Ninth & Tenth Finish For 2012

Yes, I'm still trying to catch up on showing you my finishes from last year! Hopefully I'll be done soon so you can see what I have stitched in 2013. Maybe someone can light that fire so I can back my butt into it. Otherwise, at this rate, it will be 2014 before you see anything that I have done this year ;o) LOL!

Finish nine is called Humble Gratitude by 4 My Boys -

This chart was handed down to me by Sharon after she finished it herself and I want to thank her for her kindness. I love this pattern and why wouldn't I seeing as there is a pumpkin in it ;o)

In honor of Sharon, I would like to do a RAK and send this pattern off to someone else that would like to stitch it. If you are interested, please say so in your comment and I'll pick a name (if more than one person would like it) and let you know in a few days. Please make sure I have a way to contact you if you are the lucky person.

My tenth finish is Peep by Lizzie Kate -

This is just cuteness. The pattern came with the fabric and I used the recommended threads. I see this one finished as a cube. When will that get done? HA! I doubt anytime soon... A girl can dream though ;o)

There are six more projects left to show so expect pictures very soon! I also have my appointment with the Oncologist tomorrow so I will be posting an update after we know more as to what is going on with me. I'll be honest, your thoughts and prayers are certainly needed at this time :o(

Long Overdue Stitchy Post

It's been SO long since I've posted anything remotely related to stitching that I hang my head in shame. LOL! Do not fear though because this Pumpkin still has a needle in hand and has been working on a number of different projects :o) Now to just light that fire under my a$$ and take some pictures...

For awhile I have been promising you an updated picture (sorry it's so dreadful) of Roses Of Provence by Mirabilia so here she is -

Her dress has expanded since my last update. I've also done more since this picture was taken but I've also taken a break from her. Not to worry, I'm not getting sick of her! I just find that in the heat of the summer, I stick to smaller projects and she's not as portable either. My hands are itching to get back to her though and I'm sure it won't be long before they do. I miss her :o)

So, has everyone gotten their JCS Halloween special edition magazine yet? There are some beautiful projects in there but I was a bit disappointed though because there didn't seem to be a lot of ornament sized pieces. Am I the only one that thought this? I can tell you one thing though, I absolutely LOVE Ghoul Tidings by Plum Street Samplers! BTW, there is an error on the chart for this design. Now to patiently wait for the Christmas ornament issue...

I want to thank everyone for sharing your tricks on how to keep on top of Blog reading now that Google Reader is gone. I've checked out the other sites that were mentioned and I'm still not sure what I'm going to use yet. For right now I'm going to stick with Bloglovin' but it doesn't mean that I'm happy with it ;o)

Taking Shape + Winners!

It's been almost two months since I started Roses Of Provence. How time flies when you're having fun ;o) LOL! I know I gave you a little taste of her beginning but I've got a lot more stitched and thought you might like to see -

She's got color! I really wanted to get the beading done on and around her head but so far I haven't had any childless opportunities ;o) Maybe soon. I'm anxious to see some of that bling.

Her dress is gorgeous! There's no real pattern to it so after the white has been stitched in, it takes me awhile to stitch in the other colors. It's surprising how many colors Nora used; I think it's around ten.

I may not get a lot of time with her but I'm quite amazed at how much I've gotten done so far.

I have to apologize because awhile back I offered a pattern to whoever was interested and said I would draw a name if more than one person wanted it. Well, there were four interested parties so I drew a name and the winner was MOUSE! Congrats :o) I have your address and will be getting that out to you soon.

I also had another contest but it was a secret one. Just another way to show my thanks :o) I took all the names of those who commented on my January 28 post and got Random.org to pick a stalker. The winner was ANNE! Congrats to you too :o) Anne, you have won a complete kit and I'll be getting that in the mail soon as well.

In The Beginning...

She looked like this -

This is my start to Roses Of Provence by Mirabilia :o) Not a lot done yet but more than I expected! I think it's been about a month now since I started her. I'm averaging about an hour a night with her so the going is slow but I'm REALLY enjoying her. I love watching her take shape right before my eyes. Once her skin is complete, I'll move on to her hair. I can't wait to start on her dress!

