Crafty Lil' Witch

Happy New Year 2012!!!

2012-01-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful, safe New Years. I sat on the couch and stitched so mine was GREAT! =)

I am not really into making resolutions, more into adopting life style changes. This year I am going to make daily attempts to live in the moment and not feel bad about things that I haven't done or look forward into things I need to do. I don't know about you, but it seems to me that time just flies by so quickly. It seems like yesterday that I had babies, and now all of my kids are in school full time and in just the amount of time that I have had kids they will all be gone from my home. I know that the time between now and then will go by quickly and I will be wondering what happened to those years of my life. I think that as we look ahead to things to much we loose this moment right now. For instance..Christmas is so many days away...and the next thing, etc. If we are always looking to those forward days we loose today and other days in anticipation of "what's next". So I am going to move forward and do what I can each day to be happy in that day. Play with my kids, stitch a little, etc and just try to be present so that in 12 or so years when I have an empty nest I will feel like I really was present and lived those years and am ready for the next chapter in life.

Well...next post will be needlework. I know I haven't posted any projects for a while...well I have a lot to show you..so stay tuned!!!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

2011-12-24T13:09:00.000-08:00

Wishing everybody a joyous and happy day. I hope that you may all be surrounded with the ones you love. To those who serve overseas and their families we thank you for our continued freedom. Merry Christmas!

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Ok I'm two days late, but I was still thinking about all of you! I had a wonderful day and lots of good food. So much to be thankful for!

I will update soon with some stitching and a Christmas Give-a-Way!!!!

Happy Hallowe'en

2011-10-31T10:36:00.000-07:00

I hope you all have a blessed Hallowe'en!!!

I want to thank you all for your emails and comments on my give-a-way. I wish I could give something to everybody, but stay tuned I will do this again very soon!!! As promised it's Hallowe'en and the winner is Allison H!

Please email me with your address and the charts you want =)

Give-A-Way Bonanza!!!!

2011-10-21T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all enjoying a wonderful Autumn season. The leaves are changing and we are getting to see a lot more of that change because the weather has been mild and the leaves are staying on the trees longer....that's what the weather guy says anyway... Well enough science... LOL

I have a couple of give-a-ways here that I'm planning on and I hope you will all enter for a chance to win!

I am almost to 2000 members in my Yahoo Group! WOOHOO! I love these stitchers and I am so honored so many like to come togther on our little space on the web. I will be doing a give-a-way when we reach the 2000. So if you are not part of our group where we have exclusive freebies, swaps, challenges, and games click the Stichy Witchy on the right side panel and join us!!!

The second give-a-way is going to be a little different. You will receive an entry for each of the following steps. I will be giving away 6 designs of your choosing..this is for any chart your little heart desires..even the new Angels and Bride's Tree.

Post about my give-a-way on your blog
Comment on this blog post
Like Brooke's Books Publishing on Facebook
Tweet about the give-a-way
refer a friend to our yahoo group

Please email me letting me know which of the above things you've done and I will enter you in the drawing that many times =) I will be drawing names on Hallowe'en!!!!

Thank you all for your continued support of Brooke's Books Publishing!!!

Autumn....Really????

2011-08-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well....as you can see by my lack of blog posting I have been enjoying SUMMER! We had a very long cold spring. I guess they call it a Dog Wood Winter? I have many other things I call it...none of them sound nearly as nice as that... I personally am holding out for an Indian summer. The last half of July and all of August have been perfect! I think if we would have had a proper summer I would be ready for Fall. It is my favorite time of the year, and it has Hallowe'en!!!! It is what it is...and isn't change the one thing in life we can guarantee on?

I have been doing a small amount of stitching and am really happy with the progress of this piece. I picked it up a few months ago for my cousin Heidi's wedding gift, unfortunately it wasn't done by the wedding because I ran out of floss. Once I am finished with this piece I will have it framed and get back to BBD Anniversaries of the Heart. I have some changing and fixing to do on that, but it is a lovely piece. My plan is to finish it over the winter, and then next year get all of those little things like ornaments and such done before I decide on another large piece. I will keep you up to date with my progress.

In stitches! Meagan

Work In Progress.........

2011-06-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

I hope you all are enjoying a beautiful June day. It's warm here....finally!!! I've been working on BBD Anniversaries of the Heart. I still have to go back and fix January. I am waiting for some new threads to come in. February is dedicated...so far...to my cousin Heidi (Bear is her real middle name). She is two years older than me and is my sister more than my cousin. I love her more than words. This is a picture of me and her with our Uncle Shawn on his 50th birthday.

My Nany was also born in February, and I may work her into this piece or into another. I tried to go through all of my charts and assign them...well that hasn't worked too well. I will probably end up leaving a few of them blank and going back to fill them in at the end.

I took a siesta from Anniversaries to whip out our latest freebies in the Stitcher's Alphabet, S & T. T was fun...I don't know that it's perfect, but its a really pretty letter. You can get them all on the website - www.brookesbooks.com

What would you do????

2011-05-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well, I've found my camera! And now I need some advice...I appreciate any comment on this.

Here is my progress on Blackbirds Anniversaries of the Heart. While I will need to rip out part of this...as I am one stitch off...ugh. I added an extra one...but that is not my concern. My concern is color. I must have gotten the most muted batches of these colors! I am stitching with the colors used in the design but see how different mine are? The roof on the house, the front face of the house, the peacock? I've checked and recheck labels to make sure I'm not losing it..=) Click on any photo and you can zoom in on it.

So what would you do? Leave it? Order another batch of these colors and see if the dye lot is different? Use other colors...any suggests? I like the neutrality to this design, but I'm not loving some of the colors that should be standing out more..does that make sense? Any suggestions are more than welcome. Thank you in advance!

In the mean time, I'm on to the second chart...this one is working out well for me so far.

I also wanted to share my little bluebird. I stitched him up quickly last weekend while teaching an embroidery class. I'm trying to figure out what to do with him next.......

And finally....these are the last designs I don't have claimed in my give-a-way. Please contact me...if I don't hear from the winners I will repost these next week.

Peppermint Twist - Michelle
Frosty Flakes - Rhea
Needle & Thread - Tina
Chocolate Box - Ruth

many apologies.............

2011-04-27T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have really slacked off on my giveaways! I went on a business trip to Mexico and it required a lot of prep work..and then I went and enjoyed some sun..and worked hard. Now I'm back and I'm trying to do all the work from all the business created in Mexico and still finding little things my husband and/or kids did or didn't do while I was away...it's amazing all the little things that keep popping up. At any rate I am sincerely sorry for not getting these out.

However, I only have 4 of the giveaways on my desk and ready to go. They are to Pike, Mrs MJ in Sheffield, Penny B, & Joyce F. I haven't gotten emails from anyone else with their addresses. I am shipping these out tomorrow and any others that email me I will ship within the week. If I do not hear from you by Friday of next week I'm going to repost the charts not claimed. So if you email me and do not receive a response please know I didn't get it. I will check my comments here just in case you are trying to email me and don't hear back.

My email address is meagan at brookesbooks dot com.

