One Stitch At A Thyme

Today's SBQ was suggested by Renée and is:

Did you receive any stitching-related gifts for the holidays?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/12/sbq-holiday-gifts/

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Nope, no stitching related presents for me.

All I got was a card and some money from my sister, but it was enough for me to head straight to Hastings today and picked up My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon Anthology – edited by P.N. Elrod and Lynsay Sands' The Argeneau Series, all of them up through the latest - The Accidental Vampire. She's the latest on my list of newly discovered authors.

I've basically gone a little off the deep end in finding and buying books from new (to me anyway) authors. Here's the complete list so far.

Monica Ferris ……………. Mystery
Patricia Briggs …………… Paranormal-fantasy
Jim Butcher ……………... Paranormal-fantasy
Carole Nelson Douglas …. Paranormal-fantasy
P.N. Elrod ………………. Paranormal-fantasy
Tanya Huff …………….. Paranormal-fantasy
Elizabeth Amber 1 …....... Paranormal-romance (Erotica)
Amanda Ashley ............... Paranormal-romance
Alexandra Ivy .................. Paranormal-romance
Kathy Love ...................... Paranormal-romance
Katie MacAlister ............. Paranormal-romance (Humor)
Sharon Page .................... Paranormal-romance (Erotica)
Sara Reinke 2 .................. Paranormal-romance
Stephanie Rowe ……...... Paranormal-romance
Lynsay Sands 3 .............. Paranormal-romance (Humor)
Susan Sizemore .............. Paranormal-romance
Shiloh Walker 4 ............. Paranormal-romance (Erotica)

1: The Lords of Satyr Series
2: The Brethren Series
3: The Argeneau Series
4: The Hunters Series

And to think I started out with just reading Jim Butcher, Katie MacAlister, & Monica Ferris. Don’t however get me started on science fiction; big trekie fan here. I’ve got the original series, next generation, and all the spin-off series in my ancient paperback book collection. As well as the Babylon 5 series.

Later, Y’all……

Just thought I'd pop in here before the day was over and wish everyone a


I'm afraid I've done absolutely nothing stitching wise since my Thanksgiving Day post. Instead I've turned into a paranormal romance reading whore. I don't know when I'll get back to stitching again. Maybe taking a few months just to read and indulge my fantasies will do the trick. I don't think I've ever totally packed my stitching away so I couldn't physically see it. Maybe that's what I need to do to really get back into a proper stitching mood. In the mean time I'll try to keep up with the SBQ Meme, other than that I'll be on a blog posting hiatus.

Today's SBQ was suggested by Nancy and is:

Do you do anything special to your threads before putting them through your fabric to make them more manageable?


The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/12/a-finished-row/

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I only use two methods to make my threads more manageable.
1) A make-up sponge and water. And 2) Thread Heaven.

I only use “Thread Heaven” on projects that are totally over-one in nature, like Teresa Wentzler’s the “12 Days of Christmas” ornaments. Other wise it’s just plain old water for me and spit on the ends – Yes, I’m a floss licker too.

I hope everyone had a hassle free Thanksgiving yesterday, I did. The family (me, mom, dad, sister – kids & husband + mother in-law) all went out to Old Country Buffet for dinner.

On the stitching front I finally manage to finish part 5 of “Il était une fois”. After much debate I decided to go back and frog out the french knots for parts 1 and 4. French knots on 18ct aida looked really suck-y so I replaced them with Mill Hill petite seed beads #42012 Royal Plum. I think it gives the project just that little bit of “Bling” that was missing. That and no more making french knots with a single strand of thread….YEA!!!



Anyway, I’m starting to get bored with this so it’s time to move on to the next project on my WiPs list. That being Camelot Sampler. I just now took a look at my website and I can’t believe it; but it’s been 2 years this month since I worked on it last. Looks like I need to put some serious work into getting that over-1 section of the jousting scene finished. It’s either that or I finish the twisted rope border around the top half of the chart. Hummmm….. decisions, decisions…..

In other news: I went and got myself a very early christmas present. A black Zune 30 gig digital media player with docking port. I was a little over whelmed by it at first trying to figure out the computer software interface. But once I figured out how to rip my audio books and set them up in a play list under the music folder I was a happy camper. That’s what I plan to use it for mostly, that and maybe two dozen of my favorite music albums. It also has folders for pictures, videos, and an FM radio. It also has a built-in wireless connection to link up to other Zune devices, but since I’m a little paranoid about viruses I turned that feature off. I don’t like the idea of riding on the transit bus and suddenly getting a pop-up message from a stranger in the vicinity.

