Getting ready for Christmas

The Village is ready...well, I still want to pick up a couple of things to add....

In the past I set it up on the mantle...limited space there. This year Mr H cut me a piece of wood to extend front and sides of a table we have in the living room.  Now it has room to spread. I will not bore you with too many pictures today of it, just a couple and then with the next few posts I will continue...okay?

Santa is hung above the table. A bit of greenery above and I like the look. The dish-racks are there all the time . I hope to find Christmas dishes to change for the holiday. 

The last for today, looking from one of the left corner spot...The back of the display is raised about 2 inches to give a dimension to the village. I finally mounted the Punch Needle piece onto a piece of wood

This is a design from Yvonne Buus called Mistletoe. I had the words "Moments to Treasure" from scrapbooking and they describe my thoughts. They appear very light in this picture but they show up in person better...but still they are subtle. Mr H and I no longer walk in the cold winter snow, but we still walk holding hands. Just in time fro winter....although it will remain up all the time. First I need to find a place to display it.  We had a lovely quiet Thanksgiving dinner, listened to smooth jazz during dinner, watched some football and just relaxed. I do not participate in Black Friday shopping, never have. The week before Christmas a couple of years ago while checking out Best Buy Black Friday items before the day, a sales person told us the prices were already set and we bought the TV for the big sale price the week of! No crowds.  I know some of you just enjoy the hustle of it all and do get some great deals. Today you will not find me at any of the big stores. As a matter of fact, I hope to remain home and stitch. Well, that is about it for today. Stop by tomorrow for village tour #2. Always a pleasure to visit with you.Thank you for your friendship and kind words, have a great day.

Bee Happy is finished

Sat and sewed yesterday and managed to complete this project. I like the way the canvas tote absorbed the coffee dye. I hand stitched the cross stitch piece to the bag so that if I had to wash the tote I can easily remove the piece. Although I wanted it to be simple, I found the black lace piece and decided to add it.

The lining is just the way I wanted to dyed piece to look. I kept this part simple also; no pockets or fancy lining. I am really happy with the completed look. I would like to find a bee charm to add to the inside...just for fun. I should have and could have accomplished more yesterday but to be honest I got caught up with coverage of the 9/11 . Truth be told, I watched far too much and it did stress me a little. Today will be different. It is a cooler start to the day and it is expected to be around 100 but with some humidity. My mind is racing with projects that I want to start....embroidery, stumpwork, punch needle...where to begin?  I even want to do a bit of quilting. I saw a program with Dresden plate sunflower that looked nice. See? I am overloading my mind! I did steam my couple walking punch needle....

now just to think of how to complete it....I do like the colors now.  I may just mount it on a cutting type board to hang. I know that I do not want it on a box top....maybe a basket front. We shall see. My blogging anniversary will be coming up shortly... 6 years...who would have thought. I have noticed since I started blogging that some seem to have fallen by the wayside....or simply changed where/how they post, and how often they post. Life does make us change I suppose. Anyway, I am happy that my enthusiasm has remained and that you choose to visit with me. Thank you for your friendship and kind words....hope you have a great day.

How about an update....

So, the new thread colors arrived and this is what I have...and I am pleased. I took the liberty to add a few clouds to the sky. All that is left is the outside border.  Probably will not make the total size as large as the design....not sure...a work in progress. I will be able to take a better picture when it is out of the hoop. The day is starting out very cloudy and cooler than it has been but it is still hot by the afternoon. Mr H and I took a ride to Scottsdale yesterday and the temps were around 106...needless to say we did not stay any longer than for why we were there. To buy a small gift for our niece Natalia. While we were strolling about

we found this fella. I believe it is a Flamme Skimmer...such a bright orange and very accommodating to let me take this picture. I plan to try to properly identify him. It is not often that I find dragonflies out here so when I do, I enjoy watching them and of course taking their picture. My plans for today are to relax and of course have a needle in hand. Maybe a few finishes will get done, who knows. Recently I participated in a swap. My package to Australia arrive in the country but not to the gal it was intended for! As a result, I do not think I will do any out of the USA swaps, sad, because I have never had one of my sent packages go missing. One coming to me did before. Now, do I send a replacement and hope she gets it, or what?! The time put into it, the handmade portion and bought gifts and the postage expense....what to do. Well, time to get some laundry in the washer and a bit of quiet housework (Mr H is still asleep) and of course I am sure I will find a needle in hand at some point....glad you could visit today. Thank you ever so much for your wonderful friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.