Again, I have three amazing ladies to thank. If it weren't for them, I probably wouldn't be stitching ROP at the moment. It all started with Carolyn who sent me the pattern and bead package :o) My eyes popped when I saw all those beautiful beads! I wonder how all that beading is going to get done with a toddler in the house. LOL!

Next it was Gabi who bought me the fabric :o) I stayed with the recommended fabric and I'm happy I did. It does remind me of white chocolate but it won't take away from ROP's beauty in the end.

Last, but certainly not least, was Melanie who sent me ALL the DMC required along with the spool of Kreinik :o) There is just something about seeing all those skeins of floss together that gets my heart racing and my mouth drooling! LOL!

Thank you ladies! Your generosity has touched my heart and I hope you'll enjoy watching ROP come to life as much as I will. Please know that I will always remember your gifts and it will be a fun story to tell people when they see her hanging up on my wall :o)

There is one more person I would like to thank as well; although I don't know who I'm thanking. I had a certain Secret Santa send me a $20 gift certificate to Down Sunshine Lane around the same time. I just got around to making a purchase and I'm looking forward to getting my order. I wish I knew who you were so I could thank you in writing but I hope this will do...thank you :o)

 

Finishes Seven & Eight For 2012

Continuing on with my finishes from last year, here are two more to share with you :o)

Finish seven is called Flower Motif Pin Kit by La-D-Da -

I received this kit in a grab bag that I ordered from Stitches N Things. It came with everything so that's what I used; 35 count linen and Dinky Dyes silk. I'm not crazy about it. If I remember correctly, I just wanted something quick to do. LOL! If anyone is interested in the pattern, I'll be more than happy to pass it along. Just let me know in your comment (please include a way to get a hold of you) and if there is more than one person that wants it, I'll put the names in a hat :o)

Finish eight is a favorite of mine and one I've had on my To Do List for y-e-a-r-s! It's by The Cricket Collection and it's called Shepherd Bunny -

Now you understand why ;o) This little girl (at least I think she is) was stitched on 28 count Mint Green linen with the suggested threads. The camera really didn't take a great picture; the color of the fabric is a bit off.

Again, thank you for all your great comments! I'm only halfway through my 2012 Finishes list so there's more to come :o)

 

Finishes Five & Six For 2012

I've got a few moments while Junior is passed out in his crib. The kid is exhausted! From the sounds of it last night, I thought he was having a party in his room. Maybe he was... LOL!

I thought I should start posting pictures of my finishes from last year before 2014 rolled around ;o) I have lots to show you as it seems I was very bad at keeping up with my show & tell.

Finish five is called Quilt Patch Heart by Handblessings -

This was a freebie and I stitched it last February when I was in my Valentine's Day kick :o) Unfortunately it has not been made into a pillow as I was hoping but maybe someday soon. I changed the colors on this one but I can't remember to what. D'oh! I know I used DMC. HA!

Finish six is by The MonkeyWorks and it's called Be My Sweet Heart -

I used the colors that were called for and at first I thought they were horrible! That was until I found some fabric that was a perfect match. Again, my intentions were to sew this into a little pillow... I stitched this one on 36 count linen.

Sorry the pictures are so bad! We finally had some snow last night and it's overcast today. I hope you've enjoyed seeing some of my stitching and I promise I'll be back soon with some more :o)

 

Congratulations To...

The winner of the $100 gift certificate from Anita's Little Stitches goes to -

CATH of The Stitchin' Chicken!!!!

I hope you enjoy shopping Cath and have fun going through all that new stash. Don't forget to share a picture or two of what you bought ;o)

I want to thank everyone who left their name for the giveaway. Again, I wish I could send something out to each of you. Keep your eyes out for more fun in the future :o)

Welcome Winter With A Little Something Special

For awhile now I've been thinking what I could do to give back to my Blogging friends for being there for me over this past year. You know it's been a year of major ups and downs for me and all your comments kept a much needed smile on my face :o) Just knowing I had such a vast support system helped tremendously.