Well that’s it for this blog blurb……

Well I finally managed to finish part 4 after many weeks of delay, plodding along, and being called back to work, just for a week. I discovered that Aion NeedleCrafts message board is now gone. So I’ve signed up on a different message board called “A Crafty Natter” in the hopes that I can generate interest in this stitch-along mystery. Well a week and a half went by and only 2 other people said they’d look at the chart, so I guess that’s a bust there. O well, guess I’ll just plod along by myself then.

Here's what it looks like so far....

Remember to click on the pictures for bigger images.

And now to catch up with the Stitching Blogger's Questions......

SBQ - November 8, 2007

This week's SBQ was suggested by Renée and is:

When you have to frog out stitches, do you reuse that thread or do you
start over with a new strand?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/11/sbq-recycling/

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You know I could have sworn I answered this same question before in the SBQ. But I can’t seem to find it in my blog archives. So…

It depends on how much I have to frog and what condition the floss is in once I have pulled out the stitches. Also if I find it immediately or if it’s found a section later. It also depends on if it’s back stitching or regular 2-strand stitching. If I don’t have to frog more than half a dozen stitches or so, I just trim the ends, re-thread my needle, and continue on unless the floss is too short or too frayed. If, on the other hand, it’s back stitching I’ll usually just snip it out and start over with new thread. If metallic thread is involved it’s a definite snip it out and start over with new thread.



SBQ - October 31, 2007

Today's SBQ was suggested by Ternezia and is:

If you were a cross stitch designer, what would your design style be?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/10/sbq-designing/

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Wow, tough call there. I’ve always loved Teresa Wentzler’s designs so Fantasy/Mythical would one, another would be a combo of Pagan/Wiccan/Celtic design styles. Celtic knot work has always fascinated me.




SBQ - October 24, 2007

This week's SBQ was suggested by Renée and is:

Do you railroad?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/10/sbq-working-on-the-railroad/

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YES! In fact I was doing it long before I knew that was the official technical term for it.




SBQ - October 17, 2007

This week's SBQ was suggested by Jennifer and is:

What proportion of your stitching is for your own personal use versus
gifts?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/10/sbq-gift-giving/

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For the last 15 years or so it seems I’ve been doing, for the most part, projects for family members. But as of this year I’m putting my foot down and “Just saying NO!”. I have to start thinking about myself for once, and sometimes I got the feeling that my stitching was more or less expected and not appreciated for the work and time I put in on it. So from now on I stitch just for me!

This week's SBQ was suggested by Ternezia and is:

What for you means to achieve mastery as a stitcher?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/10/sbq-master-and-queenie/

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I guess for me, it would be to set myself a series of goals and achieve them. Some of those goals being…

* To finish Camelot Sampler by Teresa Wentzler, and get on with stitching all the designs I’ve collected of hers.
* To rein in my fear of cutting fabric so I could attempt my hand at hardanger.
* To discover as yet untried techniques of needlework and see if they’re to my liking.
* To stitch a design I created for myself, but have yet to see if it’s marketable.
And the biggest goal – to get my list of Works In Progress stitched and completed !!!!

Name: Needle Guardian Needlebook
Type: Counted Cross Stitch
Finished Chart Size: approx. 4" x 5.75" (10.16cm x 14.61cm)
Designer/Publisher: Teresa Wentzler - © 2007 TW Designworks / PatternsOnLine

Started: August 14, 2007
Finished: October 7, 2007

As usual my skill with a camera is less than average and the pictures are slightly out of focus.




I tried to take pictures up close of the Kreinik metallic braid and beads as they kind of get lost on top of the stitching for the head and tail.




I haven’t decided as yet how I’m going to finish it. I’m not just going to fringe the edges. Maybe a checkbook type of flat fold with either a bead or ribbon closure. I did a Google search on needlebook finishing techniques and found a few ideas to get me started. Anyway, it will be awhile before I get that part of the project done. But when I do don’t worry I’ll be posting it to the blog.

Rotational Stitching: Well I’m back in my stitching groove, now that I’ve actually finished something. So it’s back to my side bar WiPs and I’ll be pulling out the French Mystery “Once Upon A Time”. Of the 16 parts Annick has posted up through 11 and so far I’ve only done up through part 3 so I really need to get moving. It’s free if anyone’s interested in stitching it – check it out!!

Today's SBQ was suggested by Jennifer and is:

What are your favorite online stitching supply sources?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/10/sbq-sources/

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NeedleworkShoppe which is a division of Herrschners, I shop at whenever DMC has a new line of floss fibers coming out. I’m impatient and can’t wait the 6 months it takes to see them in at my local Michaels store.