A response from Yvonne

In my last post, I said I would contact the designer...I did. I explained that I purchased the listed numbers but that none of them really matched the model pictured. I also commented that I do understand dye lots. The bottom line for me is that the model...the model pictured in the magazine is far different than the listed threads. Yvonne Buus replied quickly. She kindly offered an apology ( not necessary) Yvonne states that she used the listed colors. "I feel terrible" was very kind of her to tell me. I suggested that she checked my blog for what my project looks like and she did! Yvonne was very complimentary of my work. She then today sent me pictures of her threads and the project she did.....and they do match for the most part, but again, it is no where as the model which is what I thought I was doing.

This is the picture Yvonne sent to me. I am so sorry that I sent the email now. I did not intend to offend her or cause her grief over this.
I have pulled out the sky and as soon as the new colors arrive I will continue to work on it. I also ordered new color for the snow.

The fabric now has time to rest and heal but looks just fine. Please know that Yvonne has been very kind and concerned and caring. Will I punch another of her designs, definitely as they are lovely. Have I learned a lesson here? Yes I have. I will try to carefully select threads but it is difficult when you have to send away and rely on photos of them. I will try to purchase in person if possible.
From Yvonne: "Please share with your blog followers my apologies for any confusion and that the colors listed are the colors that were used. Lovely, lovely blog! Hope this helps! God bless! Yvonne Buus"

This issue is at rest now. Thank you my sweet friends for your kind words and most of all for your friendship.

The unhappy needle puncher

Here it is 3:30 AM and I am still frustrated with my project. Let me start with, I ordered exactly the Valdani threads listed. When they arrived, I though that they would be fine....not so.

As you can see from the pattern photo the colors are nothing like the actually project. I can live with the clothing colors and even the mistletoe color..... but not the sky or the snow colors. I do understand dye lot changes but these are more than that, they are not the same colors period. It has the look of a dreary day. Why is it that the model picture, which is what sometimes draws you to the project and the actual listed colors do not match at all...not at all. I have never had this happen before. So.....my friends I will begin to pull out the loops and smooth out my fabric and wait for the new colors which I ordered last night to arrive. And because there is a minimum order $$ amount to order, I had to buy something else to bring up the amount. Understand that I am not a cheapie but I do mind spending $30.00 more for thread for this project on top of the $60.00 already spent. Lesson learned, try to really compare (although some of the sample thread pictures are not the best) thread colors and make changes. I plan to write to the designer to explain why I am unhappy.... models should be stitched in the listed colors and these certainly were not. Rant over , well until I begin the dismantling of the sky.

When I began the project I said I needed to get a scissor that would enable me to trim the treads closer....glad I did not buy another one because I already had the perfect curved pair. I have a fair amount of scissors like many of you so it was simply overlooked. These are really just right. Thank you for the kind words for The Brother Alan...even he liked the post. I had planned a different post for today but it can wait. This rant was important to unload. I am lucky that you even listen! Thank you for being here and for your friendship and very kind words. Have a good day....

The week in review

Oh my goodness...the entire week has passed me by. Let me think; Mr H had physical therapy on Wednesday, not sure about Thursday and Friday or Saturday and Sunday, Mr H had physical therapy on Monday.....oh dear, do I have a problem!? Not really. The days have been uneventful but I did run errands and stitch and finish. I also found a way to keep my work clean while stitching.

I am using both ends of my Morgan hoop set. The 7 inch side is for my cross stitch angel and the needle punch is on the 10 inch end. I really am glad I bought this hoop set. So, I thought how can I keep it all clean. First on the 10 in side I have a clear plastic shower cap and on the 7 inch side a clear plastic bowl cover. Pretty good!

I started the angel over and changed the colors a little. I can remember a time when I would never have  changed colors...I have come a long way. Since I am not using the listed threads the suggested DMC were not entirely to my liking. I am pleased with my choice now. I also worked on my winter couple...

