Binky's Stitching and Stuff

Happy Febuary

2012-02-09T15:51:00.000-08:00

Finally an update. Lots of stuff has been going on with me and sometimes I just cannot get the umph to ge online to tell ya about it. Many decisions have been made. I am not doing school through the College Network anymore. I will be going back to Blackhawk Technical College and get my RN. Chemistry really kicked my butt. Being teacher and student with that class was not fun at all. I am very excited about this. I do not have a confirmed yes that I will be going in the fall but I have both fingers and toes crossed so that hopefully I will get in during the fall semester. If not then spring. I will be "testing out of " my mental health/community nursing class. So all I will have the first semester will be clinicals and one lecture class. I will have to check off on 3 of the 5 skills they have given me to make sure my technique is acceptable. I am very confident that I will be able to pass those two requirements in an appropriate time frame.
I have been stitching. I joined a couple of exchanges and I will post those pics as soon as the people recieve them. I am very excited, I will be going to Syracuse, New York for a stitching retreat when the designer/owner for Lizzie Kate and La D Da will be there.

This is a picture from my partner in the Seasonal Exchange. I love it. It is sitting on my book case in the living room.

This is how far I have gotten on my "6 Fat Men" from Lizzie Kate.

Reading has been a passion also. Either reading or listening to a book. In October I sprained my ankle bone. First crutches, then working in a wheel chair at work. I am finally done with Physical therapy. It seemed like my ankle was going to hurt forever. It is much much better now. My boys are doing very well. One started back to school and he is staying in school. Yeaaah. My other son is happy working at his job and enjoys the group home where he lives. Life is not too bad right now. Just to get back in the swing of blogging again.

Memorial Day Celebration

2011-05-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

I would like to thank all the service men and women who gave their life to secure our freedom. Also the men and women who have and are currently part of our Armed Forces.

Stitchin Update.

2011-05-15T15:29:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been working on. It is from Leisure Arts. I am using the recommend DMC colors. It is part of my WIP Challenge pieces. Feels good to be doing these WIPs. I may get this done this week. Maybe after this one is finished I will let myself start a new one. I have also started reading Breaking Dawn. The last installment of the Twilight series. I have had a productive weekend. Got my mower fixed. Mowed probably 1/4 of yard then ran out of gas. Good excuse to stop and do some stitching or reading. hehe. I am going to get a small saw, work gloves, a gas container, and some dirt. I am ready to work outside now. I think I will move some of my perennials around.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Two new finishes and exchange pictures.

2011-05-10T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have two finishes and a big happy dance. I have been working on these pieces feels like forever. The above sampler I started last year and it is a part of the WIP Challenge that I am a part of. I almost put it back in the pile. I am glad I didn't. It feels good to get the darn thing done. I had a head cold forever. Finally got some antibiotics and I was feeling better but when I was almost done I broke out in hives all over. Needless to say I did not want to stitch for quite a while. But now I am stitching like a storm now.

I also was in a couple of exchanges. My partners have recieved their pieces so I can show you. I did not take a picture of my seasonal exchange :(

This is my exhange from the seasonal one. It is so cute. A scissors fob that included a pair of scissors. Wow. It came in a pretty pink bag and she sent a card too. Kathy always sends great exhanges.

This one is from the Lizzie Kate exchange. Very very cute. I love it. Bonnie did a great job. I love how she finished this. Bright colors and even a carrot. It will fit in well with the rest of my bunnies.

This is the piece that I sent to Bonnie for the Lizzie Kate exchange. She said she liked it. I am glad she did.

Summer is here in Wisconsin. Near 90s here. We might not get a spring.
Brenda

It's about time for an update.

2011-04-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick stitch that I picked up at my LNS. My second finish for the year. The colors were so upbeat I could not pass it up. I am going to frame it in the next couple of days. It is an older Bent Creek Farms.

Here is a little of decorating that I did yesterday. I repurposed it. It was in my kitchen. Made it way downstairs in storage. I was cleaning and found it. It looks perfect there. It is in my hallway. The bench I got a while ago at a craft fair.

This is the second piece from the challenge that I joined called Up for the Challenge. I am almost done. I lost my mojo when I was working on this one and that is how the above two got started. I know I have more to finish, but I am such a serial starter and my taste changes and I have to start something else to lift my spirts. This piece is from a SAL from last year on the internet.

Another one that I purchased at the store at the same time. As soon as I finish this one I bought a frame at the local St. Vincent dePaul Store. It is similar to the one in the picture of the pattern. I did not like this pattern when I first started it but I absolutely love it now. Little House Needleworks is the designer.

This is the first piece that I started for the challenge. It is a HAED. It is called Auras Garden. Beautiful teals, greens, and yellows. It is stitched 25ct Linen.

For other things......School.
I am still working on Chemistry. I have bought addtional study guides so the I can pass this bloomin class. I know that you have to work for what you want. Enjoy the journey. My academic ability has had me question alot of abilities. Then I go to stitching then back to chemistry.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

My Valentine Gift Box Arrived

2011-03-05T19:48:00.000-08:00

This is the wonderful giveaway that I received from Cat. I worked a double shift yesterday and when I got home this was in the mailbox. Thank you. Thank you Cat. I love it all. I am a big pink and red fan. Smiles.

A Primitive Giveaway

2011-02-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

http://myprimitivesaltbox.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-2-welcome-contests.html
She is having a wonderful giveaway. I just found this blog tonight. I will have fun following her and reading what she has to offer.
Thanks, me

A Stitching Day

2011-02-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

A day off and I spent it working on one of my UFOs. I got some done. This is from a designer from the internet. She has a blog and I printed it out probably last spring. I love the flowers and the bunnies.