Patterns Online I use to get the latest Teresa Wentzler patterns. I was so glade she found this place for her designs until she’s found herself an on-demand printer so she can start publishing on her own again.

Being that money's a bit tight nowadays I like to keep my shopping down to four on-line shops. The first three are in the US and the fourth is in the UK.

Paw Prints Cross Stitch is good when you want to get your hands on new stuff from designer shows from the east coast. The same can be said for One - Two - Three Stitch! for shows on the west coast.

For fabric I go to Nordic Needle it’s nice in that they carry all the major fabric manufactures and quite a few specialty fabrics as well.

When I was collecting designs by Maria Van Scharrenburg I shopped at Sew and So I’ve never had any hassles with over seas card payments and the turnaround time for shipping is one week. For speed you can’t beat that! If it wasn’t for the ungodly high exchange rate I’d buy from them more often.

To celebrate my 42 hour reading marathon of all 3 Aisling Grey books and thus finish my goal of reading *ALL* of Katie MacAlister’s adult romances ever published. I went to her Dragon Septs website and discovered which dragon sept was for me.

Which Dragon Sept is Right For You?

You are calm, understand the meaning of zen, are a poet, and value the time you spend with other people. You would do well with the Silver Dragon Sept
Take this quiz!

Here's a little added info on traits from www.dragonsepts.com/ handbook:
The silver dragons are renowned healers, and as such, are very much in demand in both the mortal and Otherworld. Some silver dragons also have empathic abilities, a trait that has been exploited by other septs. They have a particular affinity with nature, and many spend time with earthier beings such as wood sprites, elves, and sylphs. They are cautious and careful in battle and politics, and while they hold honor and loyalty to be among their most valued traits, they are formidable in their revenge if you cross them.

It was mon., tues., & wed. of last week that this marathon happened but I kind of let posting to my blog go until this Sunday. You’re probably scratching your head wondering how I could spend 3 days straight reading and not work. Well the simple answer is I’ve been laid-off for the next 6 weeks until the company work orders for circuit boards start coming in again. So in the mean time I’ll be at home doing a lot of reading and stitching.


Whoop! Whoop! Whoop! My 100th post. I can’t believe y’all have put up with my sometimes mindless drivel. To bad I don’t have any updates on my dragon to post, oh well, I’m sure to have something next weekend. Anyway, I’m off to watch my recorded episode of this weeks Doctor Who!!!

Later y’all

Gosh can you believe that two weeks went by in just a blink. My little dragon is showing a bit more progress so I thought I’d take a quick picture and post it today. I hope the picture is a little brighter than the last one I took.

I’m going to put in a few hours today and maybe tomorrow on him. Then I’m going to be taking a break from stitching. I’m seriously falling behind on my novel reading and need to catch up on four books, as you can see from my side bar items.

Well anyway here he is...

Today's SBQ was suggested by Renée and is:

Would you ever stitch one of your BAPs a second time?
(This does not include starting over because of mistakes,
bad fabric, etc., rather stitching something from the first
stitch for a second time.)

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/09/sbq-seconds/

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I don’t know if you’d call it a BAP, but if I had the time and inclination I’d love to stitch “To Love And Cherish” by Sandy Orton again. For myself, if I ever got married. But since I haven’t had, nor can find, a boyfriend in the last 12 years I don’t think it’s going to happen.









On the Reading Front: I’ve finally finished Katie’s Adult Historical Romances. Now it’s on to the Aisling Grey series. Then I’ll have read every book she’s ever WRITTEN!!!!!

I managed to get a little more work done on my needle case, and that’s only because of the 3-day (labor day) holiday. Friday night, *ALL* night, was spent in a 12 hour marathon reading of “Noble Intentions”. I started at 8pm and finished at 8am. Then promptly crawled into bed and managed 2 ½ hours of sleep before someone started mowing their lawn, and I was up for the rest of the day Saturday.

Well here he is so far….


*Next time I'll try to get a little brighter picture.

Now I’m off to start reading Katie’s sequel “Noble Destiny”. And no, it won't be a marathon reading session. I have to be up at 5:30am Tuesday for work. Rats!!!

Back in July I bought Needle Guardian by Teresa Wentzler from Patternsonline.com. And after waiting almost 6 weeks I finally got the supplies from Paw Prints Cross Stitch.

I decided I needed a small project to get me back in the mood to work on my larger WiPs. Being that I only have 2 hours a night after dinner to do anything; I thought a small project that I could get done in a reasonable amount of time would make me feel like I'm accomplishing something.