I have some progress on my Blackbird Anniversaries of the Heart, but I can't seem to find my camera...I didn't even take it with me to Mexico. Hopefully, I will locate it soon as I am in need of some opinions!

Happy Stitching!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T09:39:00.000-07:00

I'm am grateful to come from a very large Irish Family. My Mom is actually first generation American. Wishing you a grand St. Paddy's Day!

Peace to all, Meagan

Start & Finish

2011-03-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

I hope you all are not having the snow we are. March is roaring like a lion around here. I'm over it =) I am hanging on to the fact that I will be lounging by the beach in Cabo a month from today and for a whole week I don't have to answer the question...WHAT'S FOR DINNER MOM! It's actually a "work" trip...but there will be plenty of beach bumming and ocean swimming.

Last night I finished stitching the Traveling Stitcher by LHN. I now have to back these and sew them on. I may get to it soon...not in the mood today.. LOL

I have myself all set to start Blackbird Anniversaries of the Heart. This first one will be for my Grandma Nellie. I just thought of her when I saw all of the snow as she lives in Alaska. My Grandfather was born in January and I think I may add him here somewhere as well. He passed in 2004. He and Grandma Nellie are my Dad's parents. I'll post as soon as I finish this first piece =)

If you'd like the chart for the Traveling Stitcher...leave me a comment and I'll draw a name next week!

Happy Stitching!

and the winners are.......

2011-02-27T11:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your kind comments and entries. I have used a random generator and these are the winners! Please email me with your address and I'll get it sent out this week!

Cardinal Winter - Mary Joan
Joy to the World - Penny B
Under the Tree - Joyce
Peppermint Twist - Michelle
Frosty Flakes - Rhea
LHN Thread Packs - Maureen
Needle & Thread - Tina
Chocolate Box - Ruth
Gingerbread Cottage - Pike

Witchy Stitches & Some Stash to Give-a-Way

2011-02-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

I have two more finishes to share! It's for sure a record now! This is Fauna the Fairy Witch. She was a lot of fun to stitch. She's up next to her sister Gwen...LOL. Of course I just realized I forgot her fairy wings so I'll have to pull out the Kreinik ribbon and attach those. And by the way...I think I need a new camera...I can't be this bad of a photographer =)

The next one (which I finished last week) Is Cardinal Winter by LHN it is the first ornament of 2011. I hope to get the finish done on a whole stack of ornaments so I can put them up this year.

Good news! The lovely ladies at ABC Stitch have sent my fabric for Blackbird Anniversaries. So I'll be starting that as soon as it gets here =)

And now...some stash to give-a-way

Little House Ornaments:

   - Cardinal Winter
- Joy to the World
- Under the Tree
- Peppermint Twist
- Frosty Flakes

Little House Thread Packs:
   - Strong & Beautiful
   - Loving & Faithful
   - Gentle & Kind
   - Trustworthy & True
   - Soft & Sweet
   - Joyful & Caring

Little House "Needle & Thread" Chart Only
Little House "Chocolate Box" Chart Only

Country Cottage Needleworks "Gingerbread Cottage" Chart Only

I've completed all of these projects, with the exception of the thread packs, and I'm going to keep passing stash along this year as I finish it.

Please leave a comment as to which charts you would like and I'll draw names next Sunday.

Happy Stitching!

Stitcher's Alphabet Finish

2011-02-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

I've just finished off P, Q, and R of our freebies The Stitcher's Alphabet. We have a SAL going now and I'm glad to be caught up. Now I think I'm going to whip out the 1st Little House Ornament. I'm still semi-patiently waiting my fabric so I can start Blackbird's Anniversaries of the Heart. Have a happy Sunday!

Another UFO...DONE

2011-01-30T17:28:00.000-08:00

I'm in some kind of crazy alternate universe...I've finished another piece! Well, I don't deserve to much praise for this. It was all but done...I just had to make a correction. This piece is a freebie from Brooke I started many moons ago. It was the first piece I'd ever done on a fabric other than 14ct Aida or perforated paper. When I finished this project years ago I realized that the right vine was seriously off count and over about 4 more spaces then it should have been. I found this today and decided it was the day to fix it. I frogged out the vine and restitched it. I found several little miscounts in this project...as you can see my 1999 isn't centered =) I've decided not to go crazy and to let it be what it is...not perfect. It represents a beginning. So I'm going to find a frame and hang it proudly. I really do love this design!

FINISHED!

2011-01-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

I just finished Bent Creek's Big Round Zipper! I am so excited I actually took a picture and voila here you go! My first finish for 2011. Now I'm off to make some felt food for the kids' kitchen...pancakes I believe!

Bride's Tree SAL Blog

2011-01-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

We have started a blog for all of you stitching the Bride's Tree Collection - If you'd like to join us please email me and I will send you an invite to join the blog.

Bride's Tree "Love" Preview

2011-01-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the second ornament in our Bride's Tree collection. The heart denotes True Love a wonderful wish for anyone. The next design will be Wishes...stay tuned!

Winter House Challenge

2011-01-15T11:20:00.000-08:00

We have a Season's House Series we are giving to our group as a challenge. The next challenge is Winter House. Our members can stitch the design as is, add/change elements, colors, buttons, beads, etc. They then post their finishes and the group does a poll vote on the one they like the best. The one with the most votes wins 6 Brooke's Books designs of their choosing! The Stitch Witch on the right will link you to our group page if you'd like to join in on the fun.

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T14:18:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a wonderful New Year! 2010 has been full of many blessings and I know 2011 will be better!

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-24T13:41:00.000-08:00

Well, it's been a busy last few weeks. I've been up to my ears in felt food (for the kid's kitchen) ornament finishes, and a multitude of crochet afghans and hats. I hope to share some photos soon...I've been to busy too stop and take photos. I'm looking forward to spending the day with my family tomorrow and holding all of my friends and family around the world close to my heart.

From my home wishing you a Very Happy Christmas!

A Bride's Tree Finish

2010-11-23T17:05:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share the finished Home design from our New Bride's Tree Ornament Collection. I was pretty nervous about doing this finish as I had to get it right back to Brooke for publications, but I had fun and I am happy with the way it turned out.

Also, wishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am grateful everyday for all of the blessing in my life.....eat, drink, & be merry!

Bride's Tree Ornament Collection

2010-11-10T13:13:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you the newest design. It will a 12 ornament set in the German Tradition of the Bride's Tree. Each ornament has a specific meaning and it said that a Bride and Groom should have each of these symbols on their tree to ensure happiness in their union. They will be released as follows.

I also want to mention Amy at Down Sunshine Lane has put together a great auto program with the 12th ornament for free. She also has a limited offer on the Bella Soie needed for the ornaments. Brooke has done a beautiful job on these heirloom designs. We hope you enjoy stitching them.

I'm working on finishing the ornament right now and will post it very soon.

~ Happy Hallowe'en ~ * ~ Samhain Blessings ~

2010-10-31T19:02:00.000-07:00

Wishing you a Spooktacular Hallowe'en

And Many Samhain Blessings

Alive & Kicking

2010-10-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it’s been almost 3 months since I’ve posted on my blog! It’s been busy around here with school starting and fall soccer along with my attempt to get some stitching and crafting done. Tuck in for some updates.

