Winter Faerie HD

All done! This one took a fair bit longer than Autumn Faerie, because of all that holly.

Teresa Wentzler has released Medieval Miniature, so I snatched it up. I had planned to work on a WIP, but I think I'm going to start on this one instead. It's mostly over one, so it should go pretty fast.

Health stuff...again

Well, that didn't last long! Logan started running a fever, so I took him to the doctor yesterday. He's got a sore throat and is now on antibiotics...again. Poor thing isn't sleeping well and is hardly eating anything today. We'll see if the rest of the family gets this.

The trial of glucophage didn't succeed. It made me nauseated, gave me a headache, and generally made me feel sick. I was reading about it online, and it said the side effects should pass, but I just couldn't function. I tossed them.

The next thing to try is Byetta, which is in shot form. I'm going to see if I can work up the courage for it. I've been really down about the weight issue. Not that it's stopped me from eating. Jo asked about pre-diabetes. It means I don't have diabetes but I probably will get it someday, and I could be feeling some related effects. I have a long family history of diabetes on my dad's side of the family, I had gestational diabetes, and I'm very overweight. :-/

Back to cross stitching, as usual. :-) Craft-i-leigh asked about Winter Faerie. It's by Teresa Wentzler, my favorite designer. She's not designing much right now, but that's OK because I have a lot of her pieces left to stitch. She also asked about my favorite fabrics. I like stitching on evenweave (mainly Jobelan), but I like the look of linen better. As for size, 28 or 32 is just fine with me. I can do smaller counts if there's a need. As for makers, I like Zwiegart linen a lot; Wichelt not so much.

Have you noticed that the cross stitch section in craft stores keeps getting smaller and smaller? It's very disheartening. It seemed like the industry was booming when I started stitching seriously in 2001. (My first piece was a Teresa Wentzler too.)

Winter Faerie Week 5

It's the faerie with the invisible skirt! I managed to get more done than I thought I would. The skirt should be easy--not as many fractionals as the holly leaves. Then I'll need to bead the border. No reason I shouldn't finish this week!

After I finish this one, I'll probably concentrate on Skeleton Crew. I've been driven to finish Winter Faerie, so I haven't worked on it at all lately.

I'm happy to report that the entire family is now healthy! I've gone back on the diet, but I'm having trouble sticking to it. My doctor says I'm probably pre-diabetic, and she gave me glucophage to see if that would help with the hunger. When I first tried it, it kept me up at night. I'm going to try it again and see if I can deal with it. This overwhelming, unnatural hunger is pure torture, and I don't mean that lightly.

Winter Faerie Week 4

This faerie seems to be progressing more slowly than the last one. I blame all the blends and fractionals in those holly leaves. But I think another two weeks should do it, if all goes well.

The family is mostly on the mend. Matt is over the flu but has apparently picked up my cough. It doesn't seem to be bothering him much. Logan's cough is just as bad as it ever was, and he keeps messing with his ears. We started him on the antibiotics the doctor gave us just in case. I'm better other than a bit of a sniffle and a little cough. We've been sick for the longest time!

We're hoping to get out to the zoo once everyone is completely better and the weather warms up a little. If we wait too long, it will be too warm. This is Texas, after all....

Valentine exchange

Here's the Valentine's exchange I sent to Sandra. The bag is Teeny Tiny Love Bag by Victoria Sampler. The fob is Heart Throb by Drawn Thread. I'm glad it got to Barbados in time!

Winter Faerie Week 3

I managed to get a good bit of stitching done this week, even though I'm still sick. I haven't had any energy to do housework or play with Logan, so I guess this is where my time's going. Matt has the flu, and we're hoping he keeps it to himself. He's missed some school, but he says he's not behind because he's kept up with the homework. I hope that's true. Logan went to the doctor this morning with a bad cough too. It's time for all of us to get better already!

Winter Faerie Week 2

I managed to get a good bit of stitching done this weekend, despite feeling bad. I considered working on the faerie some more rather than doing all of the border first, but I was just enjoying that border too much. Strange, I know.

Skeleton Crew update

I managed to stitch on this one a little last night. This is Skeleton Crew by Cross Eyed Cricket, which I started January 1. There's not enough contrast between the sails and the fabric; I wish I had used a slightly darker fabric. But other than that, I'm enjoying working on this piece. I've also been working on Winter Faerie, and I'll post a pic of that one tomorrow.