So last Wednesday I scrounged around and found a piece of Monaco 28 count Ivory evenweave by Charles Craft. I did have white but thought using the ivory would make the specialty stitches more noticeable. Anyway I've only been working on it for 4 days which is roughly 8 hours of work. Mind you I'm stitching while I watch TV so I'm more apt to be stitching during the commercials, which means not much gets done. Anyway here's the progress so far.....



Hopefully I'll show enough progress to post an update on future weekends.

in the worst (or best) possible way. Case in point-yesterday. Saturday night 6pm I grab the next in my (to read) stack of Katie novels “Hard Day’s Knight”. 14 ½ hours later – Sunday 8:30am - I finish the book. What can I say, I read as slow as a snail and always read the r-e-a-l-l-y steamy parts over twice {wicked grin}. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t put the damn book down.

I love Ren Fairs and the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism)

Next, “Blow Me Down”, historical romance then paranormal dragon (Aisling Grey Series) romance books!
Then I’ll have devoured them all, until next month that is….

Today's SBQ was suggested by Jennifer and is:

How did you get started stitching?
Was there a person that inspired you?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/08/omg-sbq/

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It was my grandmother that got me interested. She like to hand embroider pillow cases with hot iron transfers and finish the edging in crochet work. She got me started with embroidering pillow cases and I even tried stamped cross stitch. I was 7 or 8 at the time and my interest didn’t last long. It was in 1983 when my interest was re-kindled and just out of comm. college when I bought my first counted cross stitch kit. It was worked on 14 count aida and was Gather Ye Rosebuds by Kathi Wagner. I simply followed the directions and taught myself.

Well it's been 3 weeks since I poked my head in here. So far I've managed to read through 4 of Katie's books. The Corset Diaries, Men In Kilts, Bird of Paradise, & Improper English. To say the least I'm driving myself crazy, being that I don't have a boyfriend and no way to relieve the frustration except by other means which I won’t do or go into. {Wicked Grin}

Anyway, I have some good news on the stash front. Back in July I bought Needle Guardian by Teresa Wentzler from Patternsonline.com And just today after waiting almost 6 weeks I finally got the supplies from Paw Prints Cross Stitch in the mail. Wahoo!!

I am so itching to start this, I think just this once I'll fall off "The Wagon" and do this small project. I think that's what I need to get me back in the mood to work on my bigger WiPs.

Ta, All...

It seems I’ve shifted into a bit of a stitching slump, and have been more cheerfully engaged in reading Katie Macalister’s romance books. I was never interested in romance fiction before I picked up her book “A Girl’s Guide to Vampires”. The paranormal series is excellently written, well balanced with just the right “laugh out loud” moments in all the right spots.

Anyway, I’ve tried to work on Pamela Kellogg’s “Christmas Sampler 2003” but I just feel like I’m plodding along in my rotation. I just don’t seem to have any enthusiasm for stitching right now. So this will probably be my last post for awhile. Maybe if I put all my projects away for a couple of months the stitching bug will bite me in the ass once more. In the mean time, I’ll be devouring the rest of Katie’s adult Contemporary, Historical, & Paranormal romance books – that’s 12 books so it should take me a month if I pace myself.


Part 3 - Christmas Sampler 2003 – Well technically it isn’t really finished as I just couldn’t get myself to do the back stitching with the kreinik gold braid. Click pic for bigger image.

Today's SBQ is from Renée and is:

Do you consider yourself a "floss miser?"

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/07/one-thousand/

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The answer to this question is – Yes, No, and Maybe.

If I’m stitching from a prepackaged kit - yes, I try my best to conserve the floss and not have much in the way of left over orts. I’m always panicked that I’ll run out of a certain high use color and I won’t be able to match it with the stock I have on-hand; considering that certain kit companies special dye their floss lots.

If I’m doing a chart with a lot of confetti stitching then yes, I’ll save the orts to finish up sections of the design.

If I’m using limited edition sampler threads like from “The Gentle Arts”, then that’s a definite yes.

If it’s plain old DMC or Anchor then no, unless you consider one - two inches left on the needle miserly.





Other news: I seem to have let my stitching slide this last week and a half. I got so caught up in reading about my favorite vamps in the Dark Ones series that I managed to polish off two books!!

"Bring Out Your Dead" in the Just One Sip anthology and
Even Vampires Get the Blues

I’m now at the lastest book in the series and I’m chomping at the preverbal bit wondering if Katie will have another Dark Ones book out this year. Who knew I’d fall so hard for vampire paranormal romances?!?! ;-)

WAHOO!! DONE, DONE, DONE!!!!