Two weeks ago we joined many other families in our area with children living with Type 1 Diabetes. We did a 3 mile walk to raise money and awareness for JDRF. All for this one…. She’s sipping a juice just as we were getting ready to start our walk…low blood sugar. Great timing! We had a lot of fun, got some good exercise, and enjoyed a beautiful warm fall day. After the walk we went to Circus du Soleil’s Allegrio show. IT WAS AMAZING! If they come to your area go and see it. I can’t even explain to you how wonderful it is. We all enjoyed it. The kids were even talking about his morning on the way to school. I wasn’t able to take photographs during the show for safely reasons. I would have loved to share some of them with you.

The other two are playing fall soccer. My younger daughter, Jo, is a gymnast year around, but decided she wanted to take a short break and play soccer…not sure we’ll be making that decision again. She’s having some fun, but I don’t really think it’s something she’ll want to do again. She’s ready to go back to the bar and beam. She does get out there and play…that’s the important part.

Coy on the other hand has inherited a natural athletic ability. He’s only 5 and this is his first year and I am a proud Momma, but he knows what he’s doing out there. He scored 4 goals at his first game and almost got a 5th but twisted his knee right as he was kicking it. That was the end of the game, but we were so proud of him. He’s so much fun to watch. They both have a game Saturday and I look forward to seeing them in action again. My husband is a little concerned with the Forest Gump stand that he seems to have mastered in every photo. =)

Last but never least…my WIP’s; every holiday season I attempt to pull out all of the stops and stash and get some things done to decorate my house. I’ve stitched some of our adorable Halloween Critters for my Halloween tree, that many not make it up this year. I love these they are so fast and fun and the colors are amazing!

I’m working on a stocking from BBD’s Halloween Stocking Book. Also, a little Boo chart by Stasy Nash Primatives. I’d like to make that into a little pin keep to put at the base of my tree…I have many other designs picked to do the same…UGH maybe next year =)

Sorry for the poor photo…I’m also working on some Christmas designs. Blackbird Stockings…which I LOVE….these are done, just need to be finished.

And…Peppermint Twist by LHN. I’ve been apart of Diane’s Ornament Program this year and I’m loving it. I will have quite a few new ornaments to add to my tree this year.

Well, hopefully the next post won’t take me 3 months!

Love, Meagan

Pictures

2010-07-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

I've found my camera cord hurray! It was in the camera case....imagine that! Firstly, here are some clearer picture of the girl's upcycled kitchen! I am having fun making felt food for the kids to play with.

Now some scenary, these are all photos of the trip we took, 2 posts back that I promised to post. This is the Metalline Falls area in the very north east corner of Washington state right up by the Canadian border. The pictures of the dam were taken from a platform over 200 feet in the air suspended above the dam.

Love & Light, Meg

Happy Independence Day!

2010-07-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Wishing all of my fellow American's a fun, safe 4th of July.

Honoring all of those whom have served this country and proud to have had family that fought for Independence 234 years ago!

Exploring

2010-06-28T14:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! It's been over a month since my last entry....time just moves by way to quickly! It's been crazy around here. My in-law's where here for a week and in between boughts of rain we explored some the surrounding areas. We went to the Gardner Caves in Metalline Falls. We were able to go down several hundred feet and look at all of the incredible formations. The cave was founded by a man named Gardner in 1899. They say he was the local moonshine expert and this is where he kept his stash. It is told that he lost a card came to a man named Crawford in the 1920's and it became his land. The Gardner Cave is located in Crawford Park.

We also went a little farther north just about to the Canadian Border and checked out the lookout at the Metalline Dam. The dam supplies the power to about half of the city of Seattle. It is an amazing view on a small little platform 200 feet above the water.

I hope to show you the pictures of our trip soon....

if I can find the cord to my camera..ugh!!!

The visit also coincided with the girls birthdays. Isabelle turned 10 on the 14th and Jo was 7 on the 23rd. We had our family party at the house. The big birthday gift this year....tada....an upcycled kitchen. In it's previous life this was a changing table/dresser with a hutch above it. It is made out of that cheap press board and had seen better days. The kids love to play restaurant so it was my idea to turn this into a life size kitchen. My parents did all the work on it and it turned out amazing!!!! The drawers were removed and in it's place a sink and oven. The tower on the side makes the perfect refrigerator. The girls absolutely love it! I am in the process of making a bunch of felt food from Bugga Bugs so then have more to play with. It's kept them busy and they even have a tip jar that got full that night from all of the great service. Sorry for the blurry pictures. I had to pull these off of my Mom's facebook page =)

On a stitching note...I'm still working on Bent Creek Big Round Zipper...however I have misplaced my thread pack...somewhere between the couch and my NEW craft room!!!! I'm on the look out and after I finish up this food I'll be back to it. So much crafting so little time!!!!

Busy Busy Busy

2010-05-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to blog for some time now. Maybe one of these days I'll be more consistant with it. I have been busy though!!!! As per usual...not the greatest photographer =)

My current WIP is Big Round Zipper from Bent Creek. I am having fun stitching this design it is so fast and easy. I cannot wait to finish it and have it framed. I'm going to put some effort into getting it done quickly as I'd like to get most of the Blackbird Stockings done for my tree this year.

I have also been teaching myself how to crochet. I started learning about a year ago just doing swatches and teaching myself different stitches. Lion's Brand has been such a wonderful source of information. A few months ago I decided it was time to move up to an actual pattern. I've finished these three in the last couple weeks. All from Lion's Brands free pattern database. The first is the Bella Luna Shawl. The little house & mushroom are potholders. They are for my girls little play kitchen. The last is a little scarf that I just double stitched. It's with beautiful hand spun, hand painted yarn in the New Moon colorway by this Etsy crafter.

Finally, a little melted plastic..which I had fun with and then thought it's probably not all that environmentally friendly =) These Shrinky Dinks will eventually be bookmarks, inspired by Pren! I did a set of Twilight, a set of Harry Potter, and just some random ones from some favorites like True Blood and Gilmore Girls. Brought back some memories of coloring and melting back in the day =)

Enjoy your day!!!!

Big Zipper Update

2010-04-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

Good day all....thanks for sticking with this lazy blogger. I wanted to share with you my current WIP. This is my first "big" project from Bent Creek...and it's A LOT bigger than I anticipated, but is really fun and fast to stitch. After a week or so of being sucked into the Twilight series I'm back into stitching and actually made quite a bit of progress last night on the border.

This is a finish from a few weeks ago. I love this little pin cushion! It was a little tricky getting the quilt on the bed, but I worked it out.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2010-03-17T11:20:00.000-07:00

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful day! I'm lucky to be Irish everyday of the year. My Irish family came to American in the 1920's and my Mom is the first generation to be born in this country. So from the Keough, Murphy, & Tracey family Happy St. Patrick's Day! Love, Meg

Getting back to stitching!

2010-03-09T10:46:00.000-08:00

We are finally moved and getting back to normal life! We moved in the last weekend in February and it seems like I spent last week running all over the Inland Northwest. I still have some clothes to put away and a ton of laundry to do but I'd say I'm about 97% done!