I am liking this also. I decided to use one thread (strand count) and feel it is looking quite nice. I even made the pom pom on his hat with longer loops...who knew I could! Adding some texture which I learned from Lori of Not Forgotten Farm fame. I find myself becoming very brave lately. I also made a stump work bee on a box...

Mr H painted the box for me. The bee is the same as the kit I have, almost. I lined the box with that fabulous bee print I found and tucked in a small bee inside. I do enjoy the process of stump work. I wanted to practice the bee before making it on the silk dupioni and using the pearl purl gold piece. I added some painted spots to the muslin back round and voila! a bee on a box. We had some rain which is cause for celebration but I think that is why I have a headache this morning. We seem to be getting a little each day which is good. Now, if the temps would just start to get cooler I would be so happy. I guess that is about it. I know this was a lot of pictures.... but it has been a week.....So happy you visited today. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

Mail and 2 ladies?

My threads from Anita's Little Stitches arrived...

as I mentioned in an earlier post, this was the first time purchasing from her and I am pleased. Not only was there a sale but very quick service. I am hoping to start this project soon, very soon. I have a dilemma to solve. The instructions say to use 2 strand (each ball is a 3 strand) so it would be using 6 strands all together. But...being variegated, it will be changing the shading and requires piecing as I go. So, I think I am going to punch as a 3 strand, that is using 1 strand of the colors...hope I am not confusing you...it is not quite 6 AM yet! That is my plan and I am sticking to it. Had to stop in Jo Ann's yesterday and these ladies (?) came home with me...

first is this fancy gal dressed in black lace and decorated with red roses and a fan.....I fell in love with The Day of the Dead skeletons when I moved here to Arizona. Mr H is not really fond of some of them, he thinks they are creepy. I love them. If you are not familiar with this, you can read about it here. This is the other lady who is not so "refined" but cute nevertheless..

she is a real party gal dressed in a shorter white lace dress decorated with colorful pom poms on it and her hat and wearing striped leggings. Each has a clasp so you can attach it to something.
Yesterday Mr H started Physical Therapy for his back so I started this Christmas ornament...

I have made some color changes because I am not using the specialty threads listed. It is from the PNPS magazine, Christmas 2015 issue and designed by Giulia Manfredini...love her designs. I may keep this for "going to PT stitching" and take my other small project to my "going to Tuesday morning group". I think I may have to write this all down to keep it organized!  The day here is starting out cloudy but still very warm...yesterday reached 109 and today may reach 108. I am so looking forward to the monsoon season ending.  I must run off now as I feel hungry and want must have another cup of coffee. You make my day when you visit and say hello. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

Waiting for mail

My next needle punch project required that I ordered on line the Valdani threads....

isn't this sweet. It is Mistletoe, designed by Yvonne Buus from the winter issue #4 in Punch Needle and Primitive Stitches ( PNPS)magazine. At first I thought I could find suitable variegated threads locally....not so. I checked on line and found first one place but they did not offer all the colors, then I found Anita Little Stitches who did have all the colors and a sale on them as well. I have never ordered from her before but I thought why not. They have already been shipped...right after I sent the order! This will be the first time that I will be punching with something other than DMC 3 strand cotton. The directions tell me to double the strand...another first, using the large needle. I am wondering how this will affect the variegated colors..... we shall see. Our weather continues to be muggy and will be so until the monsoon season ends which is around mid September. This means that we are almost there and it will be a happy day.  Mr H tells me that we had thunder and lightening the other night and I slept through it without a problem. I miss sitting outside with my stitching and reading. This heat has made me a very lazy gal. Well that about covers the happenings around here. It is so nice to have you stop by. Thank you for your friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

Stuck in the middle~~~~~~

that is how it feels, stuck in the middle of the week! Wind, dust storm, rain and the sun came out to make it muggy. That was yesterday afternoon. Today it is very cloudy, dark clouds hanging overhead and muggy.

A slight streak of pink clouds but overall it is gloomy. And did I mention muggy? The monsoon brings the muggy air that we are not used to having. If we are lucky we will get more rain. What we have so far has not really amounted to very much. Ideally it would wait until after we return from the doctor this morning....so maybe an afternoon rain storm. Would be nice if we could order it so!