Name: To Love and Cherish
Type: Counted Cross Stitch
Finished Chart Size:
11" x 14" ( 27.9cm x 35.6cm ) on 28ct. Jubilee by Zweigart [Antique White]
Finished Frame Size: 17" x 19"
Kit #: 023-0139
Designer/Publisher: Sandy Orton/© 2004 Janlynn Corp.
Finished: May 29, 2007

Misc. Info: Started March 19, 2006. Faces have been covered to provide anonymity. The frame is polished aluminum, the mats are Off-White Linen and Very Lt. Antique Violet ( DMC 3743).


Me and digital cameras just don’t seem to get along. Case in point these pictures. If you were to see it in person the Antique Violet matt really makes the (DMC 3743) shadows under the roses and banners really pop giving it a 3-D look. I’m really happy the way the stitching turned out. I would’ve preferred the sepia couple that came with the chart. To tape a photo in the center just seemed wrong to me. But that’s my taste and my sister insisted, and well, it’s going on their living room wall. (click to see larger pic)





Other Stitching News: Well I’m going to be starting up my monthly rotation schedule again. And since there’s only a week left in June I thought I’d put some time in on “Christmas Sampler 2003”. Working on black fabric can really be hard on the eyes. But I need to show some progress on it, so it gets a week and starting next month it’s on to TW’s “Camelot Sampler”.

Today's SBQ was suggested by Kathryn and is:

When you start a new work do you look for something small,
do you look for another huge project, or do you consider your UFOs?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/06/sbq-the-choices-we-make/

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When I start a new project size doesn’t matter, it’s the subject of the design that calls to me or not. That, in a nut shell, can be one big dilemma for me and why I have so many WiPs. I can’t seem to stitch fast enough before I get bored with a project and have the itch to start a new one. Which is why I try to keep to a rotational schedule.

That’s another reason I’m “On The Wagon”. Having 4 file folder drawers chocked full of kits that I’ve collected over the years I will not pull them out and fondle them until the list on my side bar is down to zero.

As I was mulling over the answer to this question it occurred to me that over the last ten years there was always some family member I was doing stitching for. Be it weddings, anniversaries, births, or birthdays, etc. Well no more! Someone else can do it! I’m finally going to stitch just for me!!! Which is why, now that I have all of my obligation stitching done I can finally concentrate on getting my WiPs finished. YEA!!!

Oh, and as for UFO’s - I have no urge to look at them. Thank goodness I only have one.

Today's SBQ was suggested Jennifer and is:

How do you store your WIPs and other projects that you have kitted up?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/06/sbq-storing-stuff/

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I have 3 types of project storage. The first is 2 gallon Ziploc plastic bags. Next I have 2 navy blue DMC heavy-duty travel bags. They have a 3 ring binder that holds stitchbow transparent inserts, my charts, working copies, plus fabric and supplies. The last one is a quilted scroll frame tote bag that I purchased from Nordic Needle.

Once the projects are kitted up in 2 gallon Ziploc plastic bags, they are stored beside my chair in a green file folder box. That way after they become WiPs it's easier to rotate them from the front of the box to the back. When we use to have an LNS I would use the different travel bags to drag my projects to the store for stitch-ins evenings & weekends.

Other News: I finally managed to get to Crafter’s Warehouse today and purchased a double mat (off-white linen/lt. purple), glass, and ordered a silver wood frame for “To Love and Cherish”. The frame order won’t go out until next Monday and the framer assured me that this particular company had a quick turn-around time and I should have the frame by the end of the week. I made sure not to leave my stitchery there, 1) because I don’t want anyone but me touching my work. And 2) they would have charged me a service fee for putting it together. Besides, I was already gagging at the $155.75 (us) I was putting out for just the framing materials; and I’m quite capable of putting the pieces together myself – for FREE!!

Well that's it for this blog blurb...

Today's SBQ was suggested by Ish and is:

What has been your most challenging project and why?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/06/sbq-challenging-projects/

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I think my most challenging needlework project is still ahead of me. I would like to try hardanger and pulled thread work, but I have this innate fear of cutting wholes in evenweave fabric.

As far as projects, I have already done or still working on, each in their own way were a challenge. Though not so much in the difficulty of the chart, as was the fibers or techniques used. Two examples:

My first Teresa Wentzler ( Camelot Sampler ) was a challenge because it was the first time I switched over from working only with aida to 25 count evenweave fabric, using blended threads, and working in stitches over 1.



Pam Kellogg’s ( Autumn Mystery Sampler ) was the first time I used rayon floss and Kreinik gold braid. It was also my first mystery stitch-along project.



