Stocking is Done!

I finished DH's stocking! I was able to put in the last stitch yesterday about 5 minutes before we were headed out the door to go to the LNS. Now I need to get mine done (after I get through a few other projects) and get them both finished in time for the holidays. Could be tight - these things take time!

I stopped by the shop yesterday for the Stitcher's Reception for the annual show. There weren't too many people there so I sat down and stitched a bit. I also picked up a couple of cute new patterns and some silk threads for the Bristol Fashion sampler I'm hoping to work on soon (Long Dog Samplers). I couldn't help myself. It appears I have a bit of an addiction ;-).

DH picked me up from the shop and we headed to my in-laws for dinner with our grandparents. On the way an SUV almost cleaned my poor little Honda's clock when I slowed to make the left turn up the hill and he was dazzled by the dirt-bike stylings of the kids next to the road. Fortunately I was on my toes and crept forward and into the other lane just enough to let him get around my right and the oncoming pickup to get around my left. Meanwhile DH got out "Dude?!" before he realized what was going on - wheeee! Nothing a little turkey won't cure :-d.

This morning I made some progress on the Willie Whippet design I created for one of the women in my dog club. I forgot to pick up the four missing colors, so there are a few holes I'll need to go back and fill on Willie's nose. I'm pleased with the progress I've made so far. I really needed a break after the few hours that I've put in today, so I hit up the housework a little and am hoping to get some of the patterns I have inventoried. This is one exciting life I lead!

Chugging Along

Last night I was hoping to get a little stitching in, but I got home from helping out at the dog club so late it just wasn't an option. I did end up dragging my butt out of bed at the usual time this morning and was able to get a bit more done on DH's stocking.

This WIP is a couple of days old. I've finished all of the train cars that are here and the last 1.5 hearts. I started the train engine this morning. Since I don't have anything planned this evening, I'm hoping to get the rest of the bottom finished tonight. I do need to get out tracking with the dogs though.

I finally updated almost all of my WIPs. There is one more, the Letter I, that I didn't get a picture of, but the progress on that is so minimal I can probably just pretend I never started ;-).

I'm still trying to figure out how (or if) I should inventory all of the thread I have floating around. I had started inventorying all of the DMC cotton 6-strand I have, but I decided it was just too much of a pain. I really didn't feel like measuring it all. I suppose I could weight it and create a conversion for approximate length based on weight. But then that just seems a bit too much like work and not hobby!

The next step is to inventory the patterns I haven't done. Now I need to figure out if I want to include pictures in that. I love how I make work for myself.

Kit Inventory

Yesterday I was wondering how many kits I have floating around the house, so I decided to go find them all and post them here as an inventory. These include patterns for which I've gathered the materials. I was wondering about all of my patterns too, but that list can wait until next week (or so).

So here they are:
1) Autumn Bouquet by Herrschners










2) Let it Snow Table Topper by Dimensions







3) Poinsettia Tree Skirt by Needle Treasures






4) Born Free by DMC












5) Willie Whippet by Me :-)

6) A Quaker Game Board by Papillon Creations











7) Tuscany Mandala by Châtelaine









8)Noah's Ark Sampler by Teresa Wentzler









9) Dragon Heart by Karen Weaver










10) Safari Sunset by Cross My Heart








11) Classic Roses by Bucilla







12) Robert's Stocking by Shepherd's Bush











13) Power of the Serengeti by Dimensions






14) Fire and Ice by Kustom Krafts Needleworks











15) Wreath of Roses by Dimensions The Gold Collection











16) The Guardian by Teresa Wentlzer







17) Water Dragon by Janlynn











18) Bristol Fashion by Long Dog Samplers (fabric only)











19) Mythical Dragons by True Colors











20) Bittersweet Summer by Leisure Arts (fabric only)






21) Broadway by The Silver Lining (fabric only)









22) Edith Wolford by The Silver Lining (fabric only)

Missing My Couch and a Contest

It's a boring day at work today. Days like this I'd almost rather not get paid and just hang out on my couch stitching. But who knows when a crisis will need my attention ;-). I should have brought a project with me. Not that stitching here wouldn't be unseemly.

While I was wandering around the stitching-net today I found a contest at Stitch Pink. The Stitch Pink blog is raising awareness of breast cancer screening. Remember, if you have boobs you should get screened - even boy people get breast cancer.

I'm planning to work on the santa stocking tonight after Ellie and I fail our doggy obedience test. I really don't have that much more to do on it. I just can't seem to find the focus to get it done. When I finish this one I'll have to figure out how to work in the one for me. I picked Robert's Stocking for mine because Santa is wearing skates - and he's green. I love green.

Two Finishes and Some Stash

Friday I went to my LNS for the bi-monthly stitch-in. As usual the ladies were a blast to hang out with. I was able to wrap up the Kitty Cat Row once I got the thread I was missing.
Of course, while I was there I couldn't resist prepping for another project. I'd like to start the Erica Michaels Sampler Book. I got the pattern as a gift at the stitching retreat. I might not start until the year is over and I'm done with the Quaker Square since it would make a nice monthly installment type project. I picked up all of the fabric for the project. I figured I should do that all at one time so everything matches, somewhat. It's a lovely little grouping. Right now I'm figuring out what order they will be appearing in the book and marking them so I don't forget.

Yesterday morning, before I set up for our garage sale, I was able to assemble the baby sampler for my friends. DH delivered it during the day. I'm not sure if they noticed that it arrived - they're a little busy with the bairn right now. Getting it finished made me feel a lot better about everything though :-).

After the sale I just wasn't in the mood for cross stitching, but I wanted to work on something, so I started a canvaswork project that I'm really excited about.

Santa's Feet

I decided I should just finish the Santa project before I start the Quaker Square - we'll see how long that plan lasts!

I had made some progress since the last time I posted a WIP. I haven't worked on it in a couple of weeks. This morning I finished the feet. I'm hoping to get through a couple more stars and maybe the bottom of the project tonight at the stitch-in. However, the last few letters in the Kitty Cat row is first on the agenda.

I'm looking forward to the stitch-in tonight. I have projects to drop off for the annual Stitcher Showcase. I also have to pick up some fabby for an exchange. Before I head over I'll be hitting Kohl's to use the last of my X-mas gift card from my mom. I hate shopping for clothes, but I like having clothes that don't look like crap at work (mostly).

So Close...

This morning I almost finished Kitty Cat Row. I ran out of one color and so I was left with the last few letters, a collar and some whiskers to finish. I'll be able to finish it tomorrow night at the LNS stitch-in.





Now that spring has arrived I've been slowing down with the stitching a bit. I'd like to get more time in, but between dog classes, biking and the chores I've been stuck with just a few morning sessions. But it is time to start the next installment of the Quaker Squares :-).