Oh how I wish I could send each and every one of you a little something but that is not possible at the moment so I've had to resort to Plan B. Unfortunately there can only be one winner BUT I hope I can put back a smile on every face that gave one to me :oD

So...how does a $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE sound???? And what if that gift certificate was for Anita's Little Stitches???? Huh? I bet you're smiling now! LOL!

I love Anita's! If you've never been there, check out her website. It always amazes me each time I go because she carries some fun and unique items not found elsewhere. What about a one pound bag of Christmas buttons? Or 55 count linen? Or maybe check out Anita's own designs. Her strawberry emery patterns are adorable and she has 15 sided Biscornus.

There are just a few teeny weenie rules so PLEASE read carefully :o)

1) In order to cash in on the gift certificate, your order must be $150 or more. Technically you're only paying $50 but you know there's things you've wanted to buy for awhile now ;o) Have you been wanting to buy those scissors you've been drooling over but just couldn't justify it? Now you can! Don't think you can buy enough for yourself? Hey, buy some for a friend too! Anita has been so generous to donate this gift certificate so please follow through.

2) You must be a Pumpkin Stalker and a regular commenter. You know who you are and I do too so don't question whether you qualify or not ;o)

3) There must be a way for me to contact you if you are the winner. Either leave your email with you comment or make sure you have it in your Profile. Chances are I probably already have it.

The giveaway will be open until late December 31, 2012. I will be away from the computer from December 21-27 so if your comment does not appear right away, don't fret! When I'm back online I will push comments through. You might want to double check just to make sure though.

I'm sad to say that we did not send out Christmas cards this year (only the second time since DH and I have been married) but I want to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! May your holidays be filled with the company of loved ones and may your tummy be filled with turkey ;o) Hugs to all from the Pumpkin Patch!

OMG! OMG! O-M-G!!!!

UPDATE...OH-MY-GOSH!!!!  She's mine!  She's mine!  All mine :o)  I just got an email from a fellow Blogger, Carolyn, and she has more than kindly granted my wish of the pattern AND the beads!!!!  I have the biggest grin on my face :oD  Thank you SO much Carolyn!  My heart has been warmed by your kindness and one day I will do a RAK in your name.  On with my original post while I do a Happy Dance...

UPDATE 2...Okay, this is getting crazy!  Now I have the fabric thanks to the generosity of Gabi :o)  I'm totally blown away.  Really.  And then, a GC from a Secret Santa?  Gee, I must have been a good girl this year.  LOL!  Let me tell you, this sure lifted my mood after being sick for the past 36 hours :o(  I can't thank you enough Gabi and Secret Santa but maybe on Friday I will come close to it...

Okay, last night I was innocently browsing through the ONS when I came upon Mirabilia's new release. Have you seen her yet? I am SMITTEN!!!! Take a look at her -

Isn't she GORGEOUS???? I just HAVE to have her! I do :o) I can SO see myself stitching her and adding her to my collection of beautiful ladies. Actually, I think she would make a perfect match for Sabrina.

Sigh! I miss stitching a BAP :o( There is something about them that is so satisfying and calming and for some reason; I always hate it when they come to an end.

I really hope that Santa leaves me some money ;o) LOL! I would love to have her to start the New Year with. Oh how I wish there was an instant porthole that you could order what you want and just reach in and get it! Wouldn't that just be the best? Come on, someone out there should be able to invent this!

Btw, this is not the Special Something I was talking about in my last post so remember to stick around ;o)

Fourth Finish For 2012

"Well it's about time!" you're saying ;o) LOL! I'm 'way' behind in showing you what I've got stitched up so there's going to be a lot of catching up to do.

I had this done back in February or March, I can't remember. This is Happy Valentine's Day by Passione Ricamo -

It was stitched using Waterlilies Cardinal on 36 count Antique White linen.