Right now my biggest challenge is to clear off all the WiPs I still have showing in my side bar and at least try to keep up with this blog. Even if it’s just answering the SBQ Memes.

I’ve been sick for the last 3 days with a sinus infection, so I haven’t had the chance to take a picture of my finished work. Mind you this is just the needlework half. I still have to get over to my sister’s house and get a copy of their wedding picture to put in the middle. It was officially finished last week, so the date in the corner with my initials says 5 * 2007. I’ll put the exact date and all pertinent information on a sticker on the back of the foam core, after I wash and lace the needlework later today. [click pic for larger image]




It will be closer to the end of the month before I can get a picture of the finished project all matted and framed to post to the blog. In the mean time I need to decide which WiP to get started on next.

Today's SBQ was suggested Kathryn and is:

How many needles do you use during a project?
Have you ever loaded up a needle for every color?
Do you use a new needle for every project or recycle your favorite needle?


The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/05/sbq-needle-mania/

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1) At present I use two needles during a project.

2) Yes, but only once and it took me well over 4 hours to load up 48 needles. NEVER AGAIN!

3) I tend to recycle my needles until the eye bends to the point where it breaks. I purchase DMC brand when they’re on sale at Jo-Ann Fabrics. I’ve got 50+ each of size 24, 26, & 28 tapestry needles, they’re cheaply made and break often but I’ve got plenty to spare.

Seems I’ve fallen behind – O Well, here goes……

May 10, 2007 - Exchanges

This week’s SBQ was suggested by Ish and is:

How do you choose a project for an exchange?
Do you pick solely on what you know of the taste of the recipient or
are there other reasons you pick the piece you do?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/05/sbq-exchange-choices/

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Well this one’s simple enough to answer. I’ve never participated in an exchange. That might be changing though, as I'm tentatively going to join a Harry Potter Exchange over on EzBoard.com For this summer in timing with the release of book 7. Although I could chicken out at the last minute and drop out.

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May 16, 2007 - The Last Happy Dance

This week’s SBQ was suggested Juls and is:

If you could only stitch one more piece what would it be and why?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/05/sbq-last-call/

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WOW, as Renée states - a loaded question – indeed! And I too was in a quandary whether or not to answer it.
I have so many kits and leaflets, how in the world was I to decided? And then it came to me – who was the first designer that gave me this incurable stitching addiction in the first place? Why Teresa Wentzler of course! [grin]
And of the first 5 TW kits that I bought back in 1996 “Peacock Tapestry” was my jaw dropping favorite, and still is. In the now 12 years since its release I had always hoped to stitch it, but the hand drawn chart did cause me concern. So I waited, hoping that Leisure Arts would republish the chart in a computer generated layout (Like with “Camelot Sampler” my 2nd favorite). Which doesn’t seem to be coming into fruition. Anyway, since there isn’t a time limitation to this last piece scenario I choose “Peacock Tapestry” as my Last Happy Dance and plan a very lengthy stitching duration lasting a good few years. [grin]
What the hey, I started “Camelot Sampler” back in March 2001 and I’m still working on it!

Today's SBQ was suggested Kathryn and is:

How many WIPs do you have? How many UFOs do you have? When does a WIP become a UFO?

The permalink to this post is:

http://blog.blondelibrarian.net/archives/2007/05/sbq-wips-and-ufos/

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Works In Progress = 10
You can check them out on my sidebar.

UnFinished Object = 1
Dame a la Licorne L'ouie (Music Tapestry)

When does a WIP become a UFO?
Referring to the UFO above. When you basically discover that needlepoint really isn't your cup-of-tea, and you have little to no interest in working on it. That doesn't mean I'll get rid of it ( i.e. toss it out. ). It just means that one day when I run out of other kits and leaflets I'll work on it. { Yeah, right and pigs will fly. } Ha Ha - chortle - Ha Ha



P.S. On a side note - I went back to work today!! YEA!!!!
So Needlework gets moved to the weekends only.

Well I just had to stop and take a progress pic. I can’t believe it’s almost finished and I’ve been stitching on it for almost two solid weeks. (Click image for bigger picture)



I’m a whole month ahead of schedule so…. I don’t know whether to plow ahead and simply get it done, give myself a few days break and work on something else, or not do any stitching at all and finish reading my book “Framed In Lace”. I’m right in the middle of the book and it’s getting to the point where I don’t want to put it down at night to go to bed. [Grin]

On a sour note, my temp job seems to have fizzled out. It’s coming up on 3 ½ weeks laid-off with no work and there’s no indication from them that I’ll be called back anytime soon. That’s really frustrating too since I’ve worked for them off and on for a year now. And I know for a fact that April through August is their busiest months. So it looks like I’ll be job searching on-line for work somewhere else while I wait on a phone call from them.

