you can, let me know what your ID is if it's not easily picked out among the Stalker list. Just because you follow me in your Google Reader does not make you a Follower of my Blog. To have your name entered, you have to comment on that first post as well. If you leave a comment on another post, your name will not be entered and I will not track you down. Sorry but that's not my job ;o) I would hate to see anyone left out so if you have any doubts, please check the comment section of that first post to make sure your name is there. Thank you!

Please stay tuned for my second finish :o) WOOHOO!

Month Long Celebration Week 2

It's that time of week again when I reveal more goodies! Are you prepared? Just think, last time you only got to see three day's worth. This time I have seven days of stuff for you to feast your eyes on and I hope you won't be disappointed ;o)

January 4 - I'm including one of my own handmade tuck pillows :o) These are great for that instant finish gratification. I left a (very) small hole at the bottom so you can stuff it or leave it flat; whichever you desire!

January 5 - since I won the whole Dinky Dye silk collection, I thought I would share some of the silks that I have. I mean hey, am I 'really' going to use all of this silk???? Probably not in this lifetime. LOL! These three skeins came from one of their OOPS packs.

January 6 - another pattern. This time Colors from Crossed Wing Collection and its brand new.

January 7 - how can you stitch something without a cute pair of scissors? I had picked up the regular embroidery version of these breast cancer scissors quite awhile ago and then the other day I found the stork style in the same pattern. And yes, I did buy a pair for myself too ;o)

January 8 - For The Love Of Cross Stitch was one of my favourite magazines so I'm always on the search for issues that I don't have so that I can complete my collection. I came across a stack of these this past summer and ended up buying two that I already had. These are second hand but always a nice addition to anyone's stash! The issues are July and November 1989.

January 9 - plastic floss bobbins are always a great idea! There are 17 and with the hole at the top, I think they would be great for those hand dyed fibers. That way you can keep them gathered together on a huge ring.

January 10 - speaking of rings...how about a brand new package of them for those floss tags that everyone loves to make? There are 8 in the package, 1.5 inches in diameter and come in four different colors (gold, green, red and blue).

Remember, if you would like to get your name in on this giveaway, please read the rules and put a comment on THIS POST only!

We still have three weeks to go :o)

Month Long Celebration!

As promised w-a-y back in this post, I will be holding a month long giveaway to celebrate my 200+ Pumpkin Stalkers!!!! Woohoo! I am so pleased that so many of you think that my Blog is interesting enough to follow ;o) LOL!

So what does this mean? Well, for every day of this month, I will add a prize(s) to the box and on February 1, a winner will be announced :o) Just think of the loot! Since I don't have the time to post an individual picture each day, I will post a group picture every Monday instead. Most of the items will be cross stitch related. Some will be new, gently used or from my stash.

Now the rules are simple... First, you MUST be a Pumpkin Stalker (either old or new). Second, you MUST leave a comment on THIS POST only! If you leave a comment on another post, it will not be included in the draw. And finally, you MUST leave me your email address or have some way for me to contact you if you are the winner. Easy peasy :o)

Do you want a sneak peek of what's to come? No? Ahhhhh, I thought you said yes ;o) Here are the prizes for January 1-3 -

January 1 - a HUGE tote from Stitches N Things! I had three of these so I figured I could part with one ;o) These are great for carrying around big projects. The bag measures 20 x 15.5 inches.

January 2 - the pattern Summer Flies by Shepherd's Bush and it includes the button!

January 3 - a tin because we all know how much fun it is to finish one of these.

Good luck everyone and I hope this will be as fun for you as it is for me :o)

It's Raining...

AGAIN...but I'm making snow angels in silk ;o)

LOL! There you have it, my total winnings from Dinky Dyes :o) The package arrived yesterday but I never got it until close to 10 pm when DH got home from work. He just looked at me and said "There's $700 worth of silk in that padded envelope?" Yup, and it's all MINE >;o)

I still haven't had a chance to really go through it all. Don't worry though, I'll have to catalogue it so that will take me a day, or two, or three...

I had another parcel arrive yesterday as well and it was a complete surprise! This box full of goodies came from Donna (no Blog) -

It seems that my Mr. Potato Head family has just grown so I'll have to take a family picture soon ;o) DH was sulking until I told him The Musical Ride and Trees book were for him. That sure perked him up. Thank you SO much Donna! You spoiled us WAY more than you should have!

On Friday I received a package all the way from Russia! Tatyana and I did a small exchange and this is what she sent me -

I coveted the Blue Violets pattern that she stitched and was so pleased when she said she would send it to me :o) Look at the teeny tiny Lanarte kit! I've never seen one so small. LOL! Thank you Tatyana and I can't wait for our next exchange.

DH and I had a nice visit with my parents. Luckily we had a beautiful long weekend with them. On Saturday it got up to 15 C! We're talking the middle of November! We didn't do too much but Dad helped DH in the garage and I introduced Mom to a couple new computer games ;o) On Sunday morning we hit the beach in search of sea glass but it was tough going. The last storm pushed up the rock and made it a compacted wall. I came home with some good finds though.

It was sad to see them go on Monday morning :o( As long as the weather cooperates, we hope to see them after Christmas when we run up to see my Gram :o) Thank you for everything Mom and Dad! It was a delight having you. But remember, play nice or else I take the games back. LOL!

Eighteenth Finish For 2010

I was bad. A bad, bad, bad stitcher! But I just couldn't resist... I took a little break from Sabrina to stitch this little cutie -

This is Pumpkin Kiss by The Cricket Collection stitched on 32 count Lambswool linen. Now you can see why he just had to be done ;o) One more pumpkin to add to my collection. I even have the perfect backing fabric for when I get ambitious enough to finish him. LOL!

I feel kind of bad because I don't have any fall projects stitched this year. I still have my summer pieces hanging up and nothing to replace them with. I love my snowmen but even I think it's a little too early for them ;o)

I have to apologize to Patti because I won the draw on her Blog and haven't posted a picture of my goodies yet. I finally got myself organized enough. Lookie at what arrived a couple of weeks ago -

Thank you SO much Patti! I've had fun going through ALL of it :o)