In the mean time I've been wanting to stitch, but not finding inspiration after being so worn out. I decided I'd do a little project so I could feel a sense of accomplishment. This came in the mail just in time! I love Impie, Hattie, & Bea and the colors in this design are so nice. I'm using 32 ct Lambswool as it's the only 32 ct fabric I had and I didn't want to wait =)

Sunday was my birthday and yesterday when I got home this was waiting for me from my dear friend, Emily. I love these designs...and the pincushion...oh it's so perfect! I love it!!! Thank you Em...your gifts are always so wondeful!

Winners!

2010-02-04T10:28:00.000-08:00

The winners are:

Kristin - Shepherd's Bush

Barbara - Bent Creek Silver & Gold

Please email me at meagan at brookesbooks dot com with your address and I'll get them in the mail to you =)

Thanks to everybody who entered...stand by for more!

Give A Way

2010-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

As I am moving and purging I'm going to start passing on charts I've already done =) So if you would like either one of these let me know and I'll draw names Wednesday Night.

The first one is the OOP Silver & Gold by Bent Creek pictured below.

The next one is Shepherd's Bush Fright. It has the remaining silks in it as well.

Bent Creek & Crochet

2010-01-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

I am finally posting!!! My camera is acting a little wonky and so I'm just getting some pictures taken. The first one isn't that great...for some reason I just couldn't get it to come out right. I'm sure it has nothing to do with operator error =)

This is Silver & Gold by Bent Creek. It's a tiny little ornament =) I love it!

My current cross stitch WIP is Big Round Zipper...by Bent Creek. I haven't been putting a lot of work into this piece and need to get caught up. It's so much bigger than I had anticipated but really fun and fast to stitch.

The main thing I've been working on is the beautiful Bella Luna Scarf by Nicki Epstein and Lion's Brand. I just love their website! I'm actually really proud of this piece because it's the first pattern I've ever done. I haven't been crocheting that long. I find I really enjoy it when I want to keep my hands busy but I don't want to sit down and concentrate on a pattern. Of course, the flowers will be another story...I'm a little scared of those!

One other thing....the ABC Stitch-A-Long! I'm done with A-O and will be whipping out P this weekend. I love that these are so cute with the bonus of being fast and easy..instant gratification!

Some exciting news...I'm Moving! My home that I've lived in (minus 5 years for college) since 1987 is being torn down. I love this little 135 year old place, but it's tired and time to say goodbye. My parents own it and they still live on the same property so it's not a super sad event. We have found a wonderful house on 80 acres and it's 3 times the size of this cottage with storage!!! I am looking forward to a major purging of clutter and stuff. If we need it or love it..it's coming with us everything else must go! I will post pictures of the new place as we begin our move in a couple weeks! Here is our little house last year....we are having a great mild winter with NO SNOW!!! Way to go Idaho!!!

And the Second Winner is ...........

2010-01-16T13:13:00.000-08:00

Viv! Thank you all for entering. I love doing giveaways! Stay tuned as I will be going threw some stash and passing on some more charts =)

And the Winner Is.................

2010-01-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please!!! DJ!!! As randomly drawn by my DD Isabelle. Congrats!

Please email me your address so I can get your pinkeep in the mail.

Thank you all for entering and all your nice comments! I'm just going to have to do this again.

So if you want the pattern, DMC floss, and linen used to create this design...please leave me another comment and I'll draw another name...say Wednesday evening.

PIF - Pay It Forward - Giveaway

2010-01-08T18:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a PIF I did for Lynn. Unfortunately, after half a dozen or so attempts over a few months to contact her for mailing information I have decided to give it away. However, if this should catch the intended person's attention it will go to her =) If you would like a chance at this little pinkeep please leave me a comment and I'll draw names on Sunday night! I would encourage all you bloggers to do a PIF it's lots of fun! I will post the other one I did this week when it get arrives at it's destination!

Happy New Year 2010!!!

2010-01-01T13:45:00.000-08:00

WOW is it 2010 already? It feels like it was just Y2K! I feel great about this year already. I got to be with good friends and family and toasted the new year surrounded in love. I plan on making 2010 the best year ever!

May your trouble be less and your blessing be more

and nothing but happiness come through your door!

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-24T14:18:00.000-08:00

Wishing all my friends a Very Merry Christmas! I'm so blessed to have so many friends around the world and will be thinking of you all tomorrow!

Praying for Peace in 2010

Brooke's Books Stitch-A-Long

2009-12-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

I hope you all are enjoying a wonderful Holiday season. It's the first year in many that we're not going to have a White Christmas. We have a thin inch or so of hard snow on the ground...nothing fluffy and clean...but it sure makes the sleds fly! I'm not complaining to much as we have the beautiful SUN!!! I'm working on Bent Creek Big Round Zipper and it should be called the HUMONGOUS Round Zipper..it's way bigger than I expected..but so much fun and fast to stitch. I'll post an update soon =)

I wanted to mention a SAL we have going on with our Yahoo group. It's for the little Stitcher's Alphabet freebies designed by Brooke. You don't have to be a member of our group to join...the blog for it is here. Just shoot me an email if you'd like an invite. I've posted my current ABC WIP there.

Second BBD Stocking

2009-12-16T14:41:00.000-08:00

This stocking is from the May Flowers publication. I really love this one. The picture doesn't do it justice since it was taken on my phone. I'm charging my camera so I can add a better one later.

This is the one I had problems with....and they were operator errors not pattern flaws. I had ironed on my fusible webbing and was starting to cut...while distracted by rowdy children...and along the back side to the heel I cut right up against the webbing not adding the 1/4" seam allowance! I about had a melt down...well Vonna came to my rescue and suggested I apply a Fray Stop and allow it to dry over night that way I could stitch it without worrying about it coming apart. Well it WORKED! You can tell if you look very closely...but that's art for you!

Hoping you are all enjoying your Holiday Season!

Stocking Finish

2009-12-08T16:39:00.000-08:00

Here is my first BBD Stocking finish thanks to the help of Vonna. She's saved my cookies a couple times this week! This was a finish for my Mom and it's hanging on her tree. I'm off to finish my second stocking now!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-25T17:06:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving filled with friends & family! I know I have a lot to be thankful for this year!

Ornaments

2009-11-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

The smell of snow is in the air in North Idaho. I love snow at Christmas time....by December 26Th I'm done with it LOL. I've been stitching up the BBD stockings for my Mom. I've finished Poppy and I'm pretty happy with it.

Today I finished Pear Tree by LHN. This design is from the 2006 Ornament Edition of Just Cross Stitch. I've changed some of the colors in it and really like the way it turned out. I'm still on the fence on what it will be once finished. I picked this design for the Little House Needlework's Ornament SAL group. Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! I will update you with some more stockings hopefully by the end of the week!

BBD Poppy Stocking

2009-11-11T17:51:00.000-08:00

Here is my current WIP from Sweet August by Blackbird Designs. This is for my Mom she picked 4 stockings she would like to have for her tree. I just started this last night so it has about 2 hours into it so far and it's going pretty quick. I'm still working on Christmasland, but since Christmas is just around the corner I figured I better get a stocking or two done at least! I am nervous about doing the actual stocking part of it, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. Please excuse the pictures..they were taken with my phone.