The yuck is back: I was feeling so much better, but then my bronchitis came back. I'm back on antibiotics and assorted sprays and pills. I would really like to be not sick for more than a day or two. Matt's also gotten sick...again. Fortunately, my mom's all better, and Logan's feeling good, other than a runny nose and some congestion. Out of us all, my mom has the best immune system.

Winter Faerie Week 1

Here's an update on Winter Faerie. Just some border done, nothing too exciting.

My little cold turned into bronchitis, so I haven't gotten much stitching done. I went to the doctor and then missed more work recovering. We had to take Logan to the hospital because he had a 104-degree fever; they gave him antibiotics, which have given him diarrhea and a rash. Poor little guy. He's feeling better, but he's still on the antibiotics. I'm back at work and feeling much better, though not 100 percent.

This weekend was also the double-experience event on City of Heroes, so we wound up playing that most of the time while Mom babysat. I would have preferred being in bed to playing, but I know Matt wanted to play. He's been taking care of us, and he needed some fun.

Valentine's Exchange received

Just look at this gorgeous exchange Margaret sent me! I was flabbergasted. Matt and my mom were amazed too. This heart opens up, as you can see. The stitching is just beautiful, and the construction is so neat. It love it. Margaret says the chart is by Ilse Altherr. Matt and I munched on the strawberry/white chocolate wafers as soon as I opened the package.

I need to get my Valentine's Exchange package mailed. After I recovered from the stomach virus, Logan got it. Poor little kid. We kept him out of daycare for two days. Then this week, naturally, Logan, Mom, and I came down with colds/sinus infections (Matt had his two weeks ago). I was so happy that I hadn't gotten sick in such a long time. I usually catch everything. I guess the bugs all waited to gang up on me. I usually take a long time to recover, so I'm just going to have to wait this one out. My sick leave is down to almost nothing -- again -- so I'm working. It could be worse.

Back to school: Matt started school yesterday. I know he was a little nervous about going back to college. He said walking through the buildings was surreal. He's sitting in the same classrooms he sat in over 10 years ago. I know he can do it, and at least this time he won't have to worry about working while he's in college. (He'll just have to worry about the debt when he gets out of college.)

Autumn Faerie HD

Yes, I finished it! I didn't get to post an update Monday because I've had a bad stomach flu for the past four days, and I didn't feel like doing much of anything, not even stitching. I'm finally feeling better today. I am so grateful I have a husband that takes care of me when I'm sick--plus the kid and the housework. I don't like to be messed with when I'm sick, but I do like having someone to fetch me food and Gatorade. Fortunately Matt knows exactly what I need.

I've been so close to being finished with this piece. I put the last beads on today. That beading sure took a while, but they're very pretty, though you can't see it in the photo. I decided to leave the leaf, so to speak. I hope it doesn't bug me too much that it's one stitch off.

I need to work on my Valentine exchange piece next. It's rather crept up on me. After that, more Skeleton Crew and Winter Faerie.

Books: During my sick time, I did manage to finish Mercedes Lackey's Arrows of the Queen series. I last read this when I was a senior in high school and I loved it so much. Since I'm reading the books in chronological order, not the order the books were written in, I'm reading some of her later works mixed in with earlier works. I can definitely tell that she's improved. Her later books have more depth of character, which is what I like so much about her books. I tend to be more character oriented than action oriented, though I have no interest in anything but fantastical worlds. I am really enjoying the Valdemar series. I think I only have three Valdemar trilogies left, sadly.

Autumn Faerie Week 4

I got a fair bit done on my faerie, but I did goof. See the leaf at the top left? It's one stitch too high. Argh! It looks fine as is, but knowing me, it's all I'll look at every time I see the piece. I'm still debating about frogging and restitching.

I also finished this little pocket from a kit BeckySC gave me a while back. The cord is supposed to be a necklace, but I shortened it since I'm not much for necklaces. I learned some neat beading techniques from it; maybe I'll get to use them again someday on my finishing.

Birthday present from Carol

I've been tardy in posting a picture of the beautiful scissor fob Carol sent me on my birthday--Christmas Alphabet "M" Fob by Prairie Schooler. And it came in the mail that day, New Year's eve! It was the only present I actually received that day. I had bought some floss as my birthday present from Matt earlier, and my mom had bought me a steam cleaner earlier in the year, which I was all perfectly content with. But getting an actual present on your birthday--it's rather nice.

I've been stitching away on my days off (which came to an end today), and I did manage to get several chores scratched off my list. I really like that feeling of accomplishment, though Matt thinks I'm crazy for my tendency to do chores on my days off. I never seem to get to things otherwise.

