Sunday, July 28, 2013

I'm still alive and kickin' -- STITCHIN' actually!

Well, I have been a very, very bad blogger!  I honestly have been so busy stitching lately (and, yes, STILL working on organizing as well!) that my computer time has been taking a hit.   There are only so many hours in a day, right?  I guess I finally came to the realization that I cannot ever hope to catch up with my HOARD here if I spend a large hunk of each day attached to my iPad, SOOO I've been trying to limit my computer time to my morning coffee time only -- and let me tell you, it's been working!

First, here's a small project I finished - the first in the series of twelve Sheep Virtues by LHN.  I'm using hand-spun, hand-dyed wool fibers by Liz at Dragonflylotus.  
I have a lot of catching up to do on this series, as I believe we're up to the sixth sheep.  So, I'm only five behind.  Baa baa!! 

Next, I've started stitching this GORGEOUS sampler by Theresa Baird - A Maryland Inspiration.  Don't have a progress pic to share yet, but here's a photo of the model.  Don't you absolutely love it?  Theresa is definitely at the top of my list of favorite designers! 
I also grabbed two other charts designed by Theresa Baird: Stone House on the Brandywine, and A Cottage by the Sea.   The cottage chart is only available at Salty Yarns, so head on over there if you want to stitch this beauty!!
 
Today, I'm busily at work stitching the first in the new Loose Feathers series by Blackbird Designs, called "Wild Berries."  Again, this is a model pic (sorry!) but I'm about 1/2 way done and am hoping to finish this one today or tomorrow! The colors of the Gentle Arts fibers for this one are beautiful, by the way!  Don't you love the bird?  I have a weakness for designs with BIRDS and HOUSES. 
I'm also working on the Lizzie Kate "mystery" Halloween design from last year, and have two Scarlet Letter samplers I'm still working on - "The Sampler" and "Cornelia Vanderveer."  Whew - long list, I know! ;-)

Lastly, I have been pretty diligent with my "Operation Organization" here.  I've managed to sort almost all of my stash into groups by designer, type up lists of the titles of a good number of my charts (by designer, and in ALPHABETICAL ORDER, thanks to Word), and have labeled and organized all my fabrics AND fibers! I know that sounds like I must be finished, but NOPE!! Still dealing with piles all over my craft room (aka, Guest Bedroom!) and still have a hefty STACK of WIP's sitting next to my stitching spot.  But I did finish constructing my two lateral filing cabinets, so I have a place for a chunk of my charts to reside. 

For some reason, my Wheaten Terrier Seamus has decided he likes jumping up and getting comfortable on my stitching area - so I now need to cover everything or move it all out of the reach of his dirty paws anytime I move away from stitching (like right now).  But, he's a sweetheart and I love his company, so I'm not complaining.  He had a very scary (and expensive) bout with some mystery illness
last month, and I was really scared I was going to lose him.  So, I'm grateful he's back to his energetic self and happy he wants to spend time with me.  


Hope everyone has a great Sunday.  Happy stitching - and next time I'll have more actual pics of my progress on my projects!!  Kevin 





12 comments:

  1. I know just what you mean about the computer, it can be a real time suck!! I have been trying to cut back as well. Nothing gets finished if you don't spend time on it!! LOL. Can't wait to see you pics! Laura

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  2. Thanks for the great update Kevin. Glad to hear your furbaby is doing fine.

    Linda

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  3. Hooray for getting some stitching done! I know what you mean about disconnecting from the computer - between my Yahoo groups, Facebook groups and Pinterest I can easily spend a whole afternoon clicking away instead of stitching. I love your chart purchases, I have a serious thing for houses too :) Can't wait to see your progress pics :D

    --shaunterria--ca11i0pe.blogspot.com--

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  4. Lovely finish! Those cabinets for your charts look great.
    So funny the way your dog has taken over your stitching spot, they do love to be comforted that way.

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  5. I know what you mean about designs with birds on them, I seem to gravitate towards them too, and I have the new BBD winging its way to me aswell. Shall look forward to seeing your finish.

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  6. Looks like you have some great projects going. Wish I could catch that organization bug! Happy stitching....

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  7. Good for you actually getting organized Kevin!
    Looks like Seamus is really shaggy right now hey?

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  8. The ornament is lovely, well done. And you've got some great projects lined up/almost finished. I opted out of the LF series this year - just don't have time, regrettably, so I'll look forward to seeing yours done and celebrate vicariously :-)

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  9. Doesn't it feel great to get everything organized? I just finished doing my charts last week and I love the fact that I know right where every chart I own is located :)

    Love your little sheep finish!

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  10. How ambitious you are with your organizing! I need to do that here. I would like to organize charts by designer instead of grouped by subject like I have them now...

    Glad to read Seamus is feeling better.

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  11. Oh wow, you have some stitching plans which look really gorgeous. And they will take some time but that's what we like, don't we. I'm also drawn to each chart with houses and birds, and there are so many out there, sigh.
    Good luck with your organizing. I think I should also group my charts by designers, it's easier to find things.

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  12. Wow you are going to be very busy. I haven't started muy Sheep Virtues yet so I'm further behind than you. Think they may have to be on the 'next year to do list'. Good luck with the continued organising.

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