Party Animals

2009-11-03T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here are the little party-goers on Halloween night. We didn't trick-or-treat as all of the candy collected went to the Switch Witch. Josephine was Poison Ivy from Batman..and a little upset everyone thought she was a fairy. She kept saying...I'm a bad girl! LOL She had successfully worn off part of her make up by flipping her hair out of her face..you can no longer see the paint detail above her eyes. Isabelle was Cleopatra and was sewn pretty tightly in that toga. Coy was Optimus Prime. We have a great little community center and they had games and prizes. It was a fun night over all and when they woke up Sunday morning to their new toys it was well worth giving up the candy!

Gwendolyn the Great......DONE!

2009-10-29T16:30:00.000-07:00

First, I want to thank all of my friends for their loving comments on my last post. I was truly moved and I appreciate your words very much.

My latest finish....tada! Gwendolyn the Great. She was so much fun to stitch and very quick to finish. I love her broom!

I started my next project...Christmasland by Raise the Roof Designs. I love this one...so cute!

And finally, three pugs in a pile...just love my niece & nephews. Zeus, Daisy, & Mo.

Remembering You

2009-10-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sharon 1976

Where does time go anymore..... A year ago today, my Aunt Sheri crossed over. She struggled the last few months of her life with cancer that had spread through her whole body. My Aunt wasn't a victim of cancer...she chose this death...now don't email me about that comment. She was told 5 years prior to her death that she had cancer and decided not to fight, not to tell anyone, and in my opinion death. While we may not understand other's thinking and when someone makes a decision like this there are often a lot of questions unanswered. We believe we ultimately know why her decision was such, but we are so saddened that she didn't think enough of her value as a person to want to share that struggle with anyone else. She wasn't an easy person to love...she had a lot of problems, but she was my blood and she loved me and I loved her. I am saddened today by this void in my life, but I know the soul never dies. She was ready to leave this physical world and we have accepted that...she has changed many lives by the decisions she made...maybe that was her divine purpose. I am having so many thoughts today and those closest to me know the details...trust me this post would be a mile long if I went into it....but ultimately, the most powerful one of all is love. She gave me the gift of forgiveness before she passed and for that I am truly thankful. So I am thinking of my Aunt today with love in my heart and I will honor her in little ways for I know she is with me in spirit and I our souls will meet again someday.

Bail ó Dhia ort

A Special Giveaway

2009-10-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

A treasured member of my group has a great post about her Mom and the past year....as well as a great giveaway. Check it out! http://kathystitchcomments.blogspot.com/

Bent Creek Halloween Snapper

2009-10-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Fall! The weather has turned cold here in North Idaho. We had a major windstorm this weekend that knocked down trees and I was without power most of Sunday.

Here is my latest finish. It's Bent Creek's Halloween Snapper. I am missing the little black spiders around the edges because the buttons I was told work work for it were way too big. So now I'm going to see if I can find something that will work. I was hoping I could get this made into a cube and out on disply before Halloween. I hope my quest for buttons is fruitful =) I just love all of the little costumes. Thank you Emily for the wonderful gift!

Never Forget.....

2009-09-11T10:58:00.000-07:00

Remembering today the lives of the innocent, the brave, and the family/friends that miss them......

A Finish & A Start

2009-08-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

I've finally gotten around to taking pictures of my finish of Shepherd's Bush Creepy Crawly Halloween Night. This is 19ct fabric and it's stitched over two. It was a very fast finish. I haven't decided if I want to frame it yet...or make a wall hanging...I'll figure it out eventually. LOL I'm not the worlds greatest photographer.

Here is my next start...Halloween Snappers by Bent Creek. This was a gift from my dear friend, Emily. I'm a little late on the actual stitching part because the last two weeks I have had my nose in a book...actually 7. I'm half way through the 7th book in the Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse series. I'm really enjoying them. I will get started on this while I wait for 8 & 9 to get here.

Just Babies

2009-08-09T20:19:00.000-07:00

Here are my sweet pugs. Mo, Daisy, & Zeus. I finished Shepherd's Bush's Halloween Night. I will post pictures this week!

Creepy Crawly Halloween Night

2009-07-24T18:26:00.001-07:00

YAY! Finally a WIP picture. I am having so much fun with this chart. I love the fabric it is sooo soft. It's actually a big design so it's been pretty quick to stitch. To my surprise I was missing a couple of colors and since I live rural...I don't have shops that carry overdyed thread. So I'm waiting on a couple colors to finish off the house.

Ok....maybe now I can stitch!!!

2009-07-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Life has been a whirlwind since the 1st of this Month....family arrived on the 2nd and left on the 6th and then more family came the 7th and still here. Along with all the company for the 4th. UGH!!! I love them...but it gets to be a lot.

My oldest Daughter, Isabelle went to camp yesterday. She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in February and she is at a fun camp just for kids with Diabetes called Camp Stix. The camp isn't too far from where we live. They do all these special fun nights with costumes and everything. I had all of paperwork all together to go and then got to involved in packing her clothes, costumes, etc...that I got there and forgot her Doctor's Release form...UGH...Her doctor is at the camp with her so they told me I could just scan and email it...well then my darn scanner wouldn't work... So, I ran that up there this morning as well as her missing pillow. All the campers were at breakfast when I got there so I didn't actually get to see her...but I think her freshly made bed and pillow will alert her to my presence. We don't pick her up until Saturday...and I miss her already. She's having a great time though. I just hope she's responsible with her sunscreen. It's supposed to be hot and 90 all week and the camp is right on the river. I hope to get some pictures from the Camp of all of the fun they have.

So, needless to say, I haven't had a whole lot of time to stitch..by the time I land in bed at night the last thing I want to do is focus on anything. I started Shepherd's Bush Halloween Night. I have a about 30 stitches in it so far, so I'll post a photo when I get a little more done. I love the fabric. I'm stitching it on a 19ct provided by SB...so I'm not sure who it's from. It's not the model fabric by Weeks Dye Works as that fabric won't be available for another month....it is so soft and wonderful though...the softest I've every used. It's also 3 over 2 so they look like 10 ct stitches...I think it will be a lot of fun! .

I will also post some pictures of my garden soon...my sunflowers are about 4 ft tall right now and should be blossoming soon! Yay!!!!

Well I'm at my office...I better get back to work! LOL!

Awesome Irish Giveaway

2009-07-07T17:20:00.000-07:00

Check out this awesome giveaway on Micki's Blog. Love the little sheep =)

I am so honored!!!

2009-07-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

Today I got a lovely surprise from Kate. She gave me this award! My first =) So now I must nominate 7 people and here goes..... Brooke, Cameo, Jane, Shobhan, Alice, Tammy, & Cindy.

Alright ladies...PIF. Time to award your 7 favs.

And....I got a new camera today...so I will finally feel post worthy =)

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful 4th of July!

Boring Blog Winner!!!