This piece is my first finish of 2011. I am part of an exchange with Lizzie Kate patterns. I thought the saying was pretty cool. I found the fabric at one of the JoAnns near my town. I tried to mix it up a bit with the checker board ribbon. I know she recieved it so I can post it here. I had fun stitching this. I used the Weeks Dye Works colors that were called for in the pattern. My exchange partner said that she put it in her kitchen.

Birthday Giveaway

2011-02-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

I have been surfing the web and guess what?? I found another giveaway. It is a birthday celebration. Go on over to her blog and take a peek.
http://paclight53.blogspot.com/2011/02/let-birthday-giveaway-begin.html?showComment=1297907767245#c4315004080156773110

Another Valentine Giveaway.

2011-02-13T17:39:00.000-08:00

Here is another Valentines Day giveaway. Go to her blog and enter. http://happinessiscrossstitching.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentine-giveaway.html#comment-form Isn't it just precious? Hope everyone has a wonderful valentines day. Spend it with someone special. I know I am. Gonna spend some quiet time with myself. :)

Cooking Cashew Chicken/ A Giveaway Winner

2011-02-11T17:39:00.000-08:00

This is what I cooked tonight. It was really easy to make. It was kinda blah, but that's okay. It looked really good on the cover of the box. Maybe it will taste better tomorrow. I love leftovers.
About the giveaway. I WON!! I usually do not win. It was the Valentine giveaway that I posted on my blog a couple of days ago. I am psyched. My beautiful cross stitch from the exchange and the giveaway. Best valentine day in a looong time.

Lizzie Kate Exchange

2011-02-11T14:01:00.000-08:00

I sent out my Lizzie Kate exchange piece today. I hope my partner likes it. It is my first finish of 2011. I will post a picture as soon as it gets to its destination.

I have started a new book, "Swamplandia!" So far it's pretty good. I have started reading right before going to bed. It seems to help me relax. Hope everyone has a great weekend. It's suppose to be in the middle 30s. Woohoo.
Take care.

Happy Valentines Day to me.

2011-02-06T15:53:00.000-08:00

I am in a Lizzie Kate Exchange group. This is the wonderful piece that I recieved today. This was stitched by Sharlene. In her little note that she sent me "This was hard to give up". I can totally agree. I am over the hill over this one. You cannot really see very well but the stitched piece is on another fabric piece. It has dimension. I have not seen a piece finished like this before. Thank you so much.

Valentine Giveaway

2011-02-04T17:30:00.000-08:00

http://kttycatcrossstitchblog.blogspot.com/ Check this out. A valentime giveaway.

A HAED update

2011-01-27T12:12:00.000-08:00

This is what I have been stitching on for the past three weeks. The colors are great and I enjoy working on the linen. I have finish reading my latest book. Hold Tight by Harlan Coben. It was a great mystery. I loved how he put all the various pieces of the story in the end. Made it a real "page turner". I will be reading more of his work. He has published like 15 books. He would make a great writer for tv series. I have been pretty much working and stitching. Had my car in the shop for 5 days. Had to take it in for a muffler and as always, turned into much more. I cannot complain too much. It has been a good car. Not alot of repairs till now. My son is moving out soon. That is good for both of us. He found an apartment on his own. He is in a production of "Mame". They started production on it. He loves the theatre. So glad he has found something that he can have passion.

Take care.

A Day of Stitching

2011-01-09T09:11:00.000-08:00

This is Auroas Garden after one day of stitching. I am really enjoying how this is turning out so far. I cannot tell you how many times I changed the color that I used, but it was well worth it. Take care

Up for a Challenge and 2011 Goals

2011-01-08T07:40:00.000-08:00

I have joined the "Up for a Challenge" stitching challenge. (http://up4achallenge.blogspot.com/) I have listed my 15 WIPs that I will be working on this year. I have decided to do this cause when I finish a piece it really helps my self confidence. I am also challenging myself to "test out of" four classes so I can start the Nursing part of my BSN journey. I have Chemistry, Algebra, Statistics, Interp. & Analyse Lit. When I get those done I can do the four challenge exams. These exams are to show them (people at Indiana State University) that I have a good sense from my LPN training to continue to be that RN. I have set some great goals for myself for this up coming year. Health wise, I want to decrease the amount of meds that I take for my diabetes. I am on two meds. This year one med and maybe next year the other med. My son has some options for an apartment. I guess that is another goal. To get him in his own place. I have some pics to post. I have two WIPs I am working on. And, the snippets from my stitching.

This is a Pat Rogers. I am not sure when I started this, but I would like to finish it and then frame it. I love the colors. I did a stitching mistake in the letters on the first row. I think that is why I put it down. I will fix that, finish it, and off to the framers it will go. It is stitched on 18ct Aida. All DMC colors.

This is my first attempt at a HAED design. It is a freebie. It will be Auroas Garden when it is finished. It also is all DMC colors. I love the colors. It is stitched over 2 on 25ct Linen. I am stitching a block at a time.

This is the start of my TUSAL jar.
Hope you have a great weekend. It is suppose to be really really cold here in Wisconsin. Great weather for stitching or studying.
Thanks for stopping by.

