Damier Part 2

Here's part 2! You can find details on this freebie on Maryse's blog. I really enjoy stitching this piece. It's so worry free! Well, there was the time I stitched the B instead of the D, but that was easily remedied.

I'm still working on my HAED RR piece. I only have a couple of rows left to stitch.

I got the urge to buy again, so I bought the charms, fabric, and threads for two Sweetheart Tree needlerolls, Olde English Needle Roll and Bountiful Acorns Needle Roll. They should come in soon. I may have to get the rest of the needlerolls because they're so pretty!

Not too bad, just a small purchase. I realized I hadn't bought anything stitching related since November 20. That's two months! I guess the big Christmas expenses shocked me out of my stash buying. I try to keep the buying down, but it's so hard, as you all know. I try to think of the things I already have going and the things I could stitch from my stash. I probably have a small stash compared to some people, but I like it that way.

Rose Quilt, square 5 HD

I finally finished the next square. Last week I got a stomach bug and didn't feel like stitching for a few days (hard to believe, I know!). The thing I don't like about this piece is that it's so huge. It's very unwieldy to work on using Qsnaps, but it won't fit on my scroll frame. I have to pin up the excess fabric, and I always hate poking holes in the fabric. Hair clips won't work at all because it's so heavy.

I'll move onto something else for a bit. I need to finish up the last square of my HAED RR piece.

I talked to Becky, and the person who was supposed to send me gifts for the birthday club exchange isn't answering her emails. I just can't believe a stitcher would be so callous as to accept gifts and then not fulfill her commitment to send something herself. If she'd had a problem, she should have let Becky know. I'm disappointed and angry but strangely not surprised. Since my birthday is so late in the year, I had worried that the person would forget me. Seems I was right.

I'm going to mail my Valentine exchange today. I was really pleased with the way the piece turned out, hardanger and all. I may need to restitch it for myself. Pics to come!

By the way, the SBEBB is not closing after all. Becky changed her mind.

Baby: Logan is managing to hold his head up when he's on his belly, though he really hates belly time. He's smiling quite a lot now and laughing for Matt and the babysitter (not so much for me). Apparently funny noises make him laugh. He's still cranky a lot. Most of the time it's because he's sleepy and just refuses to sleep. The babysitter has better luck with him than Matt and I do. It just gets depressing sometimes. I want my baby to be happy, but it seems he spends so much time unhappy. I keep thinking that if I could do just the right thing, he wouldn't scream.

Another example of my mom's work

I finally got around to hanging this large wall decoration my mom made for me many years ago. I'm still waiting for the other three seasons...and waiting... They would look so good in my bedroom.

I also finished two Cthulhu dolls for my husband. At least I thought I did, till I noticed the wings are missing. I'll have to do those soon so I can get this project out of the way. I gave some to his friends Christmas before last, and he's still waiting for his.

I've been working on Rose Quilt a bit. I'll post a pic when I finish the current square. I'm still working on the border right now. I had done some on the last square of my HAED RR, but I have to frog what I did.

Mom goes home tomorrow. It's been so nice having someone care for the baby all week--and getting several nights' sleep. Too bad my body doesn't know how to sleep the whole night through anymore.

Logan's wall decorations

My mom made this wall hanging for Logan. Isn't it cute? The animals were supposed to make a vertical stack, but I had more room horizontally. I had the idea to make blocks with the letters of his name, and Mom did a wonderful job. (I used mounting tape--I know it's going to be such a pain to get it off someday.)

Maggie the Messmaker update

I did a little bit on this piece. It's one of my two UFOs, and I'd like to get it done this year. I'll rotate it around, basically stitch on it until I feel like moving on (my screaming rotation). Matt reminded me about his Magnificent Wizard, which is the other UFO. If I can keep the number of new starts down this year, I may even be able to work on that one.

Next, I think, will be Rose and Butterfly Quilt again. After looking at my last pic, I realized I had forgotten to stitch part of the border on the last block. Oops!

Gaming: I am so excited about the new Stargate MMO, Stargate Worlds. I cannot wait to play this game. It's supposed to come out in the fall of this year. My stitching may take a beating. The last time I got obsessed with a game (2005), I didn't stitch for almost the entire year. What a tragedy!

Damier (Checkerboard) update

I decided to restart the piece on cream 32-count linen. I'll use the heart I already stitched to make a fob. Thanks, Cindy, for the reinforcement!

This is the first installment of the piece. There will be a new one each month for nine months. I really like it. Thanks, Nicki, for inspiring me to a new start (grumble). :-)

I replaced the ecru with white, and I'm using bright white instead of the regular one. I also outlined the snowman in light grey to make him stand out a little more.

I've also been stitching on Maggie the Messmaker and will take a pic when I'm ready to move onto something different.

Baby: The babysitter started Wednesday, and she's working out great. Logan hasn't had any extended screaming fits. Matt said to take notes as to what she's doing, but I also have to work. I think she has more patience than we do, for one thing. Mom's here for the week, and of course she loves playing with Logan. Matt and I are free for the week. Woohoo!

I need your opinion

I made the mistake of reading Nicki's blog and got tempted to start a sampler by Maryse. I started it on 28-count antique white Jobelan because that's what I had on hand. Now I'm thinking that's pretty boring fabric for it. I'd also like to go a smaller count, probably 32. Anyone have any suggestions? I haven't decided for sure I want to trash what I've done...just not sure at all.

Valentine exchange piece finished

I finished my piece for the Valentine exchange on the SBEBB, the last one. This time I did some hardanger, which is very nerve wracking for me when I start cutting threads. I think I was one thread off in a few spots, but I fudged it to where you can't tell at all. I also tried a finishing technique I had never done before, and I'm very satisfied with it. You'll see pics in another month or so. :-)

I still haven't received anything from the Birthday Club. Hm...