Well that’s it for this weeks blog blurb.

Today's SBQ was suggested Danielle and is:

Are you on "The Wagon?" If so, how long have you been on and how "serious" are you about it?
If not, have you considered it?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blondelibrarian.net/stitching/archives/2007/04/sbq-the-wagon/

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Well I suppose you could technically say I’m on “The Wagon”. I started sometime back in early 2005, but I don’t strictly adhere to a no-shop policy.

I’m not one who typically buys needlework stash for the sake of buying stash. Granted there were a couple of times on eBay when I fell off the wagon and bid on some Zweigart. They were at least a full yard of fabric, but colors were all dark. So help me I have no idea what I’m going to use them for. ( Now I steer clear of eBay when it comes to fabric. )

Anyway, I do allow myself to buy needed things like floss to finish an already started project. And I did make an exception last month when my local Hancock Fabrics store was closing and purchased a few things for 30% off. I have collected enough in the way of kits, leaflets, floss, & fabric over the last 10 years to never have to go looking for new stuff. Unless it’s a re-issued ( or new ) chart by Teresa Wentzler, that’s when I cave and pull out the credit card. If I do have one weakness it’s that I am a collector of Teresa’s charts/kits.

My “On the Wagon” goal for now is to clear off the 10 projects I have on my WiP sidebar list.
I consider myself serious enough to stay on "the wagon" for however long it takes to make my goal.

Well another week has gone by and I’m grinning from ear to ear, knowing that I’ve gotten up to 70% of my WiP completed. I’ve only got a little over a month and a half to go before it needs to be finished. Luckily the last 30% is mostly open area for wedding names so if I make an effort to work on it at least 3 nights a week, I should get it done with time to spare for mounting and framing. (click pic for larger image.)



I hope that I get a phone call on Monday to go back to work, if not I guess I’ll keep plugging away at this project and get it done a little sooner. I’ve already been off for a week and a half so I’m really hoping for that phone call. If my hours don’t start improving I may have to start looking again for a different job.

Well Blogger’s finally gone and made me switch over to their Google account. Believe me I held out kicking and screaming to the last moment. It got to where they wouldn’t let me log into my old blogger account. The only thing I intend to use that’s new is the label tag; And I'm only going back through January '07 to add tags. I’m not touching the Page Element Layout stuff. Yahoo’s 360 blog uses that and it’s way to confusing for me at the moment. I may try the new “widget” stuff on a new blog account just to see how it works without mucking up my stitchery blog.

Ah well, that’s it for this blog blurb.

Today's SBQ was suggested by Heather and is:

How do you decide which stitching blogs are worth repeat and/or regular viewings? Are there certain things you look for in particular? Are there things you wish there were more of ? Less of ? Is your blog a good example of what you like to read?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blondelibrarian.net/stitching/archives/2007/04/sbq-blog-criteria/

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Wow, this is a very good and very tough SBQ this week.

First off, I don’t have all that much time during the week to read many blogs. So I have to keep my blog viewing to those that have primarily the same stitching tastes as me, and the content of their blog is well over half counted cross stitch (show me your WiPs and finished pictures). I’m inspired by progress pictures and have discovered many new designers via blogs. Another Plus, the author must have an engaging writing style. I’m a big fan of spell checker, consistently poor grammar and sentence structure frustrates me. Non-native English speakers obviously have a little slack there.

I don’t want to see endless postings from "quiz farm" or "quiz galaxy" question mills. I don’t really care to hear about the weather, kids, cars, husband, or in-law problems. I don't mind a few posts where necessary ranting occurs. But constant bitching and "Oh woe is me" is a real turn-off and those blogs don’t get a second chance with my limited time.

I like an orderly and well structured blog page. Side frames for instance, I don’t mind seeing model pictures of the WiPs you’re working on as long as there’s a link to show me a sub-page or tag page so I can see more. I also like to see what books you’re reading, not just the name of the book. My big pet peeve is over doing it with blinkies, I feel …, clocks, and weather related banners etc. That stuff can really take forever to load and it gets really frustrating waiting for the page.

The one thing I try to do is read the replies to the SBQ, which is how I found some of the blogs that I now read. I have to say I like it when people comment on my blog, but that isn't a necessity.