Flu Season and an Update

2010-12-18T21:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, I got it. I feel so horrible. My tummy hurts and my whole body aches too. I have not done much of anything. Both of my exchanges got to their destination. The rose piece went to The Netherlands, I was part of the Blackbird Designs Exchange. The pumpkin went to Canada that was part of a Seasonal Exchange. While I have been sick I finish the second book of Percy Jackson and The Olympians, Sea of Monsters.
The next one is The Titan's Curse.

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my blogging friends.

My exchanges

2010-12-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have mailed out my two exchanges. I cannot wait till they get them. One goes to Canada and the other is on its way to the Netherlands. Will post pictures when they arrive and the recipients have posted that they have received them.
Have a great day!

Breast Cancer Awareness.

2010-10-06T19:43:00.000-07:00

I saw this on another persons blog and I had to post it on mine. Check the girls once a month. So important. So many mothers, sisters, cousins, mother in laws, and friends that could be affected by this horrible disease. Do it not only for your family, but for yourself.

Update

2010-08-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

This is from a pinkeep exchange with my friends from a Yahoo stitching group. This was sent off to Char. I'm glad that she enjoyed it.

This is the pinkeep that I recieved. Sewing is how I started crafting. She also sent some floss. Very nice.

This is from the Lizzie Kate Exchange. A great pin keep. I love the saying and have wanted to stitch it myself. Great minds. LOL

This one is from a Season Exchange. You can never have too many scissors fob. It is sooo cute. She even put a cute little star button on it. It came in that flip flop bag along with a hand made note card.

Here are some personal pieces that I have finished. Just had such a startitis on this piece. Ya know how a project keeps talking to ya. I think it turned out quite nice. Not sure how I will finish it but I have been making quite a few pin keeps.Here is a Pine Mountain Spring 9 Patch pillow kit. I picked this up while on Rereat this spring.The last one here is one that I finished quite a while ago but do not think I showed it off. Yes, another Lizzie Kate. I have all 12 just need to stitch them. I am almost half way done. Five of them are done.

I have taken a break from blogging. I am now ready to write and show off a bit. I have been busy stitching for a couple of exchanges.
My adult son moved back home for a while so we both have had to make adjustments. School is a constant challenge but I will get through it. I ordered more books and I think I might get one more. It will such a huge feather in my cap when I test out of this one.
Have a great day.

Have a great weekend

2010-05-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

I am working all weekend. It is my weekend and my holiday. It's okay. The weather is great here. Hope it is where you are. I have lost a bit of my mojo for stitching so I will be working on my school reading. Fear is a good/bad thing. I am okay with starting up with chemistry again. I finish the third installment of the Twilight series. It was quite the adventure. I cannot wait to see the movie. This is why I feel it is a good time to start back on the studying thing. My garden is starting to bloom and I will post some pics sometime soon. Gardening is another part of my creativity. If I did not have it, I would not be a happy camper. Gotta get ready for work.
Have a great weekend.

Back to reality

2010-05-11T10:47:00.000-07:00

My last great day of vacation. Monday is back to work. Ughhhh
Mother's Day was great. Having the boys at the house was great. I picked them both up from their prospective homes and ran them out to my place. We all played video games for a while and then we just relaxed. Allen adjusted my flat screen TV and now I can see it all the time I am watching it. He uped one of the settings and the picture is much brighter. Yeaaah Allen. On the way home we stopped at Culvers. Food is always good there.
Stitching --- I have started on my Lizzie Kate Exchange piece but no pics till my partner gets it.
Reading --- I have gotten half way through Eclipse and I have checked out Breaking Dawn to immediately move on to the 4th installment of the Twilight Series.
School --- Started reading in the Chemistry again. Little bit everyday. Feels good to be working on it.
Work --- It is Nursing Home Week. Today is Red, White, and Blue day. All week different days - different themes. This is fun.
Hope your week is going well. Take care

Mothers Day

2010-05-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Since it is Mothers Day on Sunday I just wanted to show off my boys. I love them to death and I miss when they were small. Even though my younger one had many daily challenges. My older son took it all in stride and did his best to be a kid. We are getting together on Sunday and playing some video games. I cannot wait.
Hope all the mothers have a great day on Sunday!!

Word-less Wednesday

2010-05-05T13:35:00.001-07:00

Tulsa and some stitching

2010-05-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Tulsa. I atteneded the Spring Fling. The Stitchworks sponsored it and a great time was had by all. Weather was okay. Raining off and on. Got lots of stitching done and the company was wonderful. All the ladies that attended the fling were very gracious. We got four projects to do. We all started out with the scissors fob. A sparkly cubcake. I will post a picture later. Cindy (shop owner and sponsor) taught us all a new way to finish the fob. Very very easy. I do have some picture to show. One of many (cough) projects in the making. I think I am going to start a rotation for my projects. I have read quite a few fellow stitichers do this. Maybe it will help detour my "startitis".

Reading.... I have started Eclipse. Book 3 of the Twilight series. I am really enjoying it and it is moving right along. I also downloaded a couple of books on to my mp3 player. And a couple more onto my computer. Can never have enough books.

School I have a plan of attack. Tomorrow off to the library.

Hope everyone is having wonderful weather like us.

Spring and Happy Easter

2010-04-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter!!!

