Dateless on a Friday night and it's OK!

I am alone on a Friday night and am I lonely?  No way!  My husband took off for New England yesterday to ski his heart out and I am left to stitch to my heart's content.  I have also pulled out all my "unfinished finished" projects and trying to decide what to do with them all.  I have a few frames, (praying for patience) and fabric and pillow forms to use.  I figure I can make a mess and not worry about cleaning it up since there is no one around!  Just the kitties and me and the snow and cold.

I mounted this tiny piece that I stitched up in April of 2009 on a little box that I picked up at the craft store.  I was trying to find a way to mount it on a larger fabric covered box but in the end just took the easy way out.  I painted the box with cranberry colored paint.  I am going to start experimenting with covering boxes with fabric as well as paper. 

 Blackbird Designs

Platinum Belfast

over 1 with Thread Gatherer Silk

This piece was a freebie offered by Blackbird Designs.  I'm sure many of you remember it since you also stitched it!  The stitched area is only 2 x 3 1/2 inches.  This is a little gift for my daughter Claire, whose birth year is stitched next to her name.

I also made friends with my sewing machine again and stitched up this cover for my ereader since I couldn't find a pre-made cover that would fit.  I always want to have a "do over" when I finish something!  I had a little trouble interpreting the pattern I purchased off of Etsy.  If I make another one I probably would leave off the smaller pocket on the inside but for the most part I am happy with it. 

No other stitching photos to share at the moment.  I'm working on a little La D Da piece called Leaping Cat.  Shouldn't take long to finish this one.  I pretty much abandoned the Christmas ornaments I started as well as another little piece I want to give to my daughter.

Cheddar kitty

One of my kitties loves the ironing board (which I hardly ever put away) since I think she feels safe up there.  I have a lint roller nearby to remove her hair when I need to iron!  Excuse the messy corner.  See the exercise ball in the laundry basket?  Not that I'm using it mind you, it just looks good. 

Now, if I wasn't so warm and cozy as well as lazy I'd get myself to the nearest Redbox and rent a $1 movie.  Maybe tomorrow...

Is it really 2011 already???

A Happy New Year to all my stitching friends! 

I am now able to take some time to catch up on blog reading and commenting.  The past few weeks have been pretty insane since I work retail.  The day after Christmas I was at work at 5am preparing for the hoards of returns.  It is overwhelming at times and very tiring and the merchandise continues to pile up.  The associates in the stockroom have plenty to do sorting, reticketing and rehanging.  I would say that the majority of people are pleasant and understanding but it only takes one bad apple to make you feel threatened, which is how we feel in customer service sometimes.  I actually get scared on occasion! 

Since I've been so busy, I haven't done much stitching but I did manage to finish up an ornament for a dear friend.  I'm still learning how to finish the "smalls" and I feel like I am all thumbs sometimes.  Part of it is just the fear of destroying the stitching.  Seeing this photo reminds me of what a terrible job I did cutting the foam board that I mounted this piece on!  I admit that I was in a hurry but still no excuse.  I'm so sorry Lee!

Noel 

freebie from Log Cabin Needlework's

stitched on 32 ct. linen with GA Sampler threads

Thinking I would never win, I entered the December give-away at The Stitcher's Village.  I won this huge prize from the Stitcher's Village sponsors!

I received a large tote bag, an insulated mug, a Kreinik needlepoint ornament, a calendar, a mouse pad, 2 large pieces of Picture This Plus fabric (the colors are gorgeous and I'm sure I will use them), and a slew of charts!  Many of the charts are from Moonflower Designs, by Patty Hurwitz.  Thank you Patty!  And there is a Homespun Elegance chart, 2 penny rug patterns which I love, a chart by Angel Stitchin and a needlepoint design by Needle Delights Originals.  I didn't want to leave anyone out!

What with recent purchases I have made, this prize and 2 gift certificates I got for Christmas, my supplies are well in hand for a busy, busy year of stitching.

The other day I had some elective surgery to remove some bothersome veins on my right leg, so I have been enjoying some peaceful time in bed with my leg propped up.  I am deep into a mystery novel by Elizabeth George which I downloaded to my eReader and I hope to spend some of my free time stitching.  Since I lightened my work schedule for next week to recuperate, I am also hoping to make this pretty eReader cover since I haven't been able to find one to fit mine.  

All for now but I sure hope I am back sooner than later.