My 'initial' idea was to have this finished into a pillow before I posted it to my Blog and my intentions were good! I had the pillow all sewn up and when I went to turn it right side out, I was crushed to find out that I had the fabric reversed >:o( Needless to say, I was mad and it was put aside. I will get back to it though, I promise ;o)

Stay tuned for more!

Could It Be?

Being away from stitching for awhile has kind of put me in the dark. I miss my routine of surfing the web. Lately I've been checking out my favourite haunts to see the latest designs and besides the special JCS magazine issues, nothing has really taken my fancy. That was until the other day...

Can you say O-M-G???? Those are the exact words that came out of my mouth when I spotted this new release -

Halloweenies by Plum Street Samplers. A wonderful combination of Halloween and Doxies :o) What could be better? Well, maybe chocolate and peanut butter but we're not talking food here. LOL!

As you can imagine, that little 'puppy' got ordered up pretty fast! I think they will look fantastic with Boris and Sergei :o)

Halloween Rules SAL - March Progress

I thought I had better post my progress before the month got away from me! I've had my block done for about a week now and here's what it looks like -

I still LOVE this piece and can't wait to stitch on it every month :o)

I know you've been anxiously waiting so stay tuned for my next post with pictures of Junior's nursery!

Third Finish For 2012

Again, I've been holding out on you in the stitching department. January and part of February proved to be very productive months :o) I didn't plan on stitching this piece as stash buying is very limited now but when I saw Ranae's finish on her Blog, I inquired if she wanted to do a trade. Thankfully she accepted!

As soon as this chart came out, I was on the bandwagon. Here is Sergei by Plum Street Samplers -

I just LOVE this piece!!!! LOVE! I had so much joy stitching him and I was sorry to see the end :o(

I went out on a limb with Sergei and stitched him on 36 count Light Exampler Linen by Lakeside Linens. This was my first time on such a high count but do you know what? I LOVED IT! I used all the recommended fibers except one that I substituted for DMC and I stitched one over two.

I've had such a hard time getting a good picture of him. Eventually, he will be framed :o)

Now I'm determined that I want to stitch Boris! Is there anyone out there that would like to do an exchange - my Sergei for your Boris? I'd rather deal with someone that I know because back in December I got burnt in an exchange with someone I 'thought' was known well enough in the Blogging community :o( I will not reveal a name. Needless to say, they got their end of the agreement but mine has not appeared and she will not answer my emails. If there is an interested party, please feel free to email me :o) Thanks!

Halloween Rules SAL - February Progress

It's that time again and the second block is complete! Well, it's been complete for at least a week now but it's just taken me this long to post it -

I did make a small change to the piece of candy on the left hand side. It didn't seem very symmetrical to me. Call me crazy ;o)

Now I have to wait the rest of the month before I can continue :o(

As I write this, I'm in New Brunswick with my parents. I took the ferry from NS yesterday and they picked me up on the other side. My mom is throwing me a baby shower tomorrow and I'm really looking forward to seeing my friends, some of which I haven't seen since we moved to NS!

Junior is doing well, much better than his mother. It seems that I'm not as sea worthy as I was before I was pregnant :oS All I can say is that I'm glad it was a calm crossing because otherwise I might have spent the whole time in the bathroom. LOL!

Second Finish For 2012

I'm SO excited to finally have this project completed! I never thought it would see the light of day again so it was a good thing that Junior decided to make an appearance ;o) LOL!

This is Noah's Crew by Imaginating -

As I stated before, I changed the colors of the curtain and Noah's robe to match the colors of the nursery. I used DMC 3018 and 3865 along with white. Noah's scarf changed color too to match his new robe. The background was supposed to be red but I just reversed the piece of matting so the white became the new backdrop. I'm very happy with the results -

Once I got working on this again, and I'm not a perforated paper stitcher, I really did enjoy it! All the animals seemed to have their own little personalities :o)

This crew even has a monkey -

I'm not sure where I'll display this piece but for now it's on top of the dresser. I know you are all anxious to see pictures of the nursery but it's not ready for reveal just yet. I 'will' give you a sneak peak of the colors being used and the striping on the walls -

How's that for a tease? LOL! Hopefully it won't be too much longer and I'll show you what Junior's new room will look like ;o)

I want to thank everyone for their absolutely wonderful comments and to welcome some new Pumpkin Stalkers :o) I truly enjoy reading everything you write and I'm trying my best to reply to everyone that I can.