Such a glorious day! The grass is green and my perenials are starting to come up. I love this time of year. I have turned the heat off even though it is some what cool in the house with the windows open. The house smells so much better with the windows open. Snuggling under the extra covers is wonderful. I feel like a catepillar. lol Off to work today. I tried to stitch but my eyes are working against me some days. I want my new glasses to come. Eeek I have to wait one more week.
There are many difficult things in life. Work is getting better but still I learn something new everyday. Becoming a better nurse for my patients is the least I can do for them. Concentrating on my skills and not worrying about the other nurses is what I need to do.
Spaz (fur baby) has needed some attention today. She wants you to pet her but she wants it on her terms. She will not let you hold her. Affection at a safe distance is what she requires. This is something good to see. She usually does not want that much. She is enjoying a much needed break from her brother Miles (younger fur baby).
Enjoy your day

Small finishes and an update

2010-03-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of small finishes that I did over the weekend. The first one was all the way stitched. I just added the back stitching. But the other cat I stitched this weekend. They were from a kit that I recieved a couple of Christmases ago from an exchange. They are stuck to the shelving in my office. They are stitched on perforated paper.

School:
I kinda went through a dry spell with studying. Just didn't think I could do it. Well, I got off the pity pot and have started to study again. Working on Chemistry. Emperical formulas, balancing equations, and all kinds of good "stuff".
Work:
I did a stretch of day shifts. That was something. I liked doing them so I put in a request for day shift. Not sure when that will come about but who knows. I have not heard from the UC clinic job that I applied for. I had that one interview but nothing since. I really think I would likeit there. I might just follow up this week. A different clinic did call to see if I would be interested. It would be a Pediatric clinic, which would be cool. Only 32 hours and a cut in pay. Thats the not so good part of it.

Reading:

I have been listening to audio books on the way to work and back home. I finished "Life of Pi". It was okay. It was about a young man that was suppose to got to Canada with his family to start a new life, but the ship sinks and he gets stranded in a life boat with a tiger. Now I am listening to "The 37th Hour". This is a mystery about a couple who are both cops. The husband is suppose to go to a retreat and he never gets there. Now the wife starts to look for him. This has strong women characters. I enjoy reading that type of book. It makes me feel smart. The book that I have pictured is another book that I am reading. It is a historical science fiction. It includes time traveling. It is set in the year 2060. The "historians" are the people that do the time traveling. I have not gotten too far in it but it is quite good. I found out about it going to different blogs. It just came out. And I quess the conclusion comes out this fall.

I guess thats all. Have a good one!!

Olympics Lindsey Vonn

2010-02-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of my cousin. Well it is my cousin's daughter. But anyway, this woman is an excellant athelete and sportsman. She has worked so hard for her whole life and she is reaping the rewards now. I am so happy for her. I am sure my mom up in heaven is cheering her on and maybe helping with the weather conditions. Hehe It is soooo awesome.
She won a gold medal for her first race. She fell on her second. She was brave to do that one because her shin was really hurting. She got a day of rest and then went on to get a bronze in ther third race.
Goooo Lindsey!

2010-01-10T09:50:00.000-08:00

I have heard many good things about writer Ann Patchet. I read her book "Run". I would have to say that it was a pretty good book. The story of a family that is broken apart from complications in their lives and how it is brought back together in a whole new way. How two deaths could change the course for two members of that family. It's a good read.

2010-01-03T10:38:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEARS Everyone!! I had to work but made it home before it turned midnight. Watched some TV, had a Mike's Hard Spiced Beverage with some chips and dip.

Another pic of the Floss exchange for my bday. Thank you Diane and Lisa at SNS2. On the left is Scarlet Red and Grecian Gold from Sampler Threads. On the right are two limited edition flosses from Sampler Threads.

Thanks Ladies.

2009-12-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

These are the last but not least ( days 10, 11, and 12) of the 12 Days of Christmas from the Stitchers Circle. The cardinal is a embrodiered linen. It is so pretty. I was looking for something to put on my shelf in the kitchen. The little ball is a charm that I have put on my camera case. And Mr. Teddy is a pin.

It was a great exchange. Thanks Flo for everything.

2009-12-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

I have joined the Birthday Floss Exchange for the stitching group SNS2. My birthday is Dec. 28th. This arrived today. It is from Cal. Two specialty threads. They are Limited Edition from Sampler Threads and Moon Glow from The Caron Collection. Thank you so much Cal. It made my day!

2009-12-15T10:26:00.000-08:00

Wowsers it has been a while since I posted. I guess I have just been busy. Not much stitching but in some Christmas exchanges. I wanna thank Diane and Flo for making it a great holiday season. Also for my friends of from the group SNS2 for the postcards and xmas card exchanges.

The above pics are from the 12 Days of Christmas from the Stitchers Circle. I wish it did not have to end. ;) There are a couple more days of presents. Cannot wait till tomorrow.

The top right sided pic is my "Secret Santa" from Diane. Very nice exchange.

I have been studying and working extra hours. Chemistry is my subject as of right now. I have read that it is the hardest CLEP test. Please send good thoughts my way as I work on this one. Please everyone have a safe and joyous holiday season if I do not post again before Christmas.

Retreat Projects/Classes

2009-11-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

These are the projects that Cindy and her staff helped us with. That little fob took more time than it looks but it was fun to make and complete. The pretty square that I started was a little tricky but once I got used to the pattern of the long stitches I was workin hard.This is the one with the ribbon in it. I did not even try and start the other two but the cupcake has some velvet, beads, and a fluffy type of thread. It will be great to be stitching on it in the dead of winter and a nice cup of tea by myside. The "All Hearts" piece will also be a learning experiance. I am not sure what but keep the brain active....has to be learnin something everyday.