I managed to finish punching sunflower....

just need to think of how to complete it....suggestions welcome. It measures approximately 4 x 5 1/2. I have my next project picked out but need to get the floss for it. Hoping to get to Jo Ann's in the next day or so. I have my shopping list at the ready as well as taking sample projects to choose threads. Mr H has a doctor appointment today so not sure if it will be today.I just subscribed to Punch Needle and Primitive Stitcher  (PNPS) magazine....I chose hard copy but have been enjoying access to the archive issues. I have also started a cross stitch angel ornament but not enough to show yet.  My new tablet---seem to be having issues deleting my emails. Of course when I stopped in Best Buy the other day it worked fine. It worked when I returned home but last night, well.... patience with it I do not have. Well my friends...glad to have you visit today....I thank you for your friendship and kind words and hope you have a wonderful day.

Can it be ~~~~more rain ?

Until recently it was as though the Monsoon season would pass us by here in my area of The Valley. Fast forward or in this case looking back to earlier this week and yes, the rain has finally fallen in my backyard.

Of course yesterday Mr H went out to watch for lightening which never happened. He just loves these storms.
A roll of thunder around 10 minutes to 5 this morning and the rain is falling again....pours then stops and then starts again. No matter, we welcome it. Many areas have had some flooding, but we do not in our neighborhood. With this rain however, is the muggy air that hangs over us now. On Wednesday Mr H and I went to the mall so I could find a new bathing suit....

It is a two piece that hides the fact that I need to lose some pounds....I really like it. When we were ready to leave the mall a downpour began. Not to have to drive at the moment we stayed and stopped at the Starbucks kiosk for a cup of Mocha. If we do not have to drive/go out into the rain then we don't. Driving here when it rains is crazy.
I have been working on my sunflower needle punch and only have the back round to complete. I think I am going to try to sketch out a snowman for an ornament to punch. Finally got around to looking through my fabric bins...of course I do not have the right piece to finish my sewing basket project. How does that happen? lots of fabric, but not what I need. My tablet has decided not to work...well, work properly so I need to go to Best Buy and have them check it.... might be time for a new one.  That is what is happening around here.  I am ready to have some breakfast and then more on my sunflower. Always a pleasure to have you visit. Thank you for your wonderful friendship and kind words. Have a great day my friends. I will leave you with the weather for this morning

Just rolling off the roof....

Stitching and the ladder

When we had no air conditioning on Saturday (temps around 110) Mr H thought he should go up on the roof and have a look. I firmly and positively said no!

On Sunday the air worked as it did on Monday but we decided to call in someone to check it out. Our triple digit days will be here for awhile longer.
Now, on Tuesday morning Miss JeanneG and I went to a stitch group and I returned home around 10:30 am.  I see the ladder out in the yard when I came back
Me: what is with the ladder, you will not go up on the roof!
He: no, I want to trim the honeysuckle.
Me: ok, glad you are waiting until I am here. The air conditioning people would be out in the afternoon. So I settled to do some stitching. Fast forward to 3pm-ish and in comes Vance to check the air conditioner. He goes up to the roof and then returns to say things look good. Walks around the house with one of those thermy things (I do not know what the name is) measures the air and says things look good. Of course the stupid thing is not acting up at all. He does recommend that we think about changing to a new one as this is original the house. While Mr H and Vance are talking, I hear, " well I went up to check to see and hear if the fan was working and it was"....UP...UP Where! Paid the service call fee and then..." so, you did go up on the roof" and all he can do is grin! He thinks because of these recent surgeries he is just fine...and he is, but I am sure the doctors would not want him climbing ladders to the roof. To the stitching...

I am just finishing with the last panel which is the poor guy that is waiting for his arms, and then will need to match up fabric and figure out the measurements.  I also have gotten a fair amount punched on the sunflower

and I am so enjoying doing needle punch. I see how I am improving with each project and feeling comfortable with the process. Really happy I decided to buy the Morgan hoop, makes it so easy to work. I am not sure what needlework I will be doing today...I woke with a headache and stuffiness. I am sure this weather has lots to do with it. I just wish we could have some rain to clean the air a bit. This Monsoon is really not much to talk about so far. The temp is only 91 and should rise to 110 later today and little chance of any rain until Friday...maybe. So., it is time to take out one laundry and put in another...and rest my head. Thank you for stopping by and for your friendship and kind words. Have a good day.

