Just buzzin' by ~~~~~~~~

So glad yesterday is gone. The morning started out okay. Lazy and quiet. Then I decided to post here and that is when it started. The monitor would not turn on. This has happened a few times and the Geek guys told me to shut down and unplug it from the tower and power source, wait and then plug it all back in. Not what I want to do but it has worked except this time. The monitor was 3 years and 1 week old and still with warranty. So off to Best Buy and they offered me a replacement. The model was not available so Mr H chose another Samsung and home we came. Did I ever tell you Mr H is a saint? He is...so patient with me. Hooking it all up we discovered the DVI---- HD or whatever connection was not compatible. Back to Best Buy thinking we needed to get a different model. No, just a new cable. They did not have it but another near by store did. Off to the next BB and $30+ later we are back home. Hooked up but the monitor would not come on. Back to BB because  a) they could not explain this over the phone,  b) Mr H, who has set up many electronic devices could not understand what they were explaining,  c) to have a Geek come to the house would take 4-5 days and $50.00. The Geek Gal at first was "lost" then "found" and back home again this time it works! A slight problem, getting the adjustments right...adapting to a new look... Anyway, it is a work day but before all that happens I would like to show you....

my newest pincushion. A bit of embroidery around and then the bumble bee....

the first time using the Angelina fibers.... next time I will be braver and press more into a fabric and the overall technique will be better..... all in all I am pleased with it. The next bug on my list is a dragonfly.... Eventually I would like to try Goldwork and more Stumpwork. I just want to try everything! I really must start wearing blinders so I will not be tempted. I must leave now. I am making my Jo Ann's shopping list of this and that supplies. I am enjoying my 2 days a week for as long as it lasts. More time to do this and that! Thank you for  spending time with me today...hope you have a wonderful day.

A sewing box

Last week The Brother Alan sent an email asking what he needed for  a sewing box that he wanted to put together using a cigar box.....of course I emailed back, let me and of course he said I was hoping you would say that....we do know each other so well. Wanting to keep it masculine, I found this in my stash of cigar boxes (yes I have many waiting)

found this wonderful southwest fabric at
 Jo Ann's and gathered my supplies....thread, scissor, tape measure, needles and trim and it began...







a pocket of sorts for the thread, fussy cutting for the top and a charm for the steer skull.... again wanting to keep it manly, I left the inside of the box unfinished except for the fabric...I just love this fabric and bought a full yard.

the top and the base are two different cuts...great design! and of course I made a needle book complete with some narrow raw hide for the lasso on the front and a horse charm. The inside has a page for needles and closing pins as well as a pocket for needle threaders. The seams are sealed with a nice braided trim I bought him Gutermann Threads but I think he will replace them when needed with regular threads so I left some wiggle room in the pocket.  I sure hope he likes it. I am not sure if he will know how to use the needle threader, so I will include directions. The tape measure is by Singer and looks great for a guy as it is black and plain. I love using cigar boxes for projects.
My Angelina threads arrived so I tried a small sample....

I hope the picture is clear enough for you to see the sheer piece of "fabric" made....I bought the opalescence and gold threads. I also bought the pressing sheet to use with it. Of course I was not sure about ironing right on it, so I used a piece of muslin on top. I can't wait to use my new fabric for bumble bee wings!
We are having a very cloudy day but the temp at 6 AM was 72. Possibility of rain so it will be sitting on the lanai instead of the yard today....maybe I will just stay inside to stitch with a movie.....I am off work until Saturday so plenty of time to stitch. On Monday whi9le sitting outside having my southwest hash browns and egg with toast for breakfast, a commotion over head interrupted the quiet....

A group of 5 Harris Hawks were flying and squawking  above the yard....making quite a show of it. Finally landing in the nearby trees before departing to hover over some other place. It appeared to be a family of 2 adults with 3 youngsters.  Such entertainment with breakfast! It is just about time for me to have today's breakfast---in the house--- so I will thank you for visiting and hope the pictures were not too many for one post. There is still time to join the April Card Exchange... just email me your mailing address...if you have participated before and all is the same, just let me know you want to join in by March 31st. Have a great day.

Sitching outside.....

Another beautiful day...it is 70 degrees and just lovely to sit outside and work on...

no, not Red, she is still indoors.... this is for Jo's Easter Hop. For now I am not telling you what it is! It will be a dual purpose stitch and I will tell about that later also. I am still taking sign ups for the Card Exchange...email me if interested. It has been so nice to receive cards and hand written notes....some gals have joined in every month. Everyday there are more flowering plants to enjoy in our yard...

this is one of the flowering vinca vines...love the bright white and shocking pink centers. We have them scattered around the yard and they add brightness. Well that is about it as I am itching to get back outside to my project and Mr H who has joined me. Gald we could spend time together today and thank you for the kind words and friendship....have a wonderful day.