Tulsa Fall Retreat

2009-11-16T19:15:00.001-08:00

These are pics I took at the retreat. The group picture was the winners of the stitching competition. We were all invited to compete. There also was a name tag competition. I will be more prepared for the next one. The single lady in the one picture is Cindy. She owns the stitching store that ran the retreat. There is a medium size refrig behind her and that was stocked with pop and water. And on the table that she is standing by always had food on it for us to snack on. Our accommodations were excellent. They were cabins with 4 rooms with 2 double beds. It had a large table, a couch, and more chairs. There was a TV, microwave, and a small frig in the cabin. Very clean. The retreat started on Friday night and last till noon on Sunday. There were 4 classes. The classes had many different stitches to learn and different mediums. I am learning to stitch with ribbon and velvet. I picked up a tool to make sure that the ribbon and velvet lay flat on the surface. I even bought some q-snaps. Oh my gosh. I LOVE them. I met some really nice ladies and we are planning to meet at the spring retreat.

2009-11-16T19:11:00.000-08:00

This is the piece that I stitched for my partner in the Lizzie Kate Exchange. She really liked it. That makes me happy. So I signed up for the next one.

Tulsa, Oklahoma Retreat

2009-11-09T09:58:00.000-08:00

I just got back from my weekend retreat in Tulsa. OOOOOOOOOOOOOOhh my did I have a good time. I met some new friends, ate, stitched, ate, stitched. Had myself a good ole time. The weather was perfect. And I got a massage that left me feeling soooo relaxed. It was good all around. One snafu in the trip. My luggage went to Oklahoma City and I went to Atlanta. In a couple of days we shall be in the same spot. I will post pictures as soon as I get all my goodies from my luggage.
Take care everyone.

Update

2009-10-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

I have been working on my two exchange pieces. Started my Christmas SAL I will post a pic as soon as my exchange pieces arrive. But I can update with a pic of my Xmas SAL. :) This is after I worked on it a couple of sessions.

Christmas SAL

2009-10-11T21:08:00.001-07:00

One of the groups that I belong is called Stitch and Swap 2. Char has started a Christmas SAL. This is what I have chosen to stitch. I got this on one of my stitching fun days with meeting some friends in Crystal Lake and shopping at Welcome Stitchery. I will be stitching it on 32ct Vintage Lakeside color: Strawflower. I will have to get the ole magnifiers for this one. ;) I am really excited to start on it. Have a good week.

2009-10-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

Here is the stash that I got in La Crosse when I went to the Cranberry Festival. La Crosse is about an hour away from Warrens. Just to give you an idea of the distance. Anyway, I found this shop online prior to going up there. It was a nice little shop with all kinds of fun stuff. In the picture you can see the different pamphlets that I got but there is a piece of fabric at the top of the picture that I could not leave without. It is a tea-dyed gingham. Have not decided what I will stitch with it but I will find something. I have my two exchange pieces stitched but not all the way finished. I need to go to JoAnns tomorrow to find some for my Harvest Exchange. I have the fabric already for my Lizzie Kate Exchange. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Take care

Lizzie Kate Exchange

2009-10-04T10:57:00.001-07:00

This is the fantastic exchange piece that I recieved from Eileen. I love it. Thank you Eileen. It will hang in a prominent spot in my home.

2009-10-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the wonderful exchange piece that I recieved from Marie. It was titled Harvest Time. The key chain is already holding my keys and the scissors fob is on the snipers. I love it all.

Update

2009-10-03T10:48:00.000-07:00

This is the first in a long time that I have posted. Since last time I passed another exam. Goooo me!! It was Technical Writing and it was easy peasy. I was glad of that cause I have the last 4 to do before I get more into the nursing "stuff". Algebra, Chemistry, Interpetation/Analysis of Literature,and Statistics. I am stitching on two exchanges. I made a trip to upper Wisconsin to Warrens. They hold the biggest cranberry festival. They had tons and tons of anything cranberry and craft boths, flea markets, farmers markets, and trips to a cranberry bog. I have never seen soooo many people at one event in my life. I overheard one lady saying "it was her first and last time there". I am not sure if I will go back but it was a good get away for me. I took some pics of a garden in LaCrosse. That is where I stayed. It was a bit of a drive -- about an hour away. Closet I could find. Well...... off to work I go.
Take care and happy stitching!!

2009-07-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Oh boy I have been busy with studying and work. That is why I have not been blogging as of late. I passed my Religion test. Yeaaaaaah. I was so happy. I had to pinch myself. I have to test out/get credits for 10 general ed classes for my BS. I have 5 done now. Woooohooo. I will be working on Technical writing and Analysis and Interpetation of Lit. next. Hopefully by the end of the summer I can test out of those.

We had a bake sale at work and I found this wonderful recipe on a blog called Bakerella. She is so creative. I made cake bites. You bake the cake in a 9x13 pan and then break it up and stir almost a can of frosting so it is kinda like a dough. The "frosting is bark. I had vanilla on top and cocoa on the bottom. Very rich but oooo so good. And guess what??? NO calories. LOL

My younger son is all settled in his group home and he is very happy. I visit him from time to time and we have a great time together. He calls it "his group home and everyone there loves him. I am getting used to him being gone. The house is so quite now and sometimes thats good and sometimes I sometimes I miss him. Everything is good. Being a parent is able to let go also. I am happy that he is happy. That makes it all worth it.

2009-06-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

This is a great video.

Copy and paste it in your browser.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

Latest Update

2009-06-06T15:51:00.001-07:00

Here is an update on my Pat Rogers' piece. It is coming right along. It sure has been a pleasure to stitch this. I am learning to relax more and not being so hard on myself. Just stitching where I feel is the best spot. And if Mr. Frogger comes along -- no big.