2009-06-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Ugh! I haven't posted in sooooo long! For three very good reasons I assure you. First, one of my lovely children broke my camera....again!!!! So I have no pictures of my finishes to post at this time. Secondly, my last finish was a PIF and the recipent hasn't recieved it yet...so as soon as she has it I will steal the neighbor's (parents) camera and post it. Finally, I am working on a model for the August feature design from Brooke's Books for The Gift of Stitching Magazine. It's top secret right now, but as soon as I get the thumbs up I will post that as well. So I guess the only photo for today is my sweet neice and nephew ...aren't they cute ;)

Incredible Edible Freebies

2009-05-26T10:27:00.001-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-24T17:21:00.000-07:00

I hope you are all able to enjoy a beautiful Memorial Day weekend. As a Daughter of the American Revolution I am flying my flag high. We have been having wonderful weather here and yesterday I planted my sunflowers. Today and tomorrow most of the veggies will be planted.On a stitching note...I finished Cherry Tree Inn. I hope to be able to share pictures with you soon. One of the short people living in my house has once again broke my camera. As soon as I am able to take a photo I will post it.

I also wanted to share the final cake in the year long Cake Freebies on our Yahoo Group. I can't wait to see the samplers made from these 12 wonderful cakes.

I'm off to start my next project. My PIF for Sharon =) I hope you enjoy your weekend!!!

Halloween in May

2009-05-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

I ran across this little Freebie that I had finished last year. I had it all stitched and the backing printed, but had not taken the time to mount it. So I got out my handy Xyron and made a sticker of both the finished piece and the black paper I put under it and voila! A fast finish! I am almost done with Cherry Tree Inn and will post that as soon as I finish the border! Don't forget to check out the new Just Cross Stitch Magazine featuring Brooke's Books Publishing!

WIP & Group Challenge

2009-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to blog for a few weeks...just haven't gotten pictures taken..etc. I was working on Blackbird Designs Freebie...but ran out of thread=( I have NO LNS around so I had to order it. I will post photos as soon as I finish. I'm currently working on Little House Needleworks Cherry Tree Inn. It's a really fun design and I am loving the colors! I'm not sure how I'll finish it yet...but I will post when I'm done. After I finish this I will be working on my PIF's...I've got the charts picked for those and am sooo excited to get them started.

This free chart is the Spring Pantry from Brooke's Books Interactive Group It is the last in the Pantry Series..but you have to be a member of my group to get it =)

Keep Stitching!

Gwendolyn the Great

2009-04-14T17:48:00.000-07:00

Announcing...Gwendolyn the Great...she kind of looks like a trouble maker to me... I love this new little witch by the Great Brooke Nolan. The Online Needlework Show starts tomorrow! Make sure you check out all the new designs and let your Local Shop know what you want! I know Brooke is having a giveaway and maybe other designers are as well. Check it out!!!

Spreading Gratitude

2009-03-30T19:48:00.000-07:00

There is no condition needed for appreciation. When you align your soul with the hado of appreciation and love, a small drop of happiness will seep into your heart and spread though your body.

I wanted to share that with you. It's a wonderful reminder from Dr. Emoto. I have felt myself slip into "life" lately and falling away from my center. I'm taking fast steps back to gratitude and peace. With everything going on in the world today it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle.....

I have sooo much to be grateful for.

On another note...here is a great picture I wanted to share with you. This is at my Aunt Sheri's memorial last Friday. Me and My Cousins (l to r) Colton, Heidi, Keegan, Molly, Gerad, & Me.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

If you know me….you know I bleed green. I come from a very large, loud, loving family and being Irish has always been a sense of pride for us. This is an Irish toast that I think pretty much sums it up! Happy St. Patrick’s Day! May your troubles be less and your blessings be more and nothing but happiness come through your door! Erin Go Bragh!

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE IRISH
Being Irish isn't something you do, it's something you are. Being Irish means that your heart swells like a sheet on a clothesline at the sound of your ancestral brogue, that the thought of your dad and sainted mother makes you weep a wee bit even now, that the devil himself, try as he does, will never dim your devotion to the Trinity. If you're truly Irish, you're possessed of a joy of the spirits and a depth of soul. You carry a smile for a stranger and coins aplenty for the poor. Aye, there's feistiness about you as well, but only in protecting all that you hold dear; family, friends, faith and land, your heritage. For if you can see a masterpiece in a sunset and a promise of harvest in a clump of dirt, if you claim friends who'll buoy you up as well as cheer you when you sail, if you can feel the loving grip of God whatever your lot in life, then saints be praised.

YOU'RE IRISH.

Happy Birthday to MEEEE!!!!

2009-03-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late on this post as my birthday was a week ago! I have the best friends in the world! Cameo sent me this really nice Celtic fabric and some sweet little lockets for my kiddos..and a little clover for luck. She sent me this Lizzie Kate square in a card earlier this year. I decided I wanted to use the fabric and square for a little pillow...I will post when I get it finished. THANKS CAM!!! I love ya!

Next came this wonderful book from my Emily! I am a lover of all things Jane and this book is the perfect gift!!!! I am enjoying it so much.... I've spent the last few nights in bed with a cup of tea soaking in every word!!! Thank you so much Em!

Lastly, a gift from me! Or hubby...but he doesn't know it =) I've been wanting to get this tapestry for quite a while...I'm sure my fellow Gryffindors will recognize this from the common room. It is The Lady and the Unicorn. It is a HUGE chart and shouldn't be too hard...now I need to find a frame to hold it in while I stitch! I don't think my Q-Snaps can do the job. I guess I can't forget my parents gift! My Wii-Fit board! If you don't have a Wii I highly suggest checking them out...they are soooo much fun!!!!

Thank you all for making this the best birthday ever!!!!!

PIF & Current Project

2009-03-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

On the stitching front...this is my current WIP. It took me quite a while to find this design and I must say I love it! Blackbird Designs are becoming some of my favorite. I also need to get Sail Away out...My dear friend, Emily is going to help me with some of the stitches I was having trouble with...but if I don't hurry up she's going to be done and have it in the frame!

I also wanted to show off my beautiful PIF from my other dear friend, Cameo. A wonderful tag with my name on it. I hope you will all take on this wonderful project and Pay It Forward.

Cupcakes & Community

2009-03-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

My life has just been a big adventure since my daughters diagnosis a month ago. My brain is filling with information and I believe we are making huge steps toward a cure. We are taking a low carb approach to this and I have also intuitively cut out most of our wheat. My daughter isn't intolerant to it...but I just feel in my gut like that's the thing to do. It does help that I am intolerant and I guess needed another reason to get rid of it. I have found the most incrediable blog and this lady has become my favorite Gluten Free Green Mama. I have been breaking out of my shell in the kitchen a little and branching off into some of my own baking alchemy. So I went into the kitchen today and brewed up my third batch of Elana's Vanilla Cupcakes. The first two batches I made as directed...the first ones didn't come out so good...the second were much better and today's batch are AMAZING...I did change one thing...I used coconut oil instead as I have found I detest the taste of grapeseed oil. I also whipped up her wonderful chocolate frosting...these cupcakes tasted so good and coconuty I thought I would make some coconut frosting for them...but I don't have some of the things for the recipes I found on the web. I did however have Coconut Cream. I haven't used this before and upon reading the label it says that it's 70% oil....and it is a good clean source of essential fats....so I desided to use my Vita-Mix and smooth it out. I then added agave to taste a dash of salt and vanilla. I put it in the freezer for about 10 minutes and then hand whipped it. OMG! It is sooooo good...as a matter of fact...I am now making another batch of cupcakes so I can use up all this frosting....LOL!