"Is your blog a good example of what you like to read?" Well to paraphrase another blogger’s answer. I write for myself with no one in mind. My blog is a quick and easy way to keep track of the progress of my projects and new stash acquisitions (I knew my money was going somewhere), and the fact people choose to read and/or comment is just an added bonus.

And there you have it……

Got off early from work today and went to Hancock Fabrics Store again, just to see if anything was left. They still had open stock DMC linen floss, so I picked some up for 40% off along with some Aunt Martha's hot iron transfers and three spools of DMC silver and gold metallic thread for 30% off.



I had some more down time at work starting today. Don't know for how long. I'm hoping just until next Monday, meantime I'll be able to put some more work in on “To Love and Cherish”.

That's all for today's blog blurb.

Technically I should have posted this update last Sunday, but real life ® got in the way. You know how that goes, so it gets posted today. Since I haven’t done the back-stitching on the roses I don’t know if I can technically call the project 50% done, but I’m going to anyway, stitcher’s prerogative. [Ha Ha]

So here it is….



Since I only get to work on this on the weekends, and only for a few hours, progress will be slow and you probably won’t get to see any significant process until the end of the month.

Now for a little S.E.X. talk…..

On Friday I discovered that my local Hancock Fabrics store was closing. I managed to get in right after work to see if there were any stitchery goodies left on the shelves. The section was pretty much rifled through, but I managed to grab 2 rolls of 28ct. white Monaco, a set each of DMC’s color variations & a 25 ( ½ skein ) gift floss set with free chart booklet, and some much needed LoRan project cards. The stitchery section was only 30% off. I figured if I waited until Saturday morning that there’d be nothing left. So 30% was the best deal I was going to get.




Well, that’s all for this Blog Blurb.

Thursday's SBQ was suggested by Cindy and is:

Do you have a system for organizing freebie charts in your stash? If so, what is it? Do you print out copies of all of the freebies that you find on the web ( that you think you might actually stitch ) or do you maintain electronic copies of them until you are ready to stitch them?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blondelibrarian.net/stitching/archives/2007/03/sbq-freebie-organization/

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With all the freebies I’ve found on the internet, I wouldn’t have enough printer paper or shelf space to keep them all. So I sort them by designer, or by category if the designer is unknown, and burn a copy to CD-R.

The only paper copies I have ( of these ) are the charts from Teresa Wentzler and a few others that I’ve purchased from www.oddsandinsonline.com and www.patternsonline.com.
When I do print them out, I still put them in protective sleeves and in three-ring binders. They’re my paper back-up in-case something happens to the CD-Rs.

I've also left a copy of the files on my hard drive as a secondary back-up in case something happens to the CD-Rs and the paper copies. Being a former computer programmer I'm big on redundancies.


As far as stitching them. Well I’ve scratched the surface and done some, but I’ve far too many to stitch them all. So I collect them in earnest knowing that they’ll be there in the future for me.

Finally after many weeks/months of buying on-line between two needlework shops, and two very special Floss Angels from the TWBB - Heather H., Abbie K., . Without whose help my collection would not have been completed.

I present to my fellow bloggers - My complete 142 color set of J & P Coats Cotton Embroidery Floss. One set of floss bobbins and one set of skeins.



I'm very glad I managed to acquire this brand of floss before it totally disappeared. I've read on several web-sites that as of Feb. 1, 2006 it has been discontinued.

Back in the late 60's when I first learned to embroider, around the age of 11, this was the only brand of floss available at the time. It's nice to know I'll be able to hang on to a piece of my nostalgic past.

Today's SBQ was suggested Danielle and is:

If you had $500 to spend on stitching-related items, what would you buy?

The permalink to this post is:
http://blondelibrarian.net/stitching/archives/2007/03/sbq-shopping-spree/

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Well the first thing that popped into my head was to buy one of every silk thread and ribbon product that Eterna Silk has for sale. But that wouldn’t work because I’d be short by a little over $1,500.00 so that's out. [Ha Ha]

I don’t need an OTT-LITE I have two, one table top model and one floor model. The living room chair I use to sit and stitch in is old and needs to be reupholstered, but it’s OK for now and I don’t feel like blowing my $500 on that.

I have enough kits, leaflets, and chart packs to last me for two lifetimes. The same goes for fabric and cotton floss, although not as much.

So I guess in the end, like a few others have mentioned it would have to be mounting and framing supplies. Foamcore, mats – I’d have the local craft store cut them, and frames - both metal and wood – which I’d order over the internet and put together myself saving a few $$$ instead of having the local craft store put it together. You see, I have at least 3 or 4 finished pieces rolled up and put away because I don’t have the money, or wall space to hang them.