"Jolly is seventeen. She can't really read. She doesn't have much of a job. And she has two little kids from two different, absent fathers. Jolly knows she can't cope with Jilly and Jeremy all by herself. Se she posts a notice on the school bulletin board: BABYSITTER NEEDED BAD. No one replies but Verna LaVaughn, who's only fourteen. How much help can she be? For a while, Jolly, Jill, Jeremy, and LaVaughn are an extraordinary family. Then LaVaughn takes the first steps toward building her own future, and Jolly begin the long, slow process of turning the lemons of her life into lemonade"

I know it's been a while, that I have posted, but I have been studying for my Intro to World Religions test, some stitching, and reading. Here is the latest book that I have finished. It is a good quick read.
I did not think I would but I got hooked on "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer. I have not finished it but I will soon. Anyway, I have started to read Young Adult Lit. My first book was "The Golden Compass". Another one I have not finished but will in the future. While at the library the other day I found this.

Updates

2009-05-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on one of my WIPs. Slowly but surely I will get this done. It has been busy. Working and trying to fit everything else in. We had a meeting of a possible group home for Adrian. Very nice place. That would be good for him. To start another milestone in his life and one for myself also. I have been trying to figure out a place to go on vacation this summer/fall. Weather here has been a taste of early summer and early fall. The temp has dropped down near mid 30s overnight. Last night I brought in my hagging flowers for protection. I am also looking into some more annuals for the deck. I picked up an antibiotic for Spaz because her teeth like to hold on to bacteria and stay there. This is bad for her teeth and it makes kinda like cavities. She has had two surgeries to remove this stuff and to decrease the growth every like 4 mos. the vet has me give her this.

2009-04-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

I took a break from my other WIP and started working on my sampler. Sometimes you just need a break. ;) Anyway, here it is. I have seen Mr. Frogger but he visits and then goes away for a while. I do not get so upset when he shows up. That small section on the top right side was stitched 3 times before I got it right. (Phew... at least I got it right. LOL) I got my fix of TV last night. I watched my newest favorite show..Food Network Challenge. They have had a competition for the best cake maker. It was great to watch and finally see the winner. Weather here was a pretty lousy weekend. Lots of rain and clouds. My lawn and flowers look great!! I also did some studying for my religion test. Reading about Confucisism. Was pretty interesting.
Today I had to stop at the local gardening center. I have a water problem. When it rains, like a heavy downpour my basement window is letting in all kinds of water. I got some ideas and I will be working on them on my next day off. I looove going in that place. So many pretty flowers, planters, perenials, and just fun stuff. I think I may even get my flowers early this year. To enjoy them longer.
Have a great week and Take care

2009-04-12T07:05:00.000-07:00

Spring is here. Yeaaaah It has been just beautiful here. Sun shining and temps in the 50's. Even opened a window and turned off the furnace. The cats are lovin the open window and able to sit in the sill. It was hard but I did do some studying. Reading about a different culture and trying to understand is a challenge. I took some breaks so I would have a variety and move through out the day. Laundry was done. (Isn't that a four letter word? lol) Even loading the dishwasher was accomplished. Worked on the blog. I found off of one of my blogs that I follow how to put a different background. I feel so smart. LOL I watched a couple of good shows on TV. One was on IFC and the other was PBS. The title of the IFC was "Millions". Was a great family movie about a family that has lost the mom but the dad moves on and what happens to the family is very heart-warming. The other on PBS was "The Life Of Reily". The story of Charles Nelson Reilly. Funny and sad at the same time. This movie was made by a couple of Wisconsin film makers. If you ever get the chance. You will enjoy it.
HAPPY EASTER My son and I are going to a brunch today. Get out of the house and enjoy the weather. It is another gorgeous day. Probaly do some errands also.

Have a great Easter

2009-04-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

I have not been stitching so much lately but here is an updated pic from the last time that I posted. I have started to work on my general ed classes for my BSN. I am doing it through the college network. They send me the material and I study for the exam and I get college credit for passing the exam. This is a better way for me to get my RN than an actual school at this time. When I am ready for my nursing part of the program I will be doing it online with Indiana State University. I am reading and learning about World Religions. I have planned to take a week to study each unit. In little over 2 months I will be ready to take the exam. I will go to Madison and through a preceptor take the test. I am not sure what college. When I took my History exam I went to UW Whitewater. And for three of my other exams I went to Madison but it was at a professional testing center. Different subjects different places.
Weather has been pretty usual for Wisconsin. Last weekend we had a snow storm after have spring temperatures. That snow is gone and after having another couple of really nice weather we are back to snow. Not nowhere near last weekend but the temps dipping down again. I hope we have a nice Easter.
Take care everyone

2009-03-24T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here's an update on my WIP. Also an update on Miles. He is doing great. No more bandages and he is running after Spaz. The weather here is pretty gloomy. Rain all day today. We need the rain to bring grass and flowers. Have a great week.