On another very wonderful note....I am very proud to belong to the second fully sustainable community in the United States. Boulder Colorado is the first to earn that title. What that means is that my area is fully able to care and provide all of its citizens with everything we need to live. We don't need to go anywhere ... we have it all right here! Bravo Sandpoint, Idaho! I strongly believe a lot of the pain we are going through right now is because we have become a society of conveince and not of self sustainablity. I work hard toward doing everything I can for my family, my Earth...myself! It's so rewarding!

PIF - Pay It Forward - Recipents

2009-02-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I'm behind in my PIF postings! I had 5 people comment! Thank you so much! I did say in my first post that it would be the first 3 and if I get these done and out the door in a reasonable amount of time I will contact the other two. So for Sharon, Lynn, & Liz...please email me at meagan at brookes books dot com and tell me a little about you! What you like...don't like...what you would like to receive =) I can't wait to get started on these =) and it's good motivation to over come what I call Stitcher's ADD...where I change projects constantly. What can I say...my stitching mood changes rapidly! Thank you for Paying it Forward with me!

Behind.....

2009-02-11T19:14:00.000-08:00

I feel like a blogging slacker. I haven't posted in forever... I am still working on Sail Away...I got a little confused on some of the stitches so my wonderful friend, Emily, is going to do a SAL with me and that way she can help me =) and it will be fun!!! Until that time I am working on The Spirit of Christmas Stitching by my BF Brooke Nolan I have the green of the dress done. I will put some new batteries in my camera and post a picture.

One of the reasons I haven't been stitching so much is this little one. My 8 year old daughter.....She was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes last week and we have been getting into the grove of this and changing a lot of things. She is doing remarkably well and using the tiniest amount of insulin. We all remain positive that she will not be insulin dependent for life. I am beyond blessed to know some of the greatest healers and together we will all be stronger! I thank all of my friends for their good energy, love, and prayers. I know all of you have made the difference.

PIF - Pay It Forward

2009-01-28T15:33:00.000-08:00

Hi All! I received a wonderful PIF from my dear friend, Cameo. It's a great tag with my name on it. Since my camera is out of batteries I can't post a picture just yet...but I will very soon. So now it's my turn to Pay It Forward! So this is how it works. I promise you will have something handmade from me in 365 days =) So if you want me to send you something handmade and you are willing to then PIF and send three other people something handmade from you ... be one of the first three to post in my comments by February 15th. PLEASE sign up if you are positive that you will be able to follow through! I will post who my 3 lucky ducks will be in another post. And I will encourage them to post in their blog the same PIF message that I am sharing with you.

Birdhouses & Babies

2009-01-24T14:36:00.000-08:00

In December we had record snow fall..since the beginning of time! It was beautiful, but not fun to clean up! It did make for some spectacular pictures. Here is one of our many birdhouses.....

I am also babysitting these sweet babies. My niece Daisy and nephew Zeus...LOL.... They came last Saturday and will be here until the 6th when my brother returns from Florida. He's down there doing some PGA thing...yes Professional Golf Association. He's the Director for the PGM program at UofIdaho and a PGA golfer. He's a pain...but I'm awfully proud of him.

Sail Away with Me!

2009-01-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

My current WIP is Shepherd's Bush - Sail Away. I just painted my bathroom blue and this will look so perfect up on the wall =) Now if I could just get my DH to help me put up the wanescotting I could get the bathroom back in order!

I love Shepherd's Bushs threads and colors. They are always so beautiful to stitch...and there are always different elements to it..so it's always fun! I will post again when I'm done =)

Happy New Year

2008-12-30T19:42:00.000-08:00

May peace be more than a season...may it be a way of life!!! Happy New Year! 2009 is going to be outstanding!!!

Love & Light, Meagan

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish everybody out there a Merry Christmas and I pray that the true spirit of compassion, love, grace and self-understanding that was modeled for us by Christ touches your hearts and minds in a beautiful and miraculous way. I wish you all peace, joy, prosperity and health!

Snow Angel

2008-12-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

I have finally come close to finishing the Snow Angel from the 2007 Christmas Spirit Collection. Let me tell you....this is the most beautiful angel of all of the ones I have done. She is just exquisite! The colors...OMG are so cool and beautiful. She is a lot of work...mostly metallic braid and lots of beading...but she is worth the work =) I don't believe any photo could do her justice...she is a must stitch! I am working on the wings...and I have the snowflake done, but not strung. She doesn't need anything she's so beautiful by herself. I will complete and assemble her by the end of the week.

My Sweet Friend

2008-12-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

Cameo sent me this adorable pillow for Christmas. Isn't it cute!!! Merry Christmas and Thank You Cameo!!!

Smokin' Needles

2008-12-07T18:22:00.001-08:00

Here she is!!!! Finished!!! I also finished the N from the Stitcher's Alphabet. Off to start something new!

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

I thought I would post some of my Brooke's Books designs on my tree. The Angel is from last year ..the Spirit of Giving... The others are Gingerbabies! I love them. Sorry my picture taking skills are not that great! The Baking Angel will be done and added to the tree this week =)

Stitchy Witchy 3D

2008-11-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

I found this awesome lady Laurie on Etsy...of course. She make these Sewl Mates. So I had her make me a witch. I got her today and I love her so much!!! She is a dress form pincushion with a sweet little face and her fabulous hat. On her belt is a frog he is actually a needle threader. She has a spot for scissors, and the spool holds a pumpkin seam ripper. She's beautiful and functional! I'm in love!

I also thought I would add my ABC sampler from Brooke's Books. I started working on the N last night. I'm also still working on my Baking Angel...she's coming along nicely!

Current Project

2008-11-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

I have been busy purging lately. After my Aunt crossed over and we went through all of her stuff...I thought oh there is no way I want someone coming into my house and seeing all this JUNK!!! So I am on a mission to organize and get my house in tip top shape. I don't sit during the day to stitch so it takes me a little longer to finish projects...but I do stitch fast =) I was working on another project and then I got my new angels in the mail from Brooke and I just had to start on one of them. I chose the Baking angel. I just love all of her accessories and she's juste si très beau that I had to start her right away. Oh LaLa! So here she is in progress...I'll post more when I finish Thanks for looking!

Daisy Bug

2008-11-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

Just had to share my sweet baby neice in her Halloween costume...this isn't that great of a picture. Doesn't she look thrilled...LOL

...the kitty is my brothers as well... Hercules

Holy Stash!

2008-10-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

I don't know how many times I have said..."Oh I don't have a lot of stash"....Well I'm hear to say I'm a liar! I cleaned out my craft closet today...and OMG! I have so much stuff! A lot of them are things I bought for the kids and didn't get around to or started and never finished and probably never will! To add to that I got the SB design in the mail...it is beautiful!!!!