I'll have a progress pic of Autumn Faerie soon, and I did finally start Skeleton Crew. I like the color of fabric I picked up at Ginger's. I think it's Wichelt Thyme (marbled). The threads are rather far apart and stiff, which is why I'm not a big fan of Wichelt. Zwiegart is much nicer to me, and I need to try some Jazlynn Cheryl suggested to me. It's a nice tight weave.

Sad to say, Becky won't be doing the Monthly Finishing Challenge this year. It was good motivation for me to actually try out some new finishing methods and actually get them done. I'm still doing exchanges, so that will give me a venue to try out some techniques. Oh, and I didn't win the drawing for the gift certificate. There were only five or six of us that finished all of the challenges, so that's an accomplishment in itself. And let me say I totally understand Becky's need to spend more time with her family. I just don't understand the people who send her nasty emails.

May you have a happy new year!

It's almost the new year, and I wanted to thank everyone who reads my blog. I appreciate your comments, every one. And if I've somehow missed your blog on my list of reading, please leave me a comment with the address and I'll add you.

Today is my birthday, and I'm 39. Yes, I'm a tax baby. I've had a lovely day so far. Matt, Logan, and I went to McDonald's for breakfast, first thing. I'm not a fan of McDonald's, but I do love their breakfasts, which I rarely get. We picked out a chocolate cake, and Matt's making me spaghetti for supper. I've already gotten stitching stuff for my birthday, but I couldn't resist Teresa Wentzler's latest release, which came out today, Delightful Dragon Fob. What a great gift to myself!

It's been a rough year for us with Matt losing his job, but I'm so excited that he's going back to school. Sometimes God has to kick you in the pants to get you to do what you should. Matt's a brilliant person, and it always seemed like such a shame that he was held back by a piece of paper. Now he's going to have the opportunity to go to college without having to also hold down a full-time job. We'll make it somehow, and the reward will be worth it. My son has been such a blessing. He's a beautiful boy who continues to amaze us with his intelligence (we have nothing to compare him to, but we think he's smart). He's only had minor illnesses, and I continue to hope he will miss out on the horrible ear infections his dad had as a kid. My mom's been a big help, and she's managed to sell her house even in this economy. Not too bad, actually.

Yearly goals

Here's how I did, stitching-wise, in 2008 and what I hope to accomplish in 2009.

Pieces I finished in 2008:

• Needle Guardian
• Celestial Sun
• Celestial Moon
• TrickORTreat (finishing)
• Lady Scarlet Box
• Spring Peepers
• Cherub Garden
• Spring in the Square
• Autumn in the Square
• Winter in the Square
• Summer in the Square
• Mini Topiary Sampler
• Ball Ornaments
• Four Fat Friends
• Boo Scissor Purse
• Boo Scissor Keeper
• It's Halloween
• Bountiful Acorns Needleroll
• Olde English Needleroll
• Shamrock Needleroll
• Remembrance Rose Needleroll
• Blueberry Needleroll
• Halloween Fob
• Covent Garden Rosebuds
• Holly Needleroll
• Forget Me Not Needleroll
• Exotic Butterflies (with MIL)
• Little Lambs Needleroll
• Best Wishes Bunny
• Pig
• Damier (Checkerboard)
• Exchanges: Fantasy Triptych panel, For the Birds, Love Blooms, Heart Fob, Christmas Ornament, The Bakery, Halloween Night, November Harvest Pumpkin, Little Pumpkins, and Blessings Abound

Current WIPs:

• Autumn Faerie
• Rose Quilt
• Maggie the Messmaker
• Magnificent Wizard
• Eternal Promise

Review of stitching goals for 2008:

• Chatelaine's Rose and Butterfly Quilt--nope, though I did work on it
• Maggie the Messmaker--nope, though I did work on it
• TrickORTreat--finished
• MIL's piece--finished
• At least 10 pages of any HAED--nope, only did one page

Stitching/craft goals for 2009:

• Autumn Faerie
• Chatelaine's Rose and Butterfly Quilt
• Maggie the Messmaker
• Magnificent Wizard (work some on it)
• Work on more Teresa Wentzler pieces
• Start an embroidered knot garden
• Try doll making/polymer clay
• Make more cakes

Here are my life goals, which are always more difficult to achieve.

Review of life goals for 2008:

• Lose weight--I wanted to lose 50 pounds but only lost 25. It's better than nothing.
• Work--I'm enjoying work more now that I'm not alone in the house. I also think I'm doing a better job.