2009-03-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

This arrived in the mail yesterday. It is my bigo prize from my stitching group in yahoo. I love Lizzie Kate and the holidays are always fun to stitch.
Thank you Donna so much

Name of Designer/ Miles

2009-03-17T09:16:00.000-07:00

After I posted the other day I forgot to add the name and title of the second WIP. Silly me. ;) Anyway, the designer is Pat Rogers and the name of the pattern is Antique Alphabet. The date on the pattern was 1984. I got it at Welcome Stitchery in Crystal Lake, Ill.
My younger cat Miles was declawed. I took pity on my older cat since she was declawed also. He truly is an alpha male around her. She has put up with alot from him. She goes outside whenever he wants to play. I do have to say that she is a more playful cat now that we have him. She has picked up some of his bad habits and I have let her. Who says you cant teach an older sibling new tricks. LOL
Spaz had to have dental surgery. After I had to give her antibiotics. I got both of them in at the same time. And thank goodness for tax refunds. After a couple weeks after the declaw he got an infection in his paw. Not related to the declaw. Now he is on antibiotics and we have a recheck tomorrow at the vet.

2009-03-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patricks Day. Everyone is Irish on Tuesday.

2009-03-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is my second WIP. I stitched this in the middle 80s. My younger son cut the pattern up and I thought I would never find this pattern again. I threw the piece away. But I went to a stitching shop in Illinois and I FOUND IT!! This is how far I have gotten. The weather here is just gorgeous. Suppose to be in the 60s tomorrow. Cannot wait for spring. Take care.

2009-03-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have been quiet lately. My life was pretty hectic. I have put school on the back burner and thinking of doing more "fun" stuff. I will get back to it. I have started a couple of new WIPs. Work has been pretty tame until Friday. Two admissions. The good thing was Adrian had a sleepover. I came home to a quiet house. I have been sneezing and sore throat on and off. I took it really easy this weekend. The first WIP I received in an exchange from my stitching group. I love the colors peaches, white, and red. It kind of reminds me of a paisley print.

2009-01-29T08:47:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I have made an entry but things happen. I finally finished my rabbit. I had to frog the left side of the border because I had made some sort of miscalculation. Can you all relate? Well the bunny was a kit and I ran out of the color. I asked my fellow cross stitching friends and they directed me to a site to help with a substitution. So....YEAH it's finished. I really want to make a flat fold with it. I bought some fabric at Michaels and I am pretty sure I have the rest of the supplies that I need. I might be able to do it this weekend. I am off and would be fun to do while the Super Bowl is on.

School: I am working on A & I of Literature. I have scheduled the test for mid-Feburary. I just keep telling myself. I CAN do this. Ya know all those silly voices that run in your head when you try to do something "out of your box". I will do this because I can.
Boys: Adrian is excited about the super bowl and saturday we will buy "snacks" for the game. Allen in now unemployed. He filed for unemployment. Yeah Allen. He is in transition for his housing but he will find a place. He is learning how to do that kind of stuff.
Work: I am speaking up more. Trying to just get the job done and go.
Psychological: Being more gentle with myself and setting boundries that I have not done before.
That's enough.
Take care everyone,
Brenda

2009-01-03T11:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!! It has been pretty quiet around here. I have started studying for the next test. I have not done any stitching. Been kind of a slump. It's okay. Allen is doing well. His hours are being cut at Sams but he is going to try working in a different dept. and this will help with that decrease. Snow and ice are suppose to come our way. I hope it does not hit too hard. I agreed to work half a shift tonight.
Adrian is doing pretty good. He is answering the phone now. He would never do that. Working at Riverfront has helped him with alot of different "life skills". He really wants to be an adult.

Another Start.....Rabbit in the Round

2008-12-26T11:29:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a great holiday season. One of my wishes was to have a white christmas. Hey hey I did get that. I am starting to feel human again. That bug sure lasted a long time here. Started around Thanksgiving and did not go away till like last week. Adrian got his Badger Archive Book from Santa. James Bond DVDs and a Miami Vice CD (soon to be coming) for Xmas from mom. I will be seeing Allen next week and then the holiday season will be done. The above stitching is from my last years stash finding mission with Marcy and friends. It is a small project and it will be done soon. It feeds into my bunny-collecting.
Any new year's resolutions? Really working again on schoolwork. I want to get the rest of my classes out of the way. I have Chemisty, Algebra, Statistics, World Religions, and Anaylsis of Lit...soon to testing out on Jan. 13, 09.

Wishing Health and Happiness to all in 09.

2008-12-17T09:37:00.000-08:00

Here are my prezzies for days 5 and 6 for the 12 days of Christmas exchange. A Trail Creek Farm pattern -- xmas themed and for day 6 a box of spiced chai tea. Yummy. Thanks Partner.

Weather around here is white again. Not sure how much we got bur had to use the blower after I took Adrian to work. The big snow plow came through as I was plowing so that was good so when I got home I would not have a big "lump" at the bottom of the driveway. I think this virus or whatever I have got is finally going away. I do have a nasty cough but I have energy now. I have to work today and tomorrow and maybe Friday then off for the weekend. We are suppose to get hit again on Thursday night over Friday am with ice. Ewwwww Driving on ice. Never know it might not come. Cannot get too upset. Take everyday on day at a time.
Have a good day.

2008-12-13T09:01:00.000-08:00

Here are the first two presents I recieved from my partner in my exchange with my stitching group. Cuties aren't they. lol

2008-12-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming. This year I have more "spirit" than I have in a while. Feels good to get excited about a holiday. I think alot of that had to do with my buddy Miles. He is quite the guy. The snow has stopped coming down and now it is sooo pretty around here. I have taken a break from school right now. I am getting over this nasty cold/flu thing that I have had for a while. I want to be done with these general ed courses but they will get done eventually. Work has been less stressful so that has been good. Rest up for the next round of new admissions and a change in the "routine" for the shift.
Have a great day everyone!!