I did find this...it is the first thing I ever stitched...it has to be about 15 years old. I noticed some of the stitches are going in the wrong direction. I think I will make a pillow or something out of it. I'm not going to fix the stitches...gives it character =)

I also found these. This was a DMC kit that you could send away for a few years ago. It was a Mother/Daughter thing. I think these poppy's are so cute! What to do with them...hmmmm

Super Duper Exciting News!!!

2008-10-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Well...I am just so darn happy. My Yahoo Group for Brooke's Books..is the #2 group on Yahoo and Brooke's Announce-Only group is #1. It is definatly a labor of love! Join us!!!

October Cake is Here!!!

2008-10-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

The next in the cake series is the crazy October Cake. It is very fun and versitile. It could be split up into three little cakes as well. To have access to this freebie you must be a member of my Yahoo Group. To join click the little Stichie Witchie on the right side of the page.

Sweet Treats Continued

2008-10-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

I have been spending way to long on the computer lately and haven't been stitching to much. I did want to post my progress on Sweet Treats. I must say I really love the boarder. The variegation in the floss makes it so beautiful! Hopefully, it will be done soon! =)

In Memory of My Kitty Ed

2008-10-02T19:48:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to post this picture of my sweet kitty Ed. He died today and right now I have so much stress and it seems like everyone is gone and I'm all alone. So I guess this is my way of talking about it. I have had this cat since I was 14 and needless to say it's a sad day around our house. I love you Ed and I'll see you on the otherside! Rest In Peace!

Current WIP

2008-10-02T12:24:00.000-07:00

Here is my Sweet Treats...It is almost finished! I will be able to finish the last block "Cake" in one sitting and then to start the boarder. I still plan to make a big beautiful pillow out of it for my rocking chair, but I may put the finishing off. I've been very busy with family and taking care of my Aunt, and children, and my business...so I may just pick up the next project and do the finishing when my life slows down a little bit. =)

My New Pins

2008-09-30T12:32:00.000-07:00

Etsy strikes again!!! My friend Mary makes the most awesome sewing supplies. She is the one that created all my wonderful knitting hooks and crochet needles. I just purchased these sewing pins from her....and these could be very deadly for me. I can see hundreds of them in my future.

http://scary2merry.etsy.com/ for her pin kits & http://scarymerry.etsy.com/ for knitting/crochet supplies.

NEW!!! Cross Stitch Freebie Cake

2008-09-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the beautiful September Cake from Brooke's Books. It can be found exclusively on my Yahoo Group. Click the little witchy poo on the left to join!

Wisteria

2008-09-18T13:44:00.002-07:00

I was just walking home from the neighbors, AKA Mom & Dad, and noticed my wisteria had bloomed. It's just this one flower and it's rare because it hasn't had flowers on it since July.

I also was intreaged by this vine...I love the way they wind all over everything. If you click to enlarge it..it's even more beauiful.

And...yet another sunflower. This one is very inusual in color, but I don't think I captured it well. It's very tall and in an odd place.

More Sunflowers

2008-09-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

My sunflowers were so beautiful this morning I had to go out and take pictures of them. We are still enjoying the most beautiful Indian Summer here in North Idaho. It is supposed to be around 85 today and 90 tomorrow! YIKES!!! Just as we all take the A/C out of our houses. I'm not complaining! I love it...and since I'm not ready for fall yet...I'm going to take what I can get!

Miss Hermione Jean is enjoying the day as well....of course she's looking for something to munch on.

More sunflowers

Etsy is the worst thing that has ever happened to me!!!!!!!!

2008-09-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

So...I have some serious issues when it comes to collecting...luckly I plan on living for quite a few more years so I can put a dent in all this stash of mine.

I have been knitting and am ready to make my first project. I spend quite a bit of time on my machine and my hands get cold. So I thought I would make some arm cozies...but then most of you know that I couldn't just make plain ones! (I probably will later) So I went to my favorite place http://www.etsy.com/ and found this wonderful lady Shelby with her beautiful hand dyed Harry Potter (of course) inspired yarn. Well since I am fairly new at the knitting business I asked her about it and she was very friendly and helpful and this is what I got. It is so beautiful, soft, and luxurious. I LOVE IT!!!! So out came Harry, Hermione, Ron, Hedwig, & the Sorting Hat to help me make this pattern from Lions Brand (they have a ton of wonderful free patterns..BTW!)

I'm a little scared so this might take me a bit to finish...I'll keep you posted! Thank you Shelby! I will be back for more!!!

Shelby's Store - http://www.shelbyb.etsy.com/

Lion's Brand - http://www.lionbrand.com/

My Beloved Needles were made by Mary - http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=31348

PS...I'm working on the picture taking skills..they're not that great..sorry =)

The Calm before the BRRRR!!!

2008-09-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

We have been having an absolutely beautiful Indian Summer here in North Idaho. It's been in the mid to upper 70's with blue skies as far as the eye can see. After the brutal winter we had last year this is very welcome. Though I am not looking forward to winter at this moment ... and still wishing I could jump back in the water...(too cold now) it is a nice place to be and I remind myself daily to just be one with it all in this moment. As Einstein says "Space and time are not conditions in which we live, but modes in which we think" I try and keep that close to me and live in the Now! Have a great day!

Thread Holders

2008-09-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

So, my new friend Monique makes this awesome thread holders. I bought one for Stitching with Jane Austen and thought I would have her make some for Brooke's Books. So here it is. They are available on her Etsy Store and are very handy!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=89052

Just as I always thought....LOL!!!

2008-09-03T19:26:00.001-07:00

Your result for The Harry Potter Husband Test...

Mrs. Harry Potter

You like a guy who's not afraid to fight evil when evil picks a fight. There's a lot to say for bravery in the face of overwhelming odds, even if it does come with a prejudice against people who don't fit into his conception of "good guy" and a penchant for hurling objects across rooms when he gets angry. But in fairness, for an orphan who's spent the better part of his life being hunted by the most evil wizard in existence, he's turned out pretty well. Just be prepared to name your kids after everyone he's ever lost, because he's got a bit of an obsession about the past.

(Fanart by hito 76 http://hito76.deviantart.com/ Used with permission.)

Take The Harry Potter Husband Test at HelloQuizzy

Sweet Treats

2008-09-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well, I've just been a blogging fool today! This is my current WIP! I plan on making it a big beautiful pillow.

HP Swap....DONE!!!!

2008-09-01T18:09:00.000-07:00

Well I have finally finished it all. Unfortunatly, my lovely children damaged one of the eggs for the dragons beyond repair. I am so pleased...right! Anyway, I do not have time to redo them so it will have to go as is...I still think it's a pretty good swap. So here they are...what do you think???

Spirit Angels

2008-09-01T15:50:00.001-07:00

Miss Brooke has finished all of the Spirit Angels for this Christmas Season. Introducing: The Spirit of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Christmas Stitching, & Holiday Baking. Aren't they wonderful! I can't wait to add them to my tree!!!