Too hot to be this busy~~~~

Our Arizona summer seems to be hotter than usual but I suppose it is that I am getting old more mature. Last evening at 7:30 is was still 107 and due to the monsoon (that really has not been here) it was a bit muggy. The weather gal told me that today will be around 114 later today.  Definitely an indoor day. Since I have been up since 3 am, I decided not to waste the day...
finishing was on my mind until I ran out of ambition. First is the fish

mounted as "'my catch" I rather like her. I found a cute fishing rod at Hobby Lobby and Mr H drilled me a couple of holes for the raw hide and voila....a bit different than the fish my dad used to catch. Then it was on to the hummingbird..

I bought an unfinished wood frame and Mr H gave it a smear of pale yellow, however, the opening was not right. So Mr H thought we should find a frame to add and this one is perfect...an off color that is distressed and it fits great. Finally I finished the "sewing needle punch piece and decided to mount it on a picnic basket that I have had for over 30 years....just sitting on a shelf...

the fabric behind it will be the lining.

The basket is very well made and is one of my most favorite things. It was from a favorite place to shop and eat in Wickford, Rhode Island from very long ago.

I am deciding just how I want the lining and besides, I ran out of ambition to continue. So, you can see that I truly was busy. Now you know I have been complaining explaining our weather to you, well....I bet you did not bring into the house a complete garden hanger so the heat would not bother the plants!?

yes, Mr H did....from the front porch area to the kitchen. Luckily we have a large kitchen so having to move around it is not too bad. Pothos and Fern...truth be told I do not think they really were unhappy outside. Now, enough from me. Glad we had time to visit but I must have something to eat. Thank you for your wonderful friendship and kind words. Have a great day.

Sorry, I can't blog right now~~~~

Even though I have a headache, I must try my new Morgan Lap Stand size 7/10 inch.

I think I am going to like this for needle punch as well as other needle works. So, until our next visit, have a good day.

How many days ?

The weather gal this morning said that we have had 18 days over 110 and today will be 19...so more of the same. Simply put,  hot. I got a late start with my chores today, getting up lazy with the temps in the mid 80s to start the mornings. I did manage to do2 laundries. Of course there are same ones, but still 2 done. I also worked in here

the craft closet. There is only so much to toss out...at this time. Every so often I pick a file or two and look to see if I will ever do what is in there. If not out, out it goes. I also label/re-label so I can presumably find things. Enough of the closet this week. Twice in here is about all I can do. I started another punch needle....

My friend Lil gifted the pattern to me from her stash. I admired the one she made.  Yesterday I ordered the Morgan hoop set for punch needle from Amazon. It seems that several gals like using it so I thought I would give it a go. This way my left hand should not get so sore holding griping the frame for dear life. It should arrive by Monday.  It is the 7/10 inch size.  I bet you are saying, "why is she starting another when she has finishing to do". Well, I did ask myself that question but since I did not get an answer I went ahead and starting punching. I mentioned before that Mr H has lost several plants in this heat. Now, we have this kind of heat each year, but somehow plants are not doing well this year. We have 3...3 9 foot umbrellas shading various areas of the garden but Mr H is really wanting to protect ...

I guess we could buy another umbrella. He said since it hardly rains this will do! Our entire backyard is in sun all day. I will say he is creative. This are new plants so they really hate the sun/heat right now. If they survive, the pot will be covered nicely. I have a couple of errands to do but just can not seem to get the get up and go. Oh I must show you my sweet gran-niece, Natalia Rose

The Brother Alan sent it to me yesterday...she is wearing the apron I made for her. I am so happy that my niece Elyssa has her wear it....look at that precious face.  She looks like her dad mostly, but when I saw this, Natalia does have her mom's looks too.  Two pretty special people to Mr H and me. Long distance love. Well, I must have another cup of coffee....it has been 4 hours since my last cup. I am going to have a talk with me, myself and I about getting those errands done. But I am not promising anything! I hope I did not annoy you with the pictures today and my seemingly rambling, but I am glad you stopped by. Than you for your friendship and your kind words. Hope you have a lovely day.