2008-12-09T08:41:00.001-08:00

2008-12-05T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hey, Here are all my 12 Days of Christmas packages. I'm in an exchange with Stitchers Circle. We start opening them on the 12th. I cannot wait!!!!

2008-12-03T19:59:00.000-08:00

This is the other piece that I just finished. This will be a pillow as soon as I get my machine out. It was done with Weeks Yarn and I believe a 28ct evenweave. Another piece I love.

2008-12-03T19:56:00.000-08:00

This is one of my latest finishes. I decided to go to a framing shop and have it professionally finished. I am sure glad I did. I Love it.!!!! It is on my shelf in my bedroom.

2008-11-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

Can't forget Spaz. She had put up alot with the new addition. She was used to being the baby and now she is the "Queen". We lost Selena. Both Spaz and I went through a morning period. Ater about 5 mos. she has slowly but surely gotten used to the ball of fur.

2008-11-14T12:22:00.001-08:00

More pictures of my lovable Miles.

2008-11-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

This is Miles. He is my new Fur Baby. I have had him for about 5months now. I got him from the Humane Society. I got him just under 4lbs. I thought for sure he would be bigger but he's my little man. Very affectionate and purrs all the time. He is much different than my other cats. He is a chewer and plays much more than the other ones. I think he has a bit of Siamese in him. His last visit to the vet and he was about 5.5lbs. I don't think he will get much bigger. He is really a joy to have around. If I don't get up when he wants me to he comes and licks my face. He brings toys to play with and uses his voice many a time to get what he wants. He truly is a great companion.

Latest WIP and School

2008-01-06T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,
Here is my latest WIP. It is from JBW Designs. French Country Alphabet. It is done in Periwinkle from Weeks Dye Works. After stitching on my french project that has many color changes, I wanted to do something less changes. I got this at my big shopping day at Welcome Stitchery. That place has EVERYTHING you need to cross stitch. Good thing it is 90 miles from me. LOL I am going to work on my Easter heart and a xmas decoration for the next years exchange while I am waiting for more floss. This was one skein of the Weeks.
Now for school. I got in gear to start working on my nursing school. I have my LPN and I want to get my Bachelors Degree. I am working on an online course. I have to work at my pace. Did not think it would be hard to set my own schedule but omg it is!! I have set up a test date so that will help me to get'er done. The subject I am working on right now is American History II. Starts at the end of the Civil War and ends at present. I did not like history in High School but I am kinda getting into it now. I like working in the nursing home where I am at but I ultimately want to work in a hospital in pediatrics. Hospitals do not hire LPNs. Also the increase in pay would not be too bad either. Better get back to the books.

2007-12-12T09:29:00.001-08:00

I am trying to post my WIP. Not having too much luck. LOL I hope I can figure this out. Yeaaah got it to work. I have been working on this one for about 6mos. I try and stitch a little bit every day. I love all the colors and especially the bunnies on the bottom. I might just be done by easter of '08. Will keep posting as I get more and more done.
Enjoy,
Brenda

Latest Finish

2007-12-12T08:32:00.000-08:00

Hello out there. Yesterday was kind of a wash. Just wanted to sleep all day cause the snow and ice were making life a challenge. I want to have a more productive day today so I decided that I would post my lastest finish and what I am working on right now. This is Lizzie Kate. My first work on gingham. It was pretty easy to do. I got it on my stash trip to Welcome Stitchery and started and finished it that weekend. I love it. I got some fabric today to finish it into a pillow.

2007-12-04T22:36:00.001-08:00

This is the nice package that I received from my Secret Santa the other day. The stitching group is Stitchers Circle. It had buttons, beads, floss (DMC and hand dyed), a recipe for cookies, pot holder, a hand towel that I can stitch something on, two pattern booklets, and a piece of gray/blue linen. Lots of ooohs and ahhhs when I saw everything.
Happy stitching.

Snowing again

2007-12-04T20:35:00.000-08:00

Gosh....We got hit Saturday with snow and then ice. Icky,icky. I had to drive to work. I just drove slow. I took today off. (PTO day) I am so glad. The snow decided to come back again. We are suppose to get 3 to 6 inches. So far so good for a white Christmas. I got my younger son his presents for xmas. He loves Dale Earnhardt. WalMart has a DVD set about him. He saw the set before Thanksgiving and told me then that is what he wanted. I am not sure whether my older son will get anything. He is so mean to me. He doesn't hardly help around here. It gets me so depressed. I have been trying to stitch more. Finish up some projects that I have had going for a while. That seems to calm me. Listening to Christmas music.
That's it for the moment. Do what makes you happy.

Secret Sister Package

2007-11-25T21:44:00.000-08:00

This was my last package from my secret sister this past summer. I also am experimenting with posting a picture on my blog. Since I have received this package I am using the floral notebook with all kinds of stuff. I keep it in my purse. I have added the floss and the fabric to my stash, the magnet (yellow handled sea side scene) is on my refrigerator.

Friday after Thanksgiving Shopping Fun.

2007-11-24T22:41:00.000-08:00

Hello out there. I have had a wonderful weekend so far. I have had Friday and Saturday off. On Friday I went to Welcome Stitchery with a friend and the most wonderful time. I bought a whole bunch of stash. I found a pattern that my son had cut up when he was a little boy. I was in the middle of stitching and had about half of it done. I have long since thrown out the piece of stitching but will be excited to start it again. I bought quite a few fibers also. I am now cataloging them. I stitched a Lizzie Kate named "Noel Squared". I stitched it on a piece of gingham linen. I will post a picture soon.