First Finish For 2012

That's right! I can now show you my first finish for the year :o) This is Gingerbread Snow by San Man Originals -

I love the little gingerbread man :o) Again, I cheated and was able to finish this into an ornament with the tuck that Sandy provided with the pattern -

One ornament down, eleven more to go! LOL!

I'll post a new picture of myself and Junior on my next post and give you a quick update :o)

The N Crew

Can you believe that it's the end of January already???? Where has the time gone? I thought that I would sneak in one more post before the start of February :o)

So who are these characters -

Aren't they cute? These are some of the pieces to Noah's Crew by Imaginating. I started this project about four years ago (ack!) and it quickly became a UFO :o( With Junior on the way, I figured this was a perfect piece to go in the nursery so I got my butt in gear and dug it out again.

There are thirteen pieces in all and I'm finished eleven of them! Only two more to go. DH has already put the shelf on the ark so I'm ready to assemble it once I'm done stitching. Yes, there is actually a wooden ark! Check out the picture here for what it will look like when completed.

Some of you may notice a bit of a difference in Noah's robe and you're right, I did change the colors to suit the colors of the nursery :o) I'm quite pleased with the results. For those of you interested in how they convert to DMC, it's 3013 and 3865. LOL!

Later today DH and I go to the IWK for another check up. It will be a quick trip to the big city but that's all my body can handle right now. We also start our prenatal classes tomorrow. That should be interesting...

Halloween Rules SAL - January Progress

Now that my 2011 stitching is behind me, I can finally share with you what I'm stitching on at the moment. I'm not sure if you remember or not but I mentioned that Nia and I would continue with another SAL this year. We had so much fun with Christmas Rules by Lizzie Kate that we decided to stitch Halloween Rules together :o)

So here is January's progress; the header and the first block -

I'm stitching mine on 32 count Lilac linen with the recommended threads and I just love it! Luckily these threads have a lot of variegation so they're really showing up nicely.

I did run into a problem but thankfully it was early in the game. I had to frog the grass under the gravestones because I thought they were supposed to be stitched in Blackbird. When I printed out the border, the symbols didn't come out very clear but I should have known Moss made more sense ;o) It helps to refer to the colored picture from time to time. Lesson learned!

Twentieth Finish For 2011

FINALLY! Here is THE LAST finish for 2011. This is Snow Friends by Bent Creek -

I love these kits because you don't have to go hunting around for all your supplies. Plus, I enjoy stitching on 18 count linen with pearl cotton every once in awhile for a nice change of pace :o)

I have the frame for this piece but it's just a wee bit too small :o( I think I'm going to re-stitch this piece on a smaller count so not all is lost!

Third trimester has brought with it some unpleasant things. That wonderful energy I had is now zapped :o( I can't believe how good I felt for those few months! But I can overlook the fatigue; it's the pelvic pain that has me screaming at times. It feels like someone is tearing my legs from my body! Ugh! This has made getting around difficult, especially stairs.

At least this has given me more time to stitch ;o) So that means that very shortly, I can share with you my 2012 stitching!

Nineteenth Finish For 2011

Whew! I'm almost there ;o) This was a big finish, not only for me but for Nia too since this was our SAL. Here is Christmas Rules by Lizzie Kate in all its finery -

I'm quite happy with the results. It was stitched on 32 count Light Mocha linen with the suggested threads.

Now that I've started Halloween Rules though, I'm finding the threads have much more variegation so I think I'm even happier with this new SAL. All in all though, when the time comes to finish Christmas Rules, I'll be proud to display it on my wall :o)