Life goals for 2009:

• Lose weight--I'm a little over 300 pounds now. I'd like to lose at least 50 pounds in the coming year.
• Family--Get involved with Logan's activities, support Matt while he's in school (doing the housework, etc.), and don't let my temper get the best of me.
• Work--Do a better job and learn new things. Go outside my comfort zone.
• Money--Keep the spending to a minimum. Don't buy cross stitch stuff and nonessentials if I can help it.

This is just a list I like to keep so I can stay on track. If I don't acomplish them all, that's OK. Life's a journey. :-)

Autumn Faerie Week 3

I didn't get as much stitching done as I had hoped, but I did get a whole day when Cheryl (HasturTorres) came over for a visit. That was so much fun!

After Christmas, I got to fondle my fabric for Skeleton Crew and the chart for My Stitching Treasures Accessories. I'm still waiting for the fabric and charms for it. As soon as I try out my mom's serger on the fabric, I'm going to start Skeleton Crew.

We had a nice Christmas. Logan enjoyed his presents, though he was a little nervous about climbing up on his Kangaroo Climber (one of these big plastic houses with a slide). That's OK because it can be dangerous without adult supervision. I really need to get rid of some of his old toys. The living room looks like his toy bag exploded. Oh, today was his first day of daycare. He smiled at the other kids, who mostly ignored him, lol. Matt and I snuck out, and we heard him crying when he realized we weren't there. It broke my heart. He's doing half days this week, and then we'll start him on full days next week. Matt's taking two weeks off before he heads back to college. That ought to be another gut-wrencher for me, sending my love off to college, but it won't be as bad. :-)

Autumn Faerie Week 2

Here she is. I just love the way the apple changes color. I did wind up having to redo part of the circular border. I had mixed up one of the colors. I guess there is a downside to trying to stitch while looking after Logan.

I work today and half a day tomorrow, and then I don't have to go back to work until January 5. Woohoo! We didn't get much Christmas decorating done, and I don't think we will. Matt managed to get the tree up and lit, but I never did get the ornaments on it. Oh well, I think it's better that way. We don't have to worry about Logan taking the ornaments off.

Autumn Faerie progress

Half the border in one week. That's not too bad. I'm enjoying working on this piece. I usually do the border first because it's the part that tends to get boring. This way I'm still excited enough to get it done and have some more interesting stitching to look forward to. Though really, when I'm looking after Logan, the border is much easier to stitch than anything that takes some attention. The boy is a handful. I may get another faerie ready to go in case I need some easy stitching.

I saw the neatest Christmas ornament on Su's blog. I looked for instructions and found some. I also found some other neat projects I may have to do.

Finishing of second Ball Ornament

So...I got the bug to finish this one last night after all. Piecing the border is a bit of a pain, especially when my machine decides to bunch up the thread underneath. Otherwise, fun!

I've been reading Embroidered Knot Gardens. It's fascinating. And it's something I think I can do. The only thing I can't do is knitting, but I think I could get the same effect from crocheting. And of course it takes money to buy these specialty fibers and other materials. I think in the spring I'll need to start visiting some gardens for inspiration and start my planning. Once that's done, maybe I can afford a few supplies. As Matt says, like I need another hobby! :-)

Speaking of reading: I finished Mercedes Lackey's Oathbound series. While I like reading the tried-and-true warrior and sorceress stories, the serial nature of the short stories is rather annoying when you read them all at once. I've moved on to the Alberich novels, which are good reading. I'm so glad I decided to reread her books.

Ball ornament finishing

I completed this ornament today. It's taken me a while to figure out just how I wanted to do it. The fabric is a little bright for the piece, but it just felt right when I put it together. It's not stuffed, just quilted around the piece in gold thread. With all the layers (fabric pieces and interfacing), it's pretty sturdy. I still have the other one to do, but I'm in no rush.

The piece itself was a little off-square. I think when I stitched it, it wasn't properly aligned in the Qsnaps. It's sometimes hard with a tiny piece of fabric. I really need to be more careful about that. Sometimes I just plop the fabric in there any old way.

As for the finishing stitching, I just need to realize that sewing on the machine will not be perfect. Unless I buy an expensive foot (if they make one for my machine), where the needle goes will never be exact. Machine stitching is so different from hand stitching. My mom tells me that quilters like the puckering of the fabric caused by quilting. Cross stitchers definitely don't!