Ready to fly~~~~~

I am so pleased with this my second Punch Needle project.....I am learning as I go. For example...I do not need to punch so close to each row...a little more space is better. Most of the time I am leaving a space between rows... then I think it will not be full enough and I get off track. This had Rayon threads so that was new to me. I am already thinking of the next one! We are still in our heat but they removed the Heat Advisory, because the temps will only be in the 115 range...still hot no matter what you call it. This is also the start of the Monsoon season...dust and lightening/rain storms. I will remain in and out only when necessary. Mr H is starting to pay attention to what he is not suppose to do and is feeling much better. Yesterday was our yearly trim the palms....

I am so amazed at these men who shimmy up/down the 40- to foot trees. The are heavily dressed: head and necks covered, long sleeve shirts and long pants in blazing mid-morning sun. The temp was around 110 when they were here.

3 men do the trimming, and seven do the clean up and shredding. It makes for quick work. We have 19 palms on our property, 9 of them in our courtyard. After they leave all the cow birds arrive looking for bugs and seeds to munch. It gets rather busy! Today I must concentrate on my Christmas in July swap...it has been started but I really need to complete and get ready for the July 1st mail date. Especially since my package is leaving the country. I must tell you how grateful I am for your friendship...thank you for the kind words and good wishes for Mr H. I hope you have a wonderful day.

A late post...

I thought I would post now at almost 7 pm because tomorrow morning I will be up at 4 am and getting Mr H up at 4:30 so we can get checked in at the hospital for 5:30! Have I ever mentioned that Mr H is not, repeat, not a morning person before 9:30 am??? Luckily the hospital is only 6 miles away. It will be a very long day. He has been in more pain this week. We will be glad to get this over and hopefully it will help. I wanted to show you ...

my new books that arrived this week. I bought them from Amazon and thy arrived quickly. With them in hand I have organized a few projects....

This is my next Needle punch, a hummingbird....it will have a challenge for me...I will be using rayon threads! Definitely will be interesting. So far just his beak and head done. Next up,

a small penny rug mat....simple but I think I will embellish it with some embroidery on the pennies.  I remembered that I had some wonderful fabric from Dixie Sampler so I started Bee Happy

It is 25 count and is called, Vintage Butter Pecan...perfect! So, I have plenty to keep me organized and busy while taking care of the hubby and also to keep me occupied in the hospital waiting room. This weekend we are having a heat wave warning----- the temps are predicted to be between 117 and 119 for Sunday and Monday. Guess you know that it means the air conditioner will be running and the ceiling fans will be twirling. It is always so nice to have you visit....thank you for the kind words and your friendship. Have a good weekend.

Changing the design....

I thought I had finished the punching for the fish...

well, according to the design I had. The more I looked at it, I thought it needed a background. So, I played around with some colors and then marked out the border and this is what I did...

 

Now I like it. Just the right blue to pop the fish and of course make it easier to finish it as it has a complete border. I am thinking of a box top..... at least this morning I am. I also decided to purchase a different needle so I bought Artiste which is a Hobby Lobby brand...very comfortable to work with. Don't get me wrong, there was nothing wrong with the Boye needle set, just wanted something else. Mr H and I are back to the count down for his surgery.... new date is June 17th. There will be a few things to organize...again and a couple of things to put on hold....again. The "go with me" stitching bag has to be re-packed. In a way it may have worked out better with the cancellation. We are currently in a Heat Advisory here in  The Valley of the Sun Arizona. The temps are in the mid to high triple digits. The over night lows are around 80. It may have been a little uncomfortable with limited mobility and all. This is early for these temps...should be in the 90's. I already did the garden watering and checked the pond level so I hope to remain indoors with my iced water and stitching today. The heat is affecting some of the plants and as many are in pots, they will require watering twice daily. For now, Mr H has afternoon duty. I am glad you have stopped by to chat today....thank you so much for your friendship and kind